What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Strategic Communications position at Oklahoma City Public Schools?
- Train and support school administrators and leadership staff in effective communication strategies, ensuring alignment in messaging.
- Protects confidentiality of records and information about staff and uses discretion when sharing such information within legal confines.
- Directs the strategy and work product of the Communications Department leadership and staff and ensures that their job duties are clearly defined and performance goals are set and measured annually through annual reviews.
- Develop and reinforce the district’s brand and mission through clear messaging that supports student success, equity, and community engagement.
- Foster trust and credibility with parents, staff, students, and the broader community through the use of transparent, timely, and honest communication.
- Lead crisis communication efforts to ensure consistency, responsiveness, and clarity in challenging situations.
- Promote and celebrate district achievements through storytelling, media engagement, and public relations efforts.
- Develop and manage a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns with the district’s vision and goals.
- Leverage multiple communication channels (social media, websites, newsletters, press releases, and in-person events) to ensure accessibility and reach.
- Implement and oversee internal communication protocols to improve transparency and coordination among district leaders, schools, and staff.
- Assess and refine messaging based on community feedback, engagement metrics, and emerging challenges.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the district and key audiences, including parents, staff, students, media, and community partners.
- Establishes and maintains strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
- Upholds and enhances the district’s brand image and reputation while ensuring all communication materials reflect the district’s values and standards.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related field is required.
- Five (5) or more years’ of relevant experience in Public Relations, Public Information or Communications.
- Demonstrated skills in planning, organization, judgment, decision-making, problem-solving and crisis communication.
- Effective oral, written, and presentation communication skills.
- Knowledge of AP Style.
- Knowledge of Oklahoma Open Records Laws.
- Experience conducting interviews for radio, television, newspaper and online media outlets.
- Skilled in the use of technology, including mobile, web, and social networks, and the possibilities for using them to support strategic communications objectives and activities.
- Master's Degree or higher in a relevant area
- Ten (10) or more years' of releveant experience
- Relevant experience may be substituted for formal education at a 2:1 ratio. Therefore for every 1 year of college lacking, 2 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted.
- Must have adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required duties on a computer.
- Must have adequate visual acuity to read, interpret and transcribe written material and other required duties.
- Requires normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and on the telephone.
- Requires some stooping, bending, stretching and occasional lifting not to exceed 25 pounds.
- Sitting for prolonged periods of time.
- May periodically require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes. stressful conditions in order to meet business needs and strict deadlines.
- Office duties will be performed in a well-lighted, climate-controlled environment.
- Will require time in office, as well as external meeting locations with community partners or schools throughout the OKC metro area.
- May require participation in meetings and activities outside of normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
- May be required to work overtime and weekends and holidays.
- Able to bend and stoop, lift 25lbs, stand and/or sit for extended periods of time.
JobID: 17073
Position Type:
ProTech (Non-Certified)
ProTech (Non-Certified)
Date Posted:
3/17/2025
3/17/2025
Location:
Communications Department
Communications Department
Director of Strategic Communications
Position Summary:
The Director of Strategic Communications plays a vital role in maintaining a positive image for and sharing the district's story, fostering trust with stakeholders, and ensuring clear and effective internal and external communication.
Essential Duties:
Great Teaching & Learning (Instructional Infrastructure):
Great People (Talent Management):
Great Culture (Systems Leaders):
Great Systems (Support & Accountability):
Job Specifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities):
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities):
Physical/Mental Requirements:
Work Environment:
Reports To: Executive Director of Communications
FSLA Status: Exempt
Compensation: Schedule 803
Work Days: 242
FTE: 100
FSLA Status: Exempt
Compensation: Schedule 803
Work Days: 242
FTE: 100
This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the supervisor or appropriate administrator. Oklahoma City Public Schools reserves the right to, update, revise or change job duties as the need prevails. This document is for communication only and not intended to imply a written or implied contract of employment. The Board of Education and Superintendent may approve alternatives to the listed qualifications.
