What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Communications position at Portland Public Schools?
Posting Timeline
PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.
This job is open until filled. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.
First review of applications will be 9 / 13 / 24.
Position Details
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to hire a Chief of Communications who models the core PPS Educator Essentials .With the District's focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice. Non-Discrimination / Anti-Harassment Policy
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Chief of Communications to join the cabinet at Portland Public Schools. The Chief of Communications is responsible for leading the staff and
activities of the Communications department of the District; lead, design, implement, and communicate Portland Public School's enterprise-wide communications strategic plans and actions. Build, maintain and communicate PPS' reputation, values and culture across the organization and with external audiences, especially students and families. Direct strategic and tactical message development and guide communication efforts, including print and digital media, social media, cable network media, etc.; and support the Superintendent's Cabinet as the principal communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
LEADERSHIP
- Serve as leading communication strategist on PPS initiatives, goals and priorities with focus on forward looking message and communications planning. "E"
- Communicate and represent the District's vision and perspective internally and to the general public / community "E"
- Establish and implement a comprehensive plan, including the development of materials, that builds and maintains support for the district's strategic plan. "E"
- Build and maintain public support for public education and the school system in collaboration with the Superintendent, Superintendent's Cabinet, Executive Staff, and PPS administration. "E"
- Lead strong, vision-focused, service-oriented team of professionals across all aspects of media, internal and external communications, multilinguistic outreach, web design and communications and marketing. "E"
- Manage the Superintendent'sSuperintenent's , and their Cabinet's, public communications and the District's brand through well-developed internal communications, public affairs, crisis communications and marketing plan and strategy. "E"
- Provide internal consultation services to District leaders, Center for Black Student Excellence, Strategic Project Management Office, Office of School Modernization, and other departments regarding communciation of critical initiatives and department strategic priorites, in alignment with the District mission and vision. "E"
- Develop, direct, analyze, and evaluate the District's public relations, marketing, communications, and public affairs strategy; execute effective campaigns / programs on a local, state, and national basis, with major emphasis on employee communications and communications between the District and the community. "E"
- Serve as public relations advisor to the Superintendent, Board of Education, Superintendent's Cabinet, and Senior Leadership Team. "E"
- Identify community issues and concerns, and develop strategies for dealing effectively and proactively with community issues and concerns; interact with diverse stakeholder groups, and represent the Superintendent or Chief of Staff as directed. "E"
- Communicate and collaborate with the Superintendent, Cabinet, Chief of Staff, Senior Leadreship, Board of Education, other administrators, and district personnel to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts, and exchange information; model district standards of ethics and professionalism. "E"
- Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Racial Equity and Social Justice Commitment by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy, the PPS RESJ Framework and Plan, and the PPS RESJ Partnerships Investment Strategy and other board policies; participate in staff development, in-services and trainings related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in K - 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend and implement improvements to educational practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community. "E"
- Perform related duties as assigned.
ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT
MEDIA RELATIONS
MARKETING / COMMUNICATIONS
EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree in Communications, English, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field is required. A Master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Policy Administration or related field preferred.
Ten (10) years of accomplished strategic communications experience of increasing scope at a large, complex organization is required, preferably with some experience at a public agency. At least thre (3) years must have been in a senior management capacity, overseeing strategic communications and teams.
Preferred / Desired Qualifications
Salary Hiring range is between $200,000 and $219,000
Benefits Information
Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees.Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.
Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS / OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP / IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.
For moreinformation about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at : https : / / www.pps.net / Page / 1635
Salary : $200,000 - $219,000