Director, Communications and Community Relations

Position Summary

The Director of Communications and Community Relations provides districtwide leadership in the management and implementation of both internal and external communications systems and ensures that all stakeholders and community members are informed and connected to the district’s overarching vision and mission. The Director is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of internal communications, district-to-patron communications, media relations, grant information coordination, special information campaigns, and districtwide business partnerships. As a district leader, this position is responsible for the development and implementation of intentional strategies crafted to both improve equitable student outcomes and support the district's strategic plan and vision.

Supervised By

Superintendent and/or assigned designee(s)

Essential Functions

1. Models and reinforces a laser-like focus on equity-based strategies and practices.
2. Work directly with the superintendent to advise on district wide direction related to community relations and strategic direction.
3. Serve as a member of both the superintendent’s executive team and cabinet.
4. Plans and directs the District’s public information program, establishing two-way communications with both internal and external audiences.
5. Leads proactive media relations to help elevate the district, schools, students and staff profiles locally, regionally and nationally.
6. In conjunction with the emergency operations center, leads crisis response for school-based emergencies and district-wide events.
7. Provides districtwide leadership and training for communications best practices.
8. Creates inclusive communication plans to elevate the voices of Latinx, Black, African-American, Pacific Islander, Native American and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or questioning, and other (LGBTQ+) students, staff and community members.
9. Develops and directs implementation of community partnerships focusing on partnerships that impact the total district and benefit our students and their families.
10. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with Chambers of Commerce, community agencies, advocacy organizations including the Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality and the Salem Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and explores ways and means of creating business partnerships using community and school resources in the total education program.
11. Provides leadership for an office that manages internal communications, external communications, two-way community engagement with diverse populations, crisis communications, media relations and public record requests.
12. Oversees video production for internal, external use and broadcast on Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).
13. Keeps informed on rules, regulations, laws, and court decisions relative to the District.
14. Establishes an annual comprehensive grants development plan, identifying district needs and priorities.
15. Directs and/or facilitates the application process for the acquisition of grants that are deemed to be priorities of the district.
16. Coordinates the District proposal/application development processes for all grant applications/proposals submitted by the District.
17. Prepares and recommends capital and operating budgets for Communications and Community Relations, and controls expenditures within operating budget.
18. Directs work and evaluates the performance of all assigned staff.
19. Provides communication support to the Superintendent and School Board.
20. Prepares long- and short-term plans for communications, community relations, grant and business partnership acquisition.

Additional Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Key Relationships

1. Assistant Superintendent: Reports to this position.
2. District Staff: Works closely with Cabinet members and other district staff to coordinate services and support district initiatives.
3. Chambers of Commerce and Community Agencies, Community Groups, and Organizations: Acts as liaison with any groups interfacing with the District.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in public administration, communications or a related field or Accreditation in Public Relations.
2. Minimum of five years in professional and managerial experience in public administration, communications, or a related field.
3. Proficiency in written and oral Spanish preferred

Work Environment

Climate controlled office setting and exposure to moderate noise intensity levels. High level of contact with district personnel and the community, including frequent visits to schools and evening meetings.

Physical Requirements

Frequent reaching, handling, talking and hearing. Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Stamina to remain seated and maintain concentration for an extended period and/or to frequently move from sitting position to standing, walking, stooping and kneeling. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

Vision: Frequent near acuity; occasional far acuity. Vision to read printed materials, computer screens and/or other monitoring devices.

Strength: Sedentary/Light – Exert force to 15 pounds occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects.

Term of Employment

12 months

Salary level

Placement on the Salem-Keizer Public Schools supervisory salary schedule, Grade 211A.

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated according to the District’s process for the evaluation of supervisory personnel.