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Director of Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives

Job Details

Chester Upland School District is in a historic period of change. We are uniquely poised to re-focus and transform into a student-focused district where each child is ensured the academic and personal skills to succeed in the college or career of his/her choice.

The Senior Leadership Team is building a talented and committed team to ensure all students are prepared to graduate Chester Upland schools career and college ready!

Summary

Reporting to the Superintendent and working with the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives will lead, plan, direct, implement overall strategies for all marketing and communications on behalf of the Chester Upland School District in order to increase visibility, advance the brand, and articulate clear messaging to internal and external constituents. The Director of Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives will oversee and actively participate in the creation, design, budget and production of regularly produced events and all district publications. In addition, the Director of Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives will coordinate all advertising, publicity, and public relations as designated by the Superintendent.

The primary objective of the Director of Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives is to create and communicate a compelling story about the Chester Upland School District. This message should lead to increased admissions applications and should support the efforts of the Chester Upland School District vision.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead or co-lead the planning of major district strategic and program initiatives and serve as the district or department representative on external committees or planning groups;
  • Supports the assessment of organizational needs and the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies to facilitate continuous learning including structures, systems, processes, and tools to improve organizational effectiveness;
  • Plan and lead systemic continuous improvement processes for the district;
  • Continuously stay abreast of local, state and federal laws and regulations to determine and communicate implications for the Chester Upland Schools;
  • Develop and implement a strategic fund development plan to advance the teaching, learning, and engagement priorities of the District Level Plan through grant-writing and funder cultivation and stewardship
  • Plan and implement opportunities such as public appearances (Superintendent, Cabinet, other), national conferences, reporting on white papers, press conferences, other to heighten the district's image as a state and national model of excellence;
  • Supervise clerical staff;
  • Thoroughly know the history, culture, traditions and constituencies of the school district; understand the educational philosophy; know all marketing and communications activities of the department.
  • Develop marketing and communications strategies and plans that advance the Chester Upland School District and drive increased engagement with prospective and current constituencies.
  • Collaborate with administrative departments in articulating their purpose and ongoing work.
  • Ensure brand and messaging quality and consistency and establish guidelines to apply across all departments, activities and events at the district and among professional and volunteer leadership.
  • Design strategies and implement concrete plans to increase student applications and maintain prospective student and family interest.
  • Design strategies and implement concrete plans to capitalize on increased visibility and clear branding of the district to drive increased contributed revenue.
  • Plan for and deploy digital activities: website, online campaigns, email marketing, social media and digital content production.
  • Plan and manage the department budget in order to maximize the effectiveness of all communications. This includes bidding out production of materials when appropriate to outside vendors.
  • Create and execute a plan that regularly places the district in local media. Manage all messaging in the media.
  • Review, revise, and update as necessary the school district's crisis communication plan.
  • Manage all aspects of the district print and electronic communications, ensuring the continuity of the district's brand and logo. Oversee the work of graphic designers and print vendors in production of printed materials and web visuals.
  • Engage actively in professional development in order to remain current in best practices related to district communications, emerging social media, and effective marketing and advertising strategies.
  • Participate actively in the work and success of the Senior Leadership Team and provide support for district events and administrative jobs as requested.
  • Provide marketing materials to potential students and their families
  • Develop relationships with prospective students by phone, mail, email, text, social media, and with personal visits.
  • Spearhead activities to help prospective students and their families learn about and enroll at the Chester Upland School District; these activities should include district open houses, district student recruitment events, and orientations, etc.;
  • Lead district efforts to create learning-focused community partnerships between districts, community-based organizations and families to support student learning and the attainment of the goals of the District work and financial recovery plan;
  • Working with Family Engagement staff, oversee the design and implementation of communications and engagement plans to support major district initiatives including, among others, Master Planning/Strategic Disrict level plan and financial recovery plan;
  • Work with funders to connect investments to student and district needs and priorities;
  • Develop and oversee the implementation of a district-wide volunteer program;
  • Develop and support the Parent Advisory Council and Parent Advisory groups;
  • Perform other duties as directed by the Superintendent.

Qualifications:
  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university;
  • Outstanding speaking, writing, and editing skills;
  • Deep knowledge of the principles of marketing and communications and fluency in using social media effectively;
  • Ability to develop, to monitor, and adhere to budgets and production schedules;
  • Demonstrated success in bringing regular, positive media attention to an organization;
  • Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects with shifting priorities and competing deadlines;
  • Ability to create print materials using Photoshop, InDesign, or other comparable layout software;
  • Budgeting, purchasing, and bidding experience;
  • Proactive, strategic problem-solver who is able to work successfully in a fast-paced environment while balancing competing priorities;
  • Personal responsibility and dedication to continual professional growth;
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, methodologies, and best practices;
  • Strong communication skills with multiple audiences including teachers, students, families, colleagues, and vendors;
  • The following are required:
    • PA Criminal clearances
    • PA Child Abuse clearances
    • FBI clearances
    • Physical including TB Test;
  • Proof of U. S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.
Personal Characteristics:

The successful candidate should be:
  • A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to the Chester Upland School District mission and values;
  • A good listener and strategist; comfortable receiving input from many sources, and able to analyze and formulate disparate information into a sound, well-organized plan;
  • Intrepid yet tactful; determined yet respectful of others' concerns; someone with the flexibility and creativity needed to find alternative ways to reach objectives when barriers arise;
  • A skilled negotiator who does not drive him/herself or others into a corner;
  • A team builder - confident and competent;
  • A hard worker with a high energy level; a "doer" with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of development and advancement activities;
  • Emotionally mature with a very good sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations
Salary: Competitive

CHESTER UPLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Company

Chester Upland School District is in a historic period of change.  We are uniquely poised to re-focus and transform into a student-focused district where each child is ensured the academic and personal skills to succeed in the college or career of his/her choice.

The senior leadership team is building a talented and committed team to ensure all students are prepared to graduate Chester Upland schools career and college ready!

Company info
Website
Telephone
6104473636
Location
232 W. 9th St
Chester
PA
19013
US

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