Description

Definition: The Communications Director is responsible for crafting all school-related print and media communications, including social media posts and website materials, publicizing initiatives and achievements of the Andover Schools, students and faculty in order to enhance the community’s understanding of and engagement in the work of the schools. The Communications Director serves as the School Department’s Records Access Officer.

Responsibilities

Develop the long- and short-term district-wide communications plan to ensure parents, teachers, students, and the community-at-large, including the local media, are aware of activities and events throughout the district and are encouraged to participate in these activities and events as appropriate.

Collaborate with administrators and School Committee members to develop a community engagement strategy that creates and improves efforts to listen and learn from diverse stakeholders in the Andover community, and is effective, timely and responsive to the needs of students and parents.

Promote and publicize the district’s initiatives and achievements through a variety of multimedia platforms in order to inform and engage various constituencies in the on-going work of the district. Constituencies include parents, faculty, students and the community at large.

Provide support and leadership for district-wide media relations, community relations, and crisis communications and handle media inquiries. Develop and distribute district-wide response to crises (proactively and reactively), ensuring all print and TV media inquiries are handled with diplomacy and tact.

Manage the district’s news alerts, website and social media channels, reaching as many community members as practical. Ensure the quality and content of these communications are conveyed with consistency and integrity, and that they are culturally inclusive and promote equity and nondiscrimination.

Facilitate media coverage of school programs, staff, students and special activities/outcomes. Record events via photo documentation and prepare media advisories and press releases to publicize through print, radio and television sources.

Develop and strengthen the district’s internal communications to ensure that all district staff are informed and engaged.

Coordinate community forums, public forums, and community meetings regarding current issues and initiatives in the school system and coordinate participation in community festivals, fairs, forums and events.

Attend events and classroom and school exhibitions and take photos/videos that can be used for media, district publications and the district’s website, adhering to FERPA guidelines.

Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of school support groups such as PTOs, the local educational foundation, and booster organizations.

Work with staff to design, prepare and execute surveys and other opinion gathering strategies to better understand the perspective of stakeholders on issues and direction.

Serve on the Superintendent’s Administrative team and attend School Committee meetings to stay abreast of School Committee actions and priorities.

Participate in state and national public relations associations to ensure the Andover Public Schools stay abreast of school public relations issues and best practices.

Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, section 10, serve as the District’s Record Access Officer. Research and coordinate responses to public records requests in accordance with the provisions stipulated within the statute. Identify requested records and assist requesters in making informed decisions about requests.

Work with district staff and district counsel to provide timely and appropriate responses to public records and Freedom of Information Act requests.

All other reasonably-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Media Technology, Journalism, Public Relations, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

A minimum of two (2) years of successful experience in a similar role using a variety of media, preferably for a public school district or in a municipal setting.

Excellent writing, design, social media and video or photography skills.

Significant expertise with all media related technologies including social media platforms, website management, digital communications, and print media.

Significant public relations experience with the ability to communicate complex and controversial issues with diplomacy and tact.

Strong written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to appropriately tailor content to various media applications.

Highly collaborative, flexible and adaptive work style, with the ability to work irregular hours and prioritize among competing demands.

Ability to set an ambitious, but independent work schedule.
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students and parents, as well as the community-at-large.

Competency working in a culturally diverse community or the willingness to acquire these skills.

Ability to understand and apply M.G.L. Chapter 66, section 10 to public records requests and to handle such requests in a timely and tactful manner.

Salary commensurate with experience and excellent benefits.