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Director of Public Relations & Communications

Job Details

Overall Purpose
The job of Director of Public Relations and Communications is done for the purpose/s of directing the district's public relations and communication activities; producing district wide publications and web sites; and coordinating media and community relations events. The Director of Public Relations (PR) and Communications is responsible for developing, leading, and executing a comprehensive and strategic communications plan for multiple audiences that publicizes the district's educational programs. The Director of PR & Communications also serves as an educator within the district to raise awareness of communications and district strategy. This position serves as public relations counsel to the Superintendent and Cabinet, and provides leadership in the development and execution of an overall strategic communication plan in support of the strategic direction of the district.

Direct Supervisor
Chief of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

Essential Functions
  • Oversees the management, planning, direction, and implementation of a proactive communications program to maintain and enhance the reputation of the district; Ensures public information activities contribute to the attainment of district goals and initiatives
  • Develops a strategic vision for a comprehensive communications plan for the Clarke County School District (CCSD) to promote district initiatives and to create or maintain a favorable public image and/or raise awareness for the district
  • Communicates and represents the Superintendent's vision and perspective internally, and to the general public/community, as designated by the Superintendent
  • Consults with district departments on internal/external communications issues and the production of publications and presentation materials for the purpose of ensuring district-wide communication is in compliance with stated policies and procedures.
  • Oversees the development and effective execution of the crisis communications plan, a key element in the district's crisis management strategy
  • Serves as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent, leadership team, principals, and district staff regarding communications, community relations, and public relations, including forecasting potential ramifications, implications and unintended consequences where improper handling could have adverse impacts on the district
  • Manages and directs the work of Communications Department staff, including Multimedia Services and Translation & Interpretation Services
  • Serves as a liaison between the district and media representatives, community organizations, and the public for the purpose of conveying information, publicizing events, and enhancing the relationship of the district and the community
  • Evaluates and directs the district's public relations and communication strategy and executes effective campaigns/programs on a local, state, and national basis, with major emphasis on employee communications and communications between the district and community
  • Develops and manages the effective execution of the Clarke County Schools "brand" through all stakeholder, community, industry, and employee venues
  • Works to assess stakeholder expectations on district initiatives and develops a plan to mitigate any negative impact
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with district employees, government officials, and media representatives and leverages these relationships to develop new business opportunities
  • Anticipates technological, societal, and regulatory trends and provides advice to district leadership accordingly
  • Responds to a variety of inquiries from internal and external parties (staff, parents, students, public agencies, etc.) for the purpose of providing information, direction, and/or facilitating communication among parties
  • Responds to urgent situations during and outside of normal working hours to receive information, provide communications support, and convey advice for effective decision-making in conjunction with Supervisor, which includes coordination and use of the emergency phone notification system to ensure accurate and timely parent communications as needed
  • Evaluates and coordinates appropriate opportunities to implement and monitor innovative procedures and processes that professionally enhance facets of communication, both internally and externally
  • Oversees assigned program and/or departmental responsibilities (website, marketing materials, annual reports, service guides, newsletters, press releases, etc.) for the purpose of achieving organizational objectives, ensuring compliance with regulatory agencies, and financial requirements
  • Participates in meetings (professional associations, develops networks, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and gathering information regarding a wide variety of subjects required to carry out administrative responsibilities
  • Manages the district's employee charitable contributions campaign
  • Develops and implements a culture, values and beliefs, which supports the district's overall strategic plan and ensures these are integrated into communication efforts and is consistent across all channels
Marginal Functions
  • Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Competencies
  • Skills-based Competencies
Required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including custom software for layout and design of print and/or web display; planning and managing multiple projects; developing and administering budgets; and developing effective working relationships.
  • Knowledge-based Competencies
Required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: K-12 educational system; organizational and time management; concepts of conflict resolution; media relations, marketing, video, and television production; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; and current and developing technology.
  • Ability-based Competencies
Required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; flexible to changing conditions; making quick and accurate decisions; working with multiple projects; dealing with frequent interruptions and changing priorities; maintaining confidentiality; facilitating communication between persons with frequently divergent positions; and providing extensive off hours support to the Emergency Communications System.

Requirements
Master's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Educational Administration/Leadership, or related field preferred
Three (3) years' experience in public relations or related field, background in education preferred

Physical Requirements
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity.

Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 15% walking, and 15% standing.

Continuing Education/Training
Maintains all licenses and certifications

Clearances
Criminal Justice Fingerprint
Background Clearance

Fair Labor Standards Act
Exempt

Company

Our Vision: Building a culture of high expectations and equity in which all students grow
academically and socially to improve our community and our world.


Our Mission: The Clarke County School District is an ambitious community of learners in a diverse and culturally rich county. We are committed to equity and excellence through the implementation of rigorous standards in a safe and supportive environment — on every campus, in every classroom and for every child.

Our Core Beliefs: Public education is central to our democracy. To fulfill the promise of public education, the Clarke County School District has a fundamental set of beliefs that serves as a lens through which every decision is made and every action is taken.These beliefs are the backbone of our organization. CCSD believes that:

Equity, access and progress towards excellence are basic rights that must be afforded to every individual in our system.

Mission-driven, diverse and creative staff make the critical difference in student achievement, and they must be successfully recruited and retained.

Students, families, staff and the broader community benefit mutually from active engagement with one another.

Safe, nurturing and well-maintained schools/campuses are required for optimal learning.

Company info
Website
Telephone
706-546-7721
Location
595 Prince Avenue
Athens
GA
30601
US

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