Chief Communications Officer
Primary Purpose:
Promote positive public relations between the school district and community. Direct and manage the district public information functions to ensure legally sound and effective communication practices. Develop and implement employee, parent, student, and community communications programs for distribution to the public.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s Degree in English, Journalism, Communications or a related field Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university preferred
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- A thorough knowledge of media relations and public relations functions
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with applicants, staff, and community in order to create an effective working partnership
- Mastery of both oral and written English with the ability to write varied correspondence and documents
- Excellent skills with a variety of computer formats
- Strong organizational skills
- Patient and calm demeanor
- Ability to interpret data and communicate results
- Ability to develop and to effectively present information in one-on-one settings and to small and large groups of administrators, supervisors, and employees
- Ability to implement policy and procedures
- Ability to multi-task numerous complex administrative activities
Experience:
Three years of experience in journalism, communications, or a related field
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Public and Community Relations
1. Provide leadership in collaborative processes to develop district-wide communication programs for staff, parents, students and community members.
2. Collaborate with the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and Administration to develop and implement a district marketing and promotion plan.
3. Serve as primary contact for all media sources and coordinate district personnel contacts with the news media.
4. Design and produce school district publications that enhance community support for all Prosper ISD programs.
5. Work cooperatively with principals and staff to define communication and promotion needs regarding district events, information, and programs.
6. Effectively communicate student assessment results to the community and schools.
7. Prepare press releases and publish articles and photos in local media and other publications.
8. Prepare and edit district publications, including newsletters, brochures, programs for special events, and other publications.
9. Maintain district archive materials and oversee archive promotions and physical upkeep of archive items.
10. Plan and facilitate all District dedications, banquets, workshops, or other activities upon proper and timely requests.
11. Attend and report on all meetings of the Board of Trustees and central staff.
12. Furnish information and prepare speeches or appropriate background materials for the Superintendent and members of the Board of Trustees.
13. Assist with professional development and training for staff as needed.
14. Maintain a positive and effective working relationship with the Chief Human Resources Officer and General Counsel, and other applicable administrators.
Policy, Reports, and Law
15. Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in curriculum and instruction area.
16. Compile, maintain, and present all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
17. Comply with policies established by local Board policy and state and federal law. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Budget
18. Administer the departmental budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
19. Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
Personnel Management
20. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
21. Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operation of the communications function.
22. Ensure that department operations contribute to the attainment of district goals and objectives.
Communication
23. Provide for two-way communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community.
24. Demonstrate skill in conflict resolution with administrators, parents, teachers, staff, and community.
25. Monitor professional research and disseminate ideas and information to other professionals.
Community Relations
26. Articulate the district’s mission, instructional philosophy, and community involvement strategies to the community and solicit its support in realizing district’s mission.
27. Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
28. Demonstrate use of appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
29. Exercise strict professional confidentiality.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of the Communications Department staff.
