Job Title: Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer
| Reports to: | Deputy Superintendent |
| Job Group: | Administrative |
| FLSA: | Exempt |
| Job Code: | 1232 |
| Salary Schedule: | APT13 |
JOB GOAL
Responsible for providing overall leadership and direction for strategy, design, and operation of the District’s internal and external marketing, communications, public relations, and engagement activities with the community in addition to supervising assigned departments and personnel. This includes utilizing effective internal and external communication strategies to share information with the media and community that supports the efforts of the District, developing the District’s legislative priorities, and effectively carrying out legislative goals. Additionally, the role involves overseeing emergency and crisis communications and enhancing parent and community engagement and coordinating with the Pasco Education Foundation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the District’s primary designated spokesperson.
- Develop branding standards and communication protocols, and oversee communications strategies and communications networks for the District that build and maintain a positive image.
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders in the community and in schools to ensure vision/mission awareness in branding.
- Respond immediately to emergency situations, and serve as the Public Information Officer in the Emergency Operations Command Center and/or a District representative at emergency shelters as directed by the Superintendent.
- Oversee and prepare informative content for various platforms including newsletters, speeches, press releases, and social media communications, ensuring that each promotes and supports the District’s mission and vision.
- Develop presentations and assist executive leadership in developing presentations and other important District messages.
- Communicate with the Board, Superintendent, and staff on matters related to media coverage; law enforcement involvement with schools, students, and staff; crisis situations; accomplishments; and recognitions.
- Lead all crisis communications efforts in collaboration with schools, departments, law enforcement, and other agencies.
- Oversee the workflow and work assignments of assigned departments and personnel to ensure effective collaboration among team members and consistent, quality work.
- Collaborate with departments, schools, and governmental entities to help establish and improve education, media, and community relations.
- Develop professional, positive relations with news media; serve as the contact between the District and the media; and respond to requests for information or comments from an official source in a timely manner.
- Direct and coordinate all communication plans that allow for the successful, consistent, and timely distribution of information to all stakeholders, including staff, parents/guardians, and the public.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of the District’s website, including implementing methods to successfully deliver messages, ensuring ease of navigation and the clarity and relevance of information.
- Assist with marketing various District initiatives through digital and traditional publications to promote schools, departments, and student and employee achievements.
- Brief staff prior to media interviews and provide guidance in dealing effectively with the media.
- Develop, implement, and adhere to the communications budget.
- Attend special events and functions and represent the District’s mission and vision while doing so.
- Develop and maintain guidelines for all forms of communications, including electronic and traditional print, to ensure unified standards and quality of correspondence.
- Oversee and direct the District’s parent and community engagement initiatives and oversee and direct community partnerships.
- Communicate regarding important District initiatives, ensuring that parents and/or the community are well informed.
- Oversee the District’s interpretation and translation services.
- Serve as the District’s custodian of public records and respond to requests for District, employee, and student data in accordance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, orally and in writing, including electronic media
- Knowledge of current educational trends
- Knowledge of social media applications and desktop publishing
- Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements in areas of responsibility, including Florida statutes and legislative processes
- Ability to analyze statistical data for trends and performance in various programs and to assist in developing strategies for improvement
- Excellent time management skills and ability to organize, prioritize, and manage work assignments in an efficient manner and within established timeframes
- Operating knowledge of computer programs, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based technologies and platforms
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all stakeholders
- Ability to work collaboratively with others and facilitate groups to consensus
- Ability to effectively engage in the problem-solving process
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in the field of Communications, Journalism, English/Language Arts, or related field
- Five years’ experience in public relations, journalism, school leadership, or a related field, including supervisory and management experience
- OR
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS
None
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in the field of Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Educational Leadership, or related field
- Experience as a school/District administrator, public information officer, or communications director, especially in an education setting
- Experience working with a legislative body, especially a school board
- Knowledge of Pasco County
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Direct supervision of assigned District departments and personnel. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems; training employees; evaluating performance; and interviewing, testing, hiring, and assignment of personnel.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. If the use of arm and / or leg controls require exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated as Light Work.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk, and hear; stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Indoors and Outdoors: The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT
- General office equipment, including personal computers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be established by the District.
Performance of the job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the School Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Pasco County Schools will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of the job when such individuals request an accommodation.
