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Bucks County Intermediate Unit 22

Director of Communications - Great Valley

Bucks County Intermediate Unit 22, DOWNINGTOWN, PA


Position Type:
Administrator/Director

Date Posted:
10/25/2024

Location:
Great Valley SD

Closing Date:
11/21/2024
GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Job Title: Director of Communications

Employer: Great Valley School District

Location: Malvern, PA

Reports to: Superintendent

Salary Range: $110,000-$140,000, Act 93 position

Interested applicants will need to complete an online application, submit a letter of interest, resume, three current letters of reference, (one must be from a direct supervisor), unofficial transcripts, current Act 34, Act 151, Act 114, and an Act 24 (PDE 6004 Form). https://www.applitrack.com/Gvsd/onlineapp/

E.O.E.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Communications to lead the development and execution of strategic communication efforts across the Great Valley School District. This senior level position is responsible for fostering effective communication between the district's administration and its seven schools, students and their families, staff, union, school board, and the broader community. The Director will oversee internal and external communications, public relations campaigns, media relations, crisis communications, and the district's online and social media presence. They will work closely with the superintendent, school administrators, and other key stakeholders to ensure consistent, transparent, and proactive communication that supports the district's mission, vision, and goals. The ideal candidate will anticipate and prepare for potential crises, develop and distribute key messaging for the superintendent and staff, and respond promptly to all media requests. The Director of Communications may also be called upon to act as the district spokesperson for breaking news and media interviews and must possess strong written and spoken communications skills, exhibit a high level of proficiency with on and off-camera interviews, and respond to crises swiftly and professionally. They will also be responsible for developing a strategic written media and crisis communications plan for the district, and oversee all external communications, press releases, video releases, social media, the district's website and more. The Director reports to the Superintendent, and will oversee executive communications, including talking points, PowerPoint presentations, email correspondence, and other communications. They may also be called upon to oversee and review communications by other employees at the district and school level, work as a team player, and effectively collaborate with district's leadership, staff, and the community.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field required.

- Minimum of 10-15 years of professional experience in communications. Experience in education or public sector communications preferred but not required.

- Proven ability to develop, execute, and regularly update strategic communication plans to address long-term needs and anticipate emerging trends.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Experience in media relations, and digital content creation for social media and the web.

- Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.

- Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including staff, students and their families, media, union personnel, and community members.

- Crisis communication/issues management experience required.

- Proficiency with communication tools such as PowerPoint, Microsoft Office, website management platforms, email marketing tools, and social media analytics.

- Experience leading a team or managing other employees required.

- Ability to write quickly and distill complex information into key messages in a fast-paced environment.

- Demonstrated ability to multi-talk, balance priorities, and achieve goals with limited supervision. Being a self-starter is a must.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop, implement, and update a comprehensive communications plan that supports the district's long-term goals, outlines a strategic approach to internal and external communications, and anticipates and prepares for potential issues.

- Serve as the district's primary spokesperson and manage all media inquiries and responses.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.

- Oversee the creation and distribution of district-wide communication materials, including press releases, newsletters, and other publications.

- Create talking points and messaging for the Superintendent and other leadership, for both internal and external communications, as well as for board meetings and community presentations.

- Navigate evolving media stories, responding strategically, and in a timely fashion, including nights and weekends.

- Manage and monitor the district's social media accounts, website, and digital content to ensure timely and accurate communication.

- Lead internal communication efforts to keep staff informed and engaged, including crafting messages from the superintendent and other district leadership.

- Develop and execute communication strategies and messaging for crisis management and emergency situations.

- Provide training and guidance to school administrators/staff on best communication practices.

- Plan and manage district events, public forums, and community engagement initiatives.

- Collaborate with school leaders to advise and support communication efforts at the individual school level.

- Conduct regular communication audits to evaluate the effectiveness of district communication, explore new ideas and strategies, and identify areas for improvement.

- Supervise and evaluate Communications Department personnel.

- Responsible for other duties as assigned by the Superintendent

Interested applicants will need to complete an online application, submit a letter of interest, resume, three current letters of reference, (one must be from a direct supervisor), unofficial transcripts, current Act 34, Act 151, Act 114, and an Act 24 (PDE 6004 Form). https://www.applitrack.com/Gvsd/onlineapp/