Director of Communications

Position Type:
Nestucca Valley School District

Date Posted:
7/25/2024

Location:
Nestucca Valley School District

Date Available:
08/26/2024

Closing Date:
08/08/2024
Position Title: Director of Communications
Location: Nestucca High School
Reports To: Building Administrator & Superintendent
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
FTE & Salary: 1.0 FTE
Salary: TBD

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Head of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing the school district's comprehensive communication strategy. This role includes overseeing internal and external communications, managing public relations, and leading the district's grant writing efforts to secure funding for various programs and initiatives.
The Head of Communications will be based in the High School office and also performs a variety of secretarial, bookkeeping and administrative duties. In addition the Head of Communications will also teach a Communications class at the High School Level and must possess or be able to secure appropriate licensure to do so.
The successful candidate will establish the communications department, ensure clear and effective communication with all stakeholders, and foster a positive image of the district.

QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using digital communication tools and social media platforms.
• Ability to interact in a positive and professional manner with students, staff, parents, community members, contractors, consultants and trades people, while demonstrating sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, gender and religious diversity.
• Ability to exercise confidentiality, diplomacy, and independent judgement.
• Knowledge of first-aid procedures; ability to learn proper methods of dispensing medications
• Ability to remain calm and supportive when dealing with difficult people or emergencies
• Ability to manage school finances according to accepted accounting principles and district guidelines
• Ability to quickly learn frequently used software and online programs used in the performance of job responsibilities, such as student records, personnel records, accounting, and purchasing

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Performs some or all of the following tasks. Other duties may be assigned.
Communications Strategy and Management:

• Develop and execute a strategic communications plan aligned with the district's goals and objectives.
• Create and manage content for district-wide communications, including newsletters, press releases, social media, and the district website.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the district, handling media inquiries and public statements.
• Coordinate communication efforts during emergencies and crises.

Internal and External Communications:

• Foster effective communication within the district, including staff, students, parents, and the community.
• Organize and lead training sessions for staff on effective communication practices and media relations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local media, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

Grant Writing and Management:

• Write grant proposals to secure financial support for district programs and initiatives for chosen grant programs.
• Collaborate with various departments to gather necessary information and ensure compliance with grant requirements.

Public Relations and Community Engagement:

• Plan and execute events that promote the district and engage the community.
• Develop materials that highlight district achievements and programs.
• Manage the district's branding and ensure consistency across all communications.

Department Leadership:

• Establish the communications department, including hiring and training staff as needed.
• Develop and manage the department's budget.
• Set performance goals and conduct regular evaluations of department staff.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary and work year to be according to the current negotiated contract.

EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Board policy.

WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS:

• Establish and maintain a positive and respectful working relationship with students, staff, administration, parents/guardians and community members.
• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with staff and customers at all organizational levels (listening to others without interrupting, keeping emotions under control, remaining open to others' ideas and focusing on solving conflicts).
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about participants, families and staff.
• Maintain dependable and consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Follow all laws, District policies, rules, regulations, memos, announcements and reasonable requests by proper authority

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is regularly required to talk or hear
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb up and down step stool, bend under the desks, twist from the waist, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Possible moderate to high noise level.
• Frequent and prolonged talking/listening in conversations/meetings.
• Requires accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception.
• Requires handling and working with a variety of materials and objects.
• Work may occasionally involve lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Possible exposure to bodily fluids due to student injury or illness.

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time, as it deems advisable.

Nestucca Valley School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of NVSD that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment.

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Human Resources Officer at [redacted] x403 for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at [redacted].