Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

Position Type: Executive Date Posted: 11/21/2024 Location: Administration Executive Director of Communications & Engagement Position Summary: The Executive Director of Communications & Engagement is responsible for developing and implementing the internal and external communications and engagement strategies on behalf of the district, managing the day-to-day operations of the Communications and the Family & Community Engagement Departments, and providing counsel to senior leadership. Job Responsibilities Aligned by Categories: Great Culture: Conceptualizes, plans, and directs comprehensive district-wide communication, marketing, and engagement strategy aligned with goals and objectives of the OKCPS Board of Education, Superintendent, and other district leadership. Upholds and enhances the district's brand image and reputation while ensuring all communication materials reflect the district's values and standards. Develops executive communication strategy and serves as speechwriter for the Superintendent and other top administrators as needed. Sets direction for and oversees communication, as well as family and community engagement efforts, for the district to maintain an effective, two-way communications system between the public and the school district which ensures dissemination of accurate and timely information, elimination of misinformation, and the creation of an open climate to solicit ideas, exchange information and gauge reaction of internal and external publics. Great Systems: Responsible for communicating positive and consistent branding and messaging to internal and external audiences, with the goals of enhancing the district's image, improving student achievement, and soliciting external support. Designs and leads community engagement initiatives to foster strong relationships between the district and its diverse stakeholders, including families, students, staff, and community leaders to include organizing and facilitating public forums, town halls, and other community events. Oversees internal communication strategies to ensure effective information flow within the district and coordinates with various departments to align messaging and support district initiatives. Monitor and analyze communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and campaigns. Uses data-driven insights to refine and improve communication efforts. Develops and/or promotes highly visible activities and programs to garner positive public attention for the district and its programs. Supervises and oversees the dissemination of all official district publications and messaging. Functions as the district's spokesperson to the media and in other forums as assigned, manages media inquiries, establishes and maintains strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets, and disseminates press releases, media advisories, and statements. Directs the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic materials, including but not limited to newsletters and brochures. Develops and manages the district's digital presence, including websites and social media platforms, and creates content that engages the community and promotes district achievements. Monitors budget allocations, expenditures, and related financial activities to ensure that department functions are maintained while complying with sound accounting practices and district objectives. Compiles data from a wide variety of sources (e.g. staff, public agencies, media, etc.) to analyze issues, ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures, and/or monitoring program components. Fosters strong partnerships between families, communities, and the school district to create inclusive environments and enhance student achievement and well-being. Functions as district representative and coordinates all Open Record Requests. Great People: Serves as an ad hoc member of the Superintendent's leadership team and works collaboratively with all team members as required for the overall betterment of the district. Protects confidentiality of records and information about staff and uses discretion when sharing such information within legal confines. Directs the strategy and work product of the Communications Department leadership and staff and ensures that their job duties are clearly defined and performance goals are set and measured annually through annual reviews. Great Learning: Develops strategies to effectively communicate in multiple languages to serve families and the community. Leads the development and implementation of crisis communication plans and responds to emergency situations both during and after normal working hours to receive and convey information needed for effective decision-making. Performs other duties as assigned. Job Specifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.? Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities): Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related field is required. Ten (10) or more years' of relevant experience in Public Relations, Public Information or Communications. Demonstrated skills in planning, organization, judgment, decision-making, problem-solving and crisis communication. Effective oral, written, and presentation communication skills. Knowledge of AP Style. Knowledge of Oklahoma Open Records Laws. Effective writing/editing and verbal communication skills. Strategic planning experience that demonstrates success working with and through people in establishing goals, objectives and action plans to produce expected ends/results is required. Experience conducting interviews for radio, television, newspaper and online media outlets. Have knowledge of the impact, reach and influence of print, electronic, online and specialized media to communicate the district's goals to various audiences. Have a solid understanding and use of technology, including mobile, web, and social networks, and the possibilities for using them to support strategic communications objectives and activities. Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities): Master's Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related field required. Physical/Mental Requirements: Must have adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required duties on the computer. Must have adequate visual acuity to read, interpret and transcribe written material and other required duties. Requires normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and on the telephone. Requires some stooping, bending, stretching and occasional lifting not to exceed 25 pounds. Sitting for prolonged periods of time. Work may periodically require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes stressful conditions to meet business needs and strict deadlines. Work Environment: Office duties will be performed in a well-lighted, climate-controlled environment. Reports To: Chief of Staff FSLA Status: Exempt Compensation: 802 Work Days: 242 FTE: 100 This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the supervisor or appropriate administrator. Oklahoma City Public Schools reserves the right to, update, revise or change job duties as the need prevails. This document is for communication only and not intended to imply a written or implied contract of employment. The Board of Education and Superintendent may approve alternatives to the listed qualifications.