Director of Communications

Position Type: Administration Date Posted: 11/22/2024 Location: Central Office Closing Date: 11/29/2024 County: Kanawha County Public Schools IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Deputy Superintendent FLSA STATUS: Exempt EMPLOYMENT TERM: 261 Days SALARY : Pursuant to WV Code §18A-4-2, in accordance with Kanawha County Schools Director Salary Schedule, commensurate with experience and education level. EVALUATION: Performance in this position will be evaluated by the Deputy Superintendent in accordance with WV State Code §18A-2-12, WV State Board Policy 5310, and KCSBOE Policy Performance Evaluation of School Personnel - Administrative Procedures. JOB SUMMARY: The Director is responsible for the dissemination of information, public relations and marketing services for Kanawha County Schools. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Job Duties. Develops, implements and maintains a district wide communication plan. Guide, advise and support the Superintendent as District spokesperson with regard to all media-related and communication matters. Serve as spokesperson for District when appropriate and identify and advise others to serve in that capacity on a situational basis. Assists the crisis team. Coordinates media and internal communication activities in a crisis situation. Acts as a spokesperson for the school district in responding to crisis and emergency situations. Assists the Administrators with interpreting public opinion through surveys and advisory councils. Develop professional relationships with key media and other community partners to build opportunities to promote the District, enhance the brand and reputation, and to foster positive working relationships and mutual regard for the media. Develop and coordinate press releases. Handle all media calls and contacts. Establish and maintain procedures for the timely dissemination of accurate, consistent information to the public, media and staff. Provide excellent customer service and prompt responses to public, media and staff inquiries regarding the school system. Assist in the development, production and scheduling of public information activities and resources, including but not limited to emergency announcements, e-newsletters, annual reports, surveys, telephone directory, parent handbooks, general handbooks and news releases. Coordinate county recognition and special awards programs. Attend all Board of Education meetings. Be available when needed to handle late breaking communication needs to ensure timely, accurate and effective communications. Oversee quality and appropriate representation of the system's brand, strategic plan and mission throughout all print and electronic messaging as well as public/special events. Oversee all marketing activities including but not limited to parent/community engagement, website management, and social media presence. Plan, organize and implement special events such as new school openings, renovations, special elections and bonds/levies. Develop and manage the day to day operations of a Foundation. Actively support economic development liaisons through business partnerships and other efforts. Act as project lead on daily management of the KCS website and school websites, including time-sensitive information delivery, content management, strategic direction and consistent use of brand and templates. Proof and edit submissions for visual continuity and accuracy. Serve as a resource for principals regarding parent newsletters, PTA programs and working with the news media. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. However, accommodations as provided below may be provided to help you perform essential job duties. QUALI FICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field. A minimum of three years of experience in a related field. Experience in communications, media outreach, publication development, web-based communication and social media. Experience in editing and writing feature/general news articles. Strong MS Word, Excel and computer graphics skills. Experienced with a camera and photography including digital applications. Possess effective written and oral communication skills necessary for maintaining effective relationships with other staff members, school systems, and the community. Ability to perform multiple office operations in a highly organized, accurate, systematic, productive, and professional manner while meeting multiple deadlines. Other qualifications as deemed necessary. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach, stand, walk, lift, grasp, write, talk, hear, see, use technology such as computers and multi-media equipment, and use repetitive motions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift and/or move at least 10 pounds of materials. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff members. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate (25-70dB). The employee is continuously interacting with the public and staff. The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee. November 2016, November 2024