Duties
Chief Communication and Community Relations Officer
The Chief of Communication and Community Relations Officer will embody the district mission, serving the needs of our diverse community by providing relevant and rigorous learning experiences, opportunities for involvement, and strong support systems that empower all students to reach their full potential, while upholding our values of communication and accountability, equity and inclusion, financial integrity, innovative learning, and safety, wellness, and respect.
Position Purpose:
Under the direction of the Superintendent or designee, the Chief Communications and Community Relations Officer (CCRO) serves as principal advisor providing comprehensive and proactive communications, strategies and planning, media relations, and news analysis to the Superintendent, Board of Education and Leadership Team. The CCRO manages Township District 211's brand and reputation through open, honest, and transparent communication at all levels. The CCRO supports the District's mission, vision, and values and serves as a central point of contact for media related questions and/or initiatives.
Essential Functions:
Media Relations
1. Leads the development and delivery of news to broadcast, print, and online media to create media coverage of the school District on a daily/weekly basis.
2. Serves as a liaison between the District and the media, and serves as the District's chief spokesperson, handling sensitive and controversial issues.
3. Develops, coordinates, and monitors the crisis communication plan and implementation.
4. Organizes press conferences and the release of information to the media and the public.
5. Develops and maintains working relationships with community leaders, organizations, and members of the media.
Public Engagement
1. Represents D211 at community, state, and national functions, as requested by the Superintendent.
2. Organizes and plans regular meetings of various D211 advisory groups.
3. Makes the community aware of D211 needs and goals; supports fund development, corporate and philanthropic grants management, and in-kind donations.
4. Develops processes and systems for garnering public input and support on key initiatives and issues.
5. Communicates to the public the rationale for Superintendent and Board of Education decisions.
Marketing/Communications
1. Creates and implements a marketing program that enhances D211's image in the eye of the public and elected officials, as well as the corporate and grant community, with a recognizable "brand" reflective of a school district on an upward trajectory.
2. Develops and maintains brand image, positioning, and messaging for D211; develops and maintains image and identity standards for D211.
3. Secures the development of public opinion polls, and solicits feedback from D211 community members through formal and informal means regarding District initiatives, programs, and decisions.
4. Provides analysis of results, and recommends public relations/marketing strategies and tactics.
5. Develops District-wide advertising and public relations campaigns and collateral materials to market D211.
6. Manages the development and production of District marketing communications, including print and electronic publications, collateral materials, presentations, website content, social networking sites such as Instagram, X, and Facebook, new media productions, advertising, media relations, and television broadcasts for staff and the community.
Employee Communications
1. Develops overall strategy and plan for District-level employee communications.
2. Maintains open line of communication between the Superintendent and D211 employees using a variety of tactics and techniques.
3. Communicates to staff the rationale for Superintendent and Board of Education decisions.
Decision Making
1. Authority to set overall direction for the public relations program, make final decisions, and take action regarding media relations, marketing and employee communications within
policies and regulations set by the Board of Education and Superintendent.
2. Works collaboratively with and provides communication expertise to the Superintendent's Cabinet and Leadership Team on a variety of D211 projects and initiatives.
3. Decisions made have a direct impact on employee and public perception regarding D211.
Internal and External Audience
1. Communicates and collaborates with the Superintendent, Cabinet, Board of Education, other administrators, and District personnel to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts, and exchange information; model district standards of ethics and professionalism.
2. Communicates and collaborates with the media (local, state, and national), business leaders, D211 donors and business partners, elected officials, government leaders, community/faith leaders, District Advisory Committee/Parent Teachers Association/parent leaders, parents, patrons/community members, and other education leaders to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts, and exchange information.
3. Performs related duties as assigned by Superintendent and/or designee.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's Degree in Communication, English, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field.
2. Master's degree or equivalent experience and professional development in Communications, Marketing, Public Policy Administration or related field (preferred).
3. Five (5) years of accomplished strategic communications experience of increasing scope required, preferably with a school district or some experience at a public agency or with a large, complex organization.
4. Proven experience as a leader in communicating with a diverse community.
5. Experience working proactively with the media, establishing influential productive working relationships.
6. Experience functioning successfully as a communications strategist and spokesperson in a politically charged environment.
7. Fiscal accountability and budget management experience.
8. Multilingual (preferred).
9. Ability to present information accurately and without bias.
10. Outstanding human relations, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
11. Experience in multi-level communications, crisis management, marketing, public relations, website design, internet use, and media relation activities, including print, newsletters, and social media required.
12. Ability to work collaboratively and proactively with instructional leaders, and community members.
13. Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends.
How to Apply
Apply online at https://adc.d211.org/jobs