Director of Communications and Community Engagement
Director of Communications and Community Engagement
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Job Description
Full-Time and Permanent; 7.5 Hours/Day; 252 Days/Year; 12 Months/Year; Grade M
DEFINITION
The employee who serves in this position performs responsibilities related to leading Norfolk Public Schools communications and community engagement efforts. The employee assists with the coordination and implementation of communications media relations and crisis communications. Additionally the employee is responsible for the development and implementation of division level initiatives that support community engagement. Work includes supporting the development of programs plans standards policies and procedures that promote and publicize Norfolk Public Schools programs staff and student activities. Other areas of responsibility include: maintaining compliance with FOIA regulations the development of comprehensive communications campaigns for client departments; supervision of the division-wide volunteer program; maintenance of the school divisions website; development and execution of written communications for the school division; production of division-wide publications; and execution of internal communications outreach. The work requires a broad knowledge of the organization and policies and regulations affecting the school division and the ability to interact effectively with leadership team members regarding sensitive confidential and controversial matters.
SUPERVISION
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief overseeing the communications department. The employee supervises staff assigned to the Division of Communications and Community Engagement which includes community engagement digital content graphic design and media relations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (May not include all duties performed by each position in the class).
Assists with the design and execution of annual updates to a division-wide comprehensive communication plan that aligns with the school divisions strategic plan to foster dialogue collaboration understanding engagement and trust.
Manages communication outreach endeavors including maintaining media relations organizing special events and increasing the school divisions digital footprint via social media.
Leads the efforts to promote knowledge and understanding of the school divisions mission while developing key messaging to enhance awareness of instructional and operational programs for employees families students media community members and other key stakeholders.
Drafts reviews and edits newsletters presentations press releases publications speeches and talking points upon request. Serves as copyeditor and collaborates with leadership across departments to ensure accuracy and consistency of all written content that is disseminated to key stakeholder groups on behalf of the school division.
Oversight of compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensuring timely and accurate responses to requests and maintaining transparency in accordance with legal and ethical standards..
Facilitates the design and development of collateral and promotional materials that deliver targeted messages. Develops monthly campaigns for weekly and monthly awareness weeks/observances that can be executed across multiple communications platforms.
Provides general supervision and makes recommendations for increased efficiency and effectiveness of communications and community engagement personnel.
Participates in the coordination of employee and division-wide events for special recognition of student and staff achievement.
Assists with communications developing responses for the media and key stakeholders during crisis situations.
Manages strategies for stakeholder engagement both within and outside of the school division that mobilize stakeholders to advocate for and volunteer with the school division in various capacities.
Develops coordinates and executes effective outreach initiatives programs and events in collaboration with the Community Engagement Coordinator to effectively engage community stakeholders.
Performs other duties and manages special projects as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of communications and community engagement functions principles concepts practices and strategies.
Thorough knowledge of multimedia and multifaceted community-oriented communications
strategies and techniques.
Ability to plan coordinate organize schedule and prioritize activities functions and
assignments.
Ability to perform research and prepare publications and promotional literature and ability to
effectively gather organize and disseminate information and data.
Ability to develop and implement public information and to market established or newly
developed programs plans and policies.
Ability to prepare and deliver speeches slides and video presentations for the community
businesses and other organizations.
Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with superiors peers
government officials community organizations business leaders and the news media.
Ability to make decisions in accordance with established practices and procedures and to speak
on behalf of the division and School Board as directed.
Demonstrated knowledge of communications best practices and strategies to include print video news gathering reporting social media web design marketing internal and external communications community engagement and crisis communications.
Strong writing and copyediting skills.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regulations and directives such as the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Family Educations Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines including emergency and critical situations and the ability to calmly communicate with audiences internal and external during critical situations.
Demonstrated ability to effectively organize and present information both orally and in writing.
Ability to work within difficult time constraints and under stressful conditions.
MINIMUM EDUCATION EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Bachelors degree in English Communications Journalism Public Relations or related field; Masters degreepreferred; accreditation in Public Relations (APR) preferred. Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications public relations andstaff supervision; previous experience in the public sector and/or public schools is preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the above noted knowledge skills and abilities.
LICENSE
None
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
Work requires normal physical effort associated with working in an office environment.
HAZARDS
Work involves exposure to normal everyday risks.
UNUSUAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in an office setting as well as throughout the school division and school community. Work is frequently subject to deadlines and requires attendance at weekend and evening meetings held locally and throughout the state and involves all employee groups and broad-mandated programs. Additionally work requires continuous professional development in the areas of communications media community and public relations.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
