Communications Director
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
4 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Overview
WORKING TITLE
Director-Media Relations
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
Human Resources
LOCATION
Crossroads I Cary NC
PAY GRADE
Director-Band 2
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
No
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a hybrid telework workweek
POSITION PURPOSE:
Responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that promote the school districts mission values and initiatives. Serves as the primary liaison between the district and the media manages crisis communication efforts and public records requests and ensures consistent transparent and effective messaging across all platforms.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of educational issues and public policy;
- Comprehensive knowledge of broadcast systems and equipment;
- Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office specifically Word and Excel; Google Apps;
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt messages for diverse audiences;
- Ability to utilize technology effectively including media monitoring or digital engagement tools;
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with local regional and national media representatives;
- Ability and experience to act as an organizational spokesperson;
- Ability to perform real-time problem solving and exercise sound judgement during crisis situations;
- Ability to organize plan and manage multiple projects independently while meeting deadlines in a rapidly changing environment;
- Ability to manage multiple projects independently and meet deadlines in a rapidly changing environment;
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information collaborative efforts and feedback;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff external agencies contractors and the public.
EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelors degree in communications public relations journalism or related field;
- Five years of experience in media relations public relations or communications preferably within an educational or public-sector setting;
- Demonstrated success in crisis communication and emergency response planning;
- Strong leadership strategic thinking and project management skills;
- Proficiency with digital communication tools platforms and media monitoring systems.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serves as the districts primary spokesperson and liaison with local regional and national media.
- Develops and implements proactive media relations strategies to promote district initiatives and priorities.
- Leads crisis communication efforts ensuring timely accurate and transparent messaging during emergencies.
- Drafts press releases media advisories talking points and official statements for district leadership.
- Coordinates and responds to media inquiries and public records requests in compliance with state and federal laws.
- Monitors media coverage and provides regular reports and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Advises and supports district and school leaders on effective media engagement and communication practices.
- Supervises two administrators and one senior administrator within the Media Relations team.
- Manages the Control Room team and oversees the streaming of all Board of Education committee and regular meetings.
- Provides coaching and training to district and school leaders on media interaction messaging and crisis response.
- Coordinates media access and coverage at district events announcements and ceremonies.
- Leverages digital platforms and emerging technologies to distribute district news and strengthen media engagement.
- Anticipates identifies and addresses issues that may affect the districts reputation ensuring proactive and transparent communication.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers scanners and copiers. The position at times must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff and staff members of external funding agencies and the community. Work is considered light physical work requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/2025
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties responsibilities and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Crisis Management
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Fundraising
- Media Relations
- Constant Contact
- Strategic Planning
- Social Media Management
- Team Management
- Public Speaking
- Wordpress
- Writing Skills
