Job Title: Director of Communications                                   Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/233 days

Reports to: Executive Director of Communications                 Pay Grade: 102

Dept./School: Administration                                              Date Revised: 12/2017

Primary Purpose:

The purpose of the GCISD Department of Communications Services is to support the district’s mission, vision and core beliefs through a two-way communication approach with internal and external publics that promotes the successes and accomplishments of the district and its students and staff; informs stakeholders of the objectives, policies, needs and procedures of the district; increases awareness of matters of state and national importance that affect the district; fosters community support and a positive image of the district and it’s schools and programs; and emphasizes the district’s commitment to continuous educational improvement and success for every student.

The role of the Director of Communications is to work alongside department staff in promoting news and announcements of the district, with a particular focus on Curriculum and Instruction communications and news promotion. This role will work to publicize news and announcements regarding the district’s instructional initiatives, student and staff accomplishments, and events and activities to increase awareness and participation among parents, community and media. This position will serve as a secondary resource for media and backup to the Executive Director for daily departmental tasks, including being on-call after hours when needed. 

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in journalism or communications from an accredited college or university and will have 5+ years of communication-related or public relations writing experience. Experience in school communications preferred.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong writing, editing, proofreading and research skills
• Ability to comprehend complex instructional strategies/initiatives an communicate for understanding with non-educators
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priority projects
• Knowledge of AP Style, preferred
• Knowledge of Public Information Act guidelines and requirements
• Working knowledge and experience with using a web content management system, and various computer programs including Microsoft Office and Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat Professional (InDesign is a plus.)
• Initiative, positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Reliable transportation to and from district events

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Serve as the liaison between Communications and the Curriculum and Instruction Department. This includes attending LEAD 2021 meetings, principal meetings, Deputy Superintendent team meetings and other meetings as required. Additionally, the director will produce news releases, print-ready articles, web/blog postings, scripts and other communication materials explaining the key instructional strategies, initiatives and programs of the district to foster a deeper understanding and build support among parents and community.
2. Oversee the recognition of students and staff for educational achievements through media, events and other appropriate avenues.
3. Facilitate all Public Information Act requests as received.  
4. Develop a model for sustaining employee and student communications liaisons on each campus - ensuring information about campus outcomes, achievements and programs are shared with the communications department and distributed/promoted on a timely basis. Develop a model for sustaining employee and student communications liaisons on each campus - ensuring information about campus outcomes, achievements and programs are shared with the communications department and distributed/promoted on a timely basis.
5. Contribute content to the district’s long-range/strategic plan ( LEAD 2021), website, including identifying, writing and contributing stories illustrating LEAD 2021 successes.
6. Serve as a resource for media, answering calls and basic questions, researching questions, assisting the Executive Director in formulating official statements, coordinating interviews and implementing crisis communications.
7. Supervise two receptionists and fill-in receptionists for the Administration Complex. Supervisory functions include training, coaching, scheduling, and regular communication, including updates on critical information during crisis situations.
8. Attend Board of Trustees meetings, serving as backup to Executive Director and/or Multimedia Communications Coordinator as needed. During meetings, manage board recognition presentations for students, staff and other members of the GCISD community. Create unofficial board summary for all Board meetings and attend meetings every month.
9. Assist with special-project writings, publications and presentations as assigned including brochures, community reports and marketing materials.
10. Working with the Executive Director of Communications, assist in development and planning of Convocation and other special events.
11. Serve as the district administrator responsible for School Messenger. This includes offering campus administrator training and assisting during crisis situations or as the need arises.
12. Compile and format Principal Points on a weekly basis. This serves to cut down on the number of emails received by principals and centrally localizes the information they need most.

Working Conditions:

This position directly reports to the Executive Director of Communications, and will act as department leader during absences of the Executive Director. The Director of Communications works in an office setting within the Administration Complex, with regular travel to schools and facilities within the district.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Demonstrate patience, flexibility and professionalism when interacting with students, staff, parents, visitors, and members of the community
• Periods of sitting, standing, squatting, kneeling and other positions as necessary for photographing district news
• Periods of sitting as needed to complete writing projects
• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions
• Regular district-wide travel
• Ability to attend after-hours district and community events

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.