Job Title: Director of Communications     
Reports to: Executive Director of Communications 

Dept./School: Administration   

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/233  

Pay Grade: 103
Date Revised: 06/2022

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 public 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 its 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. 

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in public relations, 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 and Skills

Strong writing, editing, proofreading and research skills
Ability to comprehend complex instructional strategies/initiatives and communicate for understanding with non-educators
Ability to consistently meet deadlines
Strong organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple priority projects, think strategically, and solve problems Knowledge of AP Style
Knowledge of Public Information Act guidelines and requirements preferred
Working knowledge and experience with using a web content management system, and various computer programs including Microsoft O?ce 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 2.0 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 the community.

2. Oversee the recognition of students and staff for educational achievements through media, events and other appropriate avenues.

3. 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.

4. Contribute content to the district’s long-range/strategic plan (LEAD 2.0), website, including identifying, writing and contributing stories illustrating LEAD 2.0 successes.

5. Serve as a resource for media, answering calls and basic questions, researching questions, assisting the Executive Director in formulating statements, coordinating interviews and implementing crisis communications.

6. 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.

7. Attend Board of Trustees meetings, serving as backup to Executive Director and/or Multimedia Coordinator as needed. During meetings, manage board recognition presentations for students, staff and other members of the GCISD community. Create board summary for all Board meetings and attend meetings every month.

8. Assist with special-project writings, publications and presentations as assigned including brochures, community reports and marketing materials.

9. Working with the Executive Director of Communications, assist in the development and planning of Convocation and other special events.

10. Serve as a district administrator responsible for School Messenger. This includes campus administrator training and assisting during crisis situations or as the need arises.

11. Compile and format Principal Points on a weekly basis to cut down on the number of emails received by principals and centrally localize information they need most.

12. Design and enhance internal communication efforts.

13. Create content and distribute weekly eNewsletter to all families and staff.

14. Assist with Public Information Act requests as necessary.

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.

Demonstrate patience, fexibility 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.