Marketing and Communications Executive Director of Communications
Job Description
SUMMARY: Plan, organize, and direct the operations and activities of district communications, including public relations, strategic communications, marketing and awareness activities to enhance community understanding of Poudre School District’s mission, goals, objectives, services and activities. Direct media relations, strategic publications, video production, website, graphic design, social media, crisis communications, public engagement, and community outreach. Advise and support the Superintendent, Board of Education, and district staff regarding internal and external communications and media relations. Report to the Chief of Staff.
Description of Job Tasks:
- Provide advice and counsel to the Superintendent and Chief of Staff on district-wide initiatives including forecasting potential ramifications, implications and unintended consequences where improper handling could have adverse impacts on the District. Provide advice and counsel to the Board of Education, leadership team and cabinet. Provide proactive strategic support and problem solving to district leadership to position the District in the most favorable position within the community and marketplace
- Develop and implement high-quality public relations and marketing programs that effectively promote the District and its services. Direct strategic internal and external communication plans and activities. Provide leadership and training to district staff related to effective communications and marketing. Develop and implement marketing and branding strategies.
- Provide strategic leadership in media relations and crisis communications. Member of the District’s Crisis Response Team. Direct training for district leadership and staff in support of communicating the District’s key messages. When appropriate, serve as spokesperson for the District. Coordinate/train other members of Communications Department to support crisis communications, as needed.
- Implement comprehensive public relations and engagement plans centered on building relationships with external and internal, targeted audiences to shape public opinion and behaviors in support of the District and its initiatives. Listen to and analyze the concerns of the public.
- Provide leadership to the communications staff and functions including overseeing public relations, marketing, strategic publications, graphic design, social media, video production, and the District’s website. Conduct research on and incorporate cutting edge interactive formats to best engage internal and external audiences.
- Coordinate and attend special events for recognition of the accomplishments of district staff, students, and community partners. Attend all Board of Education meetings.
- Attend district-wide meetings/events, school-based meetings/events, and community meetings/events to gather and disseminate information about the District.
- Assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding disclosure of public information, financial, operational and academic accountability. Conduct research and collect data necessary to effectively report on progress on Board monitoring reports.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s degree required in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or Journalism. A Masters Degree or MBA preferred.
• Accreditation in public relations through a national professional association.
• Minimum seven years of senior level experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or journalism.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS:
• Criminal background check required for hire
• Valid Colorado driver’s license
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Information specific to this position:
Pay Range: $136,868 – $175,876 – based on qualifications and experience*
Percentage: 100%
Work calendar days: 260
Duration of position: Ongoing
Benefits include: Health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, PERA retirement, paid time off, short and long term disability, access to employee walk-in clinic, as well as other optional benefit elections.
Pay range listed above is for employees newly hired to PSD (existing employees please refer to the pay range on the appropriate salary schedule). PSD engages in a salary placement process vs. a salary negotiation process. This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons. All salaries are set by Human Resources based on a review of qualifications compared to the requirements on the job description; therefore listing all related education and experience on your application is recommended.
Poudre School District is dedicated to affirming respect, compassion, and acceptance for all, and we celebrate diversity with regard to all backgrounds and identities. We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive work environments with employees who reflect our students and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. PSD is committed to finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply!
If you have a mental or physical impairment which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations during any portion of the application process, including testing and/or interviews, please contact us at ADA@psdschools.org. If requesting testing and/or interview accommodations, you must contact us at least three (3) working days before the interview or test date.
