Director of Communications

Director of Communications

Position Description:

The Director of Communications is responsible for the oversight and implementation of the communications strategy for Jefferson Parish Schools. S/he independently anticipates communication challenges and opportunities and implements comprehensive communications strategies and messages accordingly. The Director of Communications supervises the communications staff. S/he is driven by the district mission of providing the education our students

deserve to succeed in life and make our world a better place. S/he supports the district’s six strategic priorities,

which are:

1. Provide safe, healthy, and modern schools

2. Hire, grow, and keep the best teachers

3. Hire, grow, and keep the best leaders

4. Use a robust curriculum with aligned assignments

5. Ensure access, equity, and opportunity

6. Partner with families, community members, School Board members, agencies, and other stakeholders

Reports to: Chief of Staff

Scope of Responsibility:

• Develops and implements a communications strategy that most effectively utilizes all available

communications methods.

• Manages and directs JP Schools internal and external communications.

• Leads communications team in developing and implementing strategic internal and external

communications plans that support the JP School’s strategic plan.

• Ensures all communications are clear, consistent, and aligned with JP School’s strategic plan.

• Develops written statements, press releases, and other communication materials for all district-related matters.

• Monitors and analyzes the effectiveness of district communications and advises the Superintendent and other departments on their messaging accordingly.

• Assists district leaders in communication efforts to address complex issues and decisions using innovative strategies and sources.

• Anticipates communications needs and gathers information to advise the Chief Strategy Officer and Superintendent on emerging situations.

• Cultivates strong relationships with appropriate internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the production

and dissemination of information through press release, news articles, web announcements, and other communication channels.

• Manages relationships with various media contacts to ensure the district and schools’ accomplishments are conveyed to the general public.

• Acts as a spokesperson for the district when necessary.

• Works closely with the Chief of Staff and Communications Department staff to set and drive the mission, vision, and a set of measurable objectives for the Communications Department.

• Holds Communications Department accountable for meeting its objectives and conducts formal

performance evaluations in accordance with the JPS evaluation schedule for central office employees.

• Ensures that the district and Communications Department are in compliance with federal statutes and regulations, state laws, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education rules and regulations, JPS policies and procedures, and relevant contractual obligations.

• Prepares and administers the annual Communications Department budget and exercises proper financial controls.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief of Staff.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 5+ years of progressively increasing experience in public relations/communications, with demonstrated success in building support from a variety of stakeholders.

• Experience and demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively with various internal and external stakeholders using multiple mediums, ranging from television broadcasts to social media.

• Working knowledge of desktop publishing and experience with Web site management.

• Outstanding writing, editing, and proofreading skills and familiarity with the Associated Press style.

• Exceptional analytical and problem‐solving skills, with an ability to use quantitative and qualitative data to make decisions and recommendations.

• Collaborative management style, with a proven track record of working with diverse individuals at all levels to drive decision‐making and results.

• Outstanding organizational and leadership skills with experience thriving in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment.

• High degree of professionalism, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities, while consistently demonstrating sound judgment and disciplined thinking.

• Ability to be visionary and strategic is essential.

• Bachelor’s degree is required.

• Master’s degree strongly preferred in English, Journalism, Communications or related field.

• Familiarity with district and school‐level operations is strongly preferred.

Physical Involvement:

Must be able to operate office equipment. Standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting up to 10 pounds are required.

Compensation:

JP Schools offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. JP Schools also offers a competitive benefits package.