Director, Communications - Marketing & Communications

Under executive direction, directs and manages all internal District communications; supports implementation of integrated communication and marketing strategies and projects in alignment with the District’s vision, mission, and goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS--Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilitiesmayinclude, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates internal communications strategies. 
• Manages assigned staff, develops priorities, and assigns projects; assures that appropriate services are provided, and goals are defined and achieved; develops staff skills and conducts performance evaluations; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve priorities, workload and technical issues; develops additional hiring/staffing recommendations; manages external vendor relationships. 
• Establishes and evaluates objectives for the District’s internal communications program. 
• Composes messages or scripts from senior executives for presentations to employees in written, video, social media, or spoken form. 
• Ensures internal communications are consistent across all mediums including all departments and schools within the District. 
• Manages the internal communication response to crisis situations which affect District perception and reputation. 
• Coordinates crisis communications for the district; participates in school safety planning efforts. 
• Oversees and edits the writing and production of communication materials. 
• Assists and counsels departments and schools on their communication, public relations and marketing initiatives and ensures that they build positive relationships between the District and the community and reflect language/cultural differences. Provides training in media relations as required. 
• Reviews the work of Department staff to assure the work quality and timely accomplishment of assigned duties and responsibilities; manages budget and allocates resources to meet strategic goals. 
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment 
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures. 
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field; AND five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, journalism, communications and community relations programs; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public relations, marketing, journalism, and public communications. 
• Techniques and practices for efficient and cost effective management of resources. 
• Professional journalistic methods, including research, presentation and publication. 
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
•  Correct English grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying applicable Federal, state and local rules and regulations; and MPS policies. 
• Analyzing problems and developing effective solutions. 
• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance. 
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines. 
• Preparing public statements and reports. 
• Using effective methods to communicate with culturally and linguistically diverse groups. 
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands. 
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, community groups, outside agencies, media representatives, and the general public. 
• Operating a computer using standard and specialized software. 
• Effective verbal and written communication.

Bargaining Unit: MAAS l Grade: 69 l Salary Range*: From $87,936 - $109,819 per year l FLSA Status: Exempt

*The salary range is provided by the collective bargaining agreement associated with this position. Actual pay will be based on selected candidates’ experience.

MPS Offers a Desirable Benefits Package!

• Pension (Employee Contribution) with District Match 
• MN Deferred Compensation 
• Eleven (11) Paid Holidays in addition to Paid Time Off 
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program) access to free, confidential consultation with counselors in the areas of personal and work concerns 
• LegalSheild/IDShield access to legal advice 
• Wellness and Fitness Programs 
• Medical, Dental and Vision Plans 
• Flexible Spending Account Options 
• and More!