Director of Communications

Provide leadership and execution of a comprehensive communications and marketing plan covering the District and its seven schools. This position will work collaboratively with the Superintendent and administrative team to maintain and promote the district brand (both internally and externally) using both traditional and innovative public relations strategies and tactics. This position provides proactive communications with a goal of improving student achievement, building public support and improving school safety. This position also prepares and provides information to internal and external audiences about the activities, goals and policies of the school district.

Must be able to:

• Oversee Pulaski News and district social media pages and website 
• Develop an annual communication plan for the district (ie how the PCSD will communicate with key stakeholders) and work to ensure plan is implemented 
• Create communications plan to effectively communicate and streamline processes district-wide (should include expectations, timeline, social media information, best practices, emergency procedures, brand, copyright) 
• Review materials for grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors
• Ensure all school board meetings are filmed and the video is uploaded to the district YouTube page. 
• Serve as a liaison between district and local media sources. 
• Arrive at work promptly and attend regularly
• Follow directions and work well with others work under the stress of deadlines
• Concentrate and perform tasks accurately
• React to change productively
• Perform other tasks as assigned 
• Work flexible hours to accommodate the needs of others

• Maintain open lines of communication and relationships with external stakeholders. 
• Provide prompt responses to requests for information about the district, its policies and programs. 
• Maintain open lines of communication and relationships with internal stakeholders to promote the involvement of students, parents, staff members, and community members in school and district activities. 
• Establish and maintain media relations program. 
• Act as district spokesperson for local media, press releases, media briefings, promotion of school activities, and other communication as appropriate. 
• Cultivates and manages partnerships with media while collaborating to ensure releases of information accurately and efficiently represent the district. 
• Serve as a facilitator or liaison to build relationships with the community, parent/teacher organizations, district parent groups, and other key district partners.
• Develop and produce external print and electronic communications utilizing various modes of collateral materials; i.e., cable TV messages, cable castings, website and external newsletters, email messages, video productions, and social media. 
• Research and evaluate new technologies and communication strategies to include the use of video, social media, and online communications tools; Keep informed of developing communication trends and techniques. 
• Prepare press releases, suggest story ideas and publish articles and photos in local media and other publications. 
• Write, edit and design district publications including newsletters, recruitment brochures, programs for special events, and other publications. 
• Assist with specifications and layouts for publications working with internal and commercial printers in the production of the printed product. 
• Take photographs, video and other relevant multi-media of significant events and activities for district publications, web content, presentations and displays. 
• Represent the district within various community organizations and committees. 
• Help district personnel, as appropriate, in publicizing and promoting performances, events, displays, dedications, or special programs sponsored by the school district. 
• Provide support to schools and departments. 
• Advise and train employees on effective communication practices and policies including copyright. 
• Maintain membership with appropriate local and state organizations.
•  Participate in professional development to improve skills related to communications. 
• Develop concepts, write scripts, and supervise the production of multimedia presentations for special events, marketing, or other promotional events.
•  Gather photos and videos of events throughout the district in order to develop a media library to be used in communications and marketing materials. 
• Develop and implement intentional marketing and communications strategies to address key issues including open enrollment, the recruitment and retention of staff, opportunity gaps for students, and the long-term direction of the District. 
• Monitor news media and develop relationships with regional media representatives to leverage the District’s brand through coverage and stories. 
• Assist the Superintendent’s office with planning, coordinating, and running annual, community, and staff events. 
• Assist the Superintendent with special, nonrecurring, seasonal, administrative and ongoing projects. 
• Attend community and staff events as a District liaison/representative. Network and develop professional relationships. 
• Perform other responsibilities as directed by the Superintendent of Schools.

Demonstrated ability to:

• work collaboratively
• carry out emergency/crisis response procedures
• perform all computer technology tasks associated with the position
• maintain confidentiality
• communicate positively/effectively with students, parents, staff, patrons
• commitment to the Pulaski Board of Education Educational Philosophy
• demonstrated skills in positive human relations and cultural competence
• demonstrated skills in problem solving and conflict management
• Bachelor Degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field
• Current First Aid/CPR certified or must obtain

This is a full-time position.  Salary is based on education and experience.  Pulaski Community School District offers health, dental, vision, life, and a variety of other benefits.  Vacation and PTO time, retirement.