Management Position Description

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Position Title: Chief Communications Officer

Classification: Classified Management 

Work Year: 12-Months (full-time)

Date Created: December 30, 2019

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Description:

Under the direction of the Superintendent, plans, develops, organizes, and administers all aspects of the San Marino Unified School District’s public information and strategic communication plan; facilitates a variety of public information and community relations activities, events, projects, and internal/external communication.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Develops, recommends, implements, and maintains a communication plan for the District and specific communication strategies for programs, initiatives, services, and events of the District E.

Publicizes the District’s position, on curricular, legislative and other educational matters, as directed by the Superintendent of Schools E.

Creates and manages the District’s brand and reputation E.

Produces and actively oversees a plan to ensure the public views the District favorably E.

As designated by the Superintendent, serves as the District spokesperson for media relations and crisis communications, including writing news releases and directly responding to media inquiries E.

Develops and manages a comprehensive District communications manual, including providing related training as requested E.

Works with the District and school site leaders to assist in developing an understanding of the District’s goals, objectives, policies, and programs as adopted by the Board of Education and Superintendent E.

Establishes and maintains collegial and professional working relationships with media representatives, arranging press conferences as necessary E.

Develops, writes, and produces various materials for distribution to the public and to District staff, as well as for public presentations, including newsletters, brochures, editorials, videos, web communications, speeches, and other materials as requested E.

Advises the Superintendent and District representatives on strategies in addressing crisis communications and assists with the development and release of such information E.

Promotes, publicizes, and assists with coordination of District activities, events and programs to the media and throughout the community and region E.

Supports responses to requests from the media and the public for public records information E.

Designs, develops and executes opportunities for students to serve as interns in the public relations/communications field(s) E.

Assists in maintaining and increasing the positive image and brand of the District E.

Reviews, copy edits and approves District external publications and social media E.

Attends and participates in a variety of meetings and events in the community with parents, business groups, and organizations to promote the District and share information about the District E.

Attends and participates in District and site meetings as requested E.

Acts as a liaison between site and/or District administrators in gathering and sharing factual information with the media and the community E.

Photographs, edits, and processes digital images in support of communication efforts, as well as catalogs official District images, videos, and assorted media E.

Plans and organizes special events, staff, and student recognitions, and special projects E.

Knowledge of:

Current issues and legislation affecting public education, including the California Education Code, as well as state and local laws. e.g., Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), CA Dashboard, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), California Public Records Act (CPRA); Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), fundamental principles of public relations and organizational marketing techniques; administrative and managerial components of school operations; fundamentals of writing, proofreading, composition, story layout, graphic design, infographics, photography, photo editing, and production of mass media communications; website strategy and management; legal mandates; policies, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to the distribution of news and public information; crisis communications management; social media strategy; media relations; desktop publishing techniques and applications. 

Ability to: 

Establish and maintain cooperative and tactful working relationships with elected officials, administrators, employees, the public, and media; speak effectively before a variety of audiences; handle communication activities during crises; write reports, news releases, and related data in a creative, clear, and concise manner for broad public appeal, as well as for specialized audiences; determine and retain privileged communications; comply with the District’s customer service standards, as outlined in Board Policy; work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends; maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field; proficiently use current technology for performance of duties, including a computer, mobile devices, and related applications and software; and other duties as assigned by the Superintendent. 

Education and Experience: 

Minimum of three years of experience as an education communication professional with extensive writing and speaking experience. Experience as a school site leader or working with school support organizations and students highly desirable but not required.

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in Journalism, Mass Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Broadcasting or closely related field required.

Minimum of three years of experience in a communications-related field, including experience using strategic social media and other technology for professional purposes, desktop publishing, photography, and videography.