Director of Communications & Marketing

South San Antonio Independent School District•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Director of Communications & Marketing leads and manages the school district’s information and marketing functions, promoting positive public relations between the district and its community. The position develops and implements communications programs for employees, parents, students, and community members to advance the Communications Department’s mission and inform the public about district activities, goals, and policies. It also develops fundraising strategies, cultivates donor and community partnerships, and secures financial and in-kind support for district programs and student opportunities. The role elevates the district’s vision across campuses and departments and encourages staff to think big, positive, and forward. The Director serves as the district’s information liaison and spokesperson, coordinates media coverage, oversees district publications and public information, and represents the district in community settings. The position plans district and community events, manages fundraising initiatives and donor relationships, oversees open records requests, develops and administers the department budget, and supervises assigned staff. It reports to the Deputy Superintendent and is an exempt position classified at pay grade AP6, with 226 work days. The role requires a flexible schedule, including work outside standard business hours on evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. It involves frequent district-wide and statewide travel, possible prolonged or irregular hours, frequent interruptions, and maintaining emotional control under stress. The position uses standard office equipment, a personal computer and peripherals, a camera, and a video camera. Physical demands include prolonged sitting, occasional bending or stooping, pushing or pulling, twisting, reaching, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and mouse use, and occasional lifting or carrying of less than 15 pounds.

Requirements

Three years of journalism or communications experience.
Excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees, parents, or members of the public.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district.
Thorough knowledge of media relations and public relations functions.
Ability to use software to develop spreadsheets, perform data analysis, and do word processing.
Satisfactory outcome of a fingerprinting background check; the employee pays a non-refundable fingerprinting fee of approximately $50.
Ability to work a flexible schedule outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Ability to travel frequently district-wide and statewide and to work prolonged or irregular hours as needed.
Ability to maintain emotional control under stress and work with frequent interruptions.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Journalism, Communications, or a related field (preferred).

Responsibilities

Serve as the information liaison between the school district and the community.
Act as district spokesperson and coordinate media coverage, including preparing press releases and submitting articles and photographs to local media and other publications.
Ensure public information, marketing, and fundraising support district goals and objectives.
Design, prepare, and edit district publications, including newsletters, recruitment brochures, special event programs, fundraising materials, and donor communications.
Represent the district on community committees as assigned.
Identify district and community needs, develop partnerships, and deliver presentations to civic organizations, businesses, and prospective donors.
Develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure financial and in-kind support for district programs and student opportunities.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, businesses, foundations, and community organizations.
Coordinate sponsorship requests, fundraising campaigns, and donor recognition.
Collaborate with district leadership and appropriate departments to align fundraising priorities with district needs and ensure compliance with applicable laws, board policies, and financial procedures.
Track fundraising activities and results, maintain accurate donor records, and communicate the impact of contributions to district leaders.
Collaborate with the South San Antonio ISD Foundation to coordinate fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and secure support for district programs and student opportunities.
Plan, organize, and lead district and community events that advance district goals, strengthen community partnerships, and promote family and stakeholder engagement, including District Convocation, the Community Block Party, and the Back-to-School Bash.
Attend and participate in district-wide school events, activities, and special functions.
Develop and publicize reports on district performance and clearly communicate district goals, objectives, and progress to stakeholders.
Comply with applicable federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, and local board policies.
Compile, maintain, and file required reports, records, and other documents accurately and within established timelines.
Adhere to district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Oversee administration of open records requests, ensuring timely responses and compliance with applicable requirements for fees, copies, redaction, and disclosure.
Consult district legal counsel as needed regarding open records requests, confidentiality, and information release.
Develop and administer the department budget based on documented needs and district priorities, ensuring cost-effective operations and responsible stewardship of district funds.
Select, train, supervise, and evaluate department staff, and make recommendations regarding assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
Develop and implement professional development opportunities and performance improvement plans to strengthen staff skills and ensure effective communications operations.