Director of Communications

Franklin Cty•Frankfort, KY

About The Position

Provides administrative leadership for the development and implementation of a comprehensive and dynamic branding and communications strategy for the district. Serves as the strategic coordinator for all internal and external communications, including social media, district and school websites, email communications, and interaction with traditional media like newspapers and television. Supports and advises schools on how to best communicate with staff, parents, students, and community. Responsible for capturing district activities through various media including print, digital, and video.

Requirements

Strong media relations background, including a range of experience representing an organization with print, radio and broadcast media.
Broad knowledge of Kentucky public educational programs, services, policies and issues.
Interpersonal skills necessary to positively promote the District to families, community groups, media, and the general public.
Experience building and maintaining strategic community partnerships that advance the mission of an organization and promote positive goodwill in the community.
Written and computer skills necessary to create internal and external District communications and publications.
Analytical ability to plan the content and tone of District communications and publications for a variety of audiences.
Demonstrated success in managing an organization’s presence on social media.
Bachelor’s degree required.

Nice To Haves

Any combination equivalent to: bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism or related field.
Three (3) successful years directing a public relations/information office, with background experience in the public relations/communications area, and evidence of academic excellence and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership for planning and prioritizing the District’s communications and public relations strategies that ensure accurate information is communicated clearly and succinctly to all stakeholders
Supports all areas of the system in order to present a unified, coherent message to its various audiences through an integrated communication approach including (1) Identifying and coordinating opportunities to communicate the philosophy and mission of the District to community partners and the larger community; (2) Developing relationships with key stakeholder organizations and businesses to foster a positive image of the District and form strategic partnerships that advance the organization’s mission; (3) Developing programming that promotes a community voice in the District’s decision- making process and encourages active community involvement in fulfilling the District’s goals and objectives; (4) Planning, coordinating and executing a variety of programs, events, and activities to strengthen the relationship between the District and the community; and (5) Regularly attending internal and external community events, oftentimes outside of traditional business hours.
Responsible for leading all media relations activities, including (1) Serving as the primary responder to media inquiries; (2) Developing and maintaining relationships with the media representing the District’s community; (3) Identifying and pursuing opportunities to promote the mission, priorities, and interests of the District through media interviews and editorials and (4) Ensuring releases/communications to media are accurate and time sensitive and build positive relationships.
Manages the District’s digital media presence, (1) Developing a district-wide strategy for expanded social media activity; (2) Serving as the primary manager of the District’s social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube; and (3) Supporting schools in using social media to effectively promote their impact and foster mutually beneficial community partnerships.
Develops and implements high-quality communications and marketing programs and publications that effectively promote the District's services by (1) Planning and producing the content and tone of community-facing publications; (2) Developing various communications from the Superintendent’s Office for distribution to the community at- large; and (3) Managing and working with external contractors, designers, and partners to develop communications materials.
Develops engagement strategies to ensure that all parts of the community are engaged with the District.
Coordinates the work of any communications staff and external communications firms contracted by the district by (1) Developing and implementing departmental goals, operational standards, policies, procedures and project plans consistent with the goals and plans of the District; (2) Revising departmental work systems and procedures as necessary to improve the efficiency and productivity of the department; (3) Preparing the annual communications budget for approval by the Superintendent; and (4) Monitoring and ensuring expenditures are within the approved budget and initiating appropriate action to correct significant variances as necessary.
Develops the operating budget for the organizational unit and assures that all functions operate within the appropriated allotment
Represents the District’s community relations interests as it relates to school board action by (1) Attending all board meetings and providing input when necessary; (2) Facilitating and presenting board meeting student spotlights; and (3) Issuing press releases or statements to communicate important board action or respond to public comment given during a board meeting.
Serves as a member of the district leadership team and participates in creating and finalizing district related policies.
Serves as spokesperson for the Board and Superintendent in crisis situations when assigned.
Develops and coordinates advertising campaigns for the district.
Manages the district’s presence in social media.
Assists the district’s Energizer positions in maintaining the district’s and schools’ websites.
Attends after school and evening events when required.
Evaluates employees as assigned
Acts as community relations liaison among central office, schools, teachers, parents, and the community-at-large.
Attends board meetings and prepares such reports for the board as the Superintendent may request.
Supports and serves as a resource to principals to assist in effective communications
Completes other duties assigned by the Superintendent.