Director of Strategic Communications and Governmental Affairs - Educational Services Center

Cherry Creek Schools•Denver, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Support and execute a comprehensive strategy to inform, educate and engage the community about the Cherry Creek School District bond program. Work with District leaders and partners to advance and achieve CCSD’s governmental affairs objectives in support of students. Serve as a member of the Administration Council (AdCo).

Requirements

Criminal background check and fingerprinting required
Bachelor's degree in public relations or similar field
Five (5) years of professional work experience in communications
Basic knowledge of typical office equipment such as telephones, copiers, fax machines, email, etc.
Intermediate organizational skills
Intermediate presentation skills in a variety of settings
Intermediate team development skills
Advanced verbal and written communication skills
Advanced problem-solving skills
Advanced interpersonal relations and teamwork skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others
Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and meet deadlines
Ability to use judgment and make sound decisions
Ability to stay abreast of education trends in public school districts
Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with parents/guardians and community members to resolve educational concerns
Ability to apply inclusive and equitable leadership practices and related expectations within a comprehensive goal and supervision plan
Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator
Ability to promote and follow the Board of Education policies, District policies, and building and department procedures, protocols, and guidelines

Nice To Haves

Minimum of five years of experience in governmental/legislative affairs, public relations, strategic communications, or related field
Minimum of three years of experience in media relations
Strong writing skills
Experience with social media content creation and posting
Experience working in the public sector
Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Racially conscious and culturally competent with the skill, will, capacity, and knowledge to commit to a culture of continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Design and execute a comprehensive strategic communications plan to inform and engage a broad range of stakeholders about the CCSD bond program. Create content, write updates, and coordinate information campaigns about bond progress and completed projects.
Help direct state and federal legislative strategy to ensure strong advocacy for CCSD positions and positive outcomes for all K-12 students in Colorado. Manage legislative relationship and implement reactive and proactive advocacy efforts. Engage with media on these issues.
Build coalition and grassroots advocacy efforts in pursuit of legislative objectives. Track relevant legislation and activities at the local, state and federal level that impacts the district on an ongoing basis. Serve as liaison between city and county public officials and maintain consistent communication about district activities.
Strengthen positive relationships with the surrounding business community, service and civic organizations, parent engagement groups, and school community leaders across the CCSD community. Identify stakeholder opportunities and successfully implement timely interviews, op-eds, or letters to the editor to engage district champions and demonstrate third-party support for the district.
Identify and execute visibility and thought leadership opportunities for the Superintendent and Board of Education within the CCSD community and K-12 education in Colorado. Support Superintendent in providing regular updates to community organizations and stakeholders.
Provide support for Crisis Communications including sending messages through the district’s mass communication platform.
Help lead communications and community relations efforts on future capital bond or budget campaigns.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.