Strategic Communications Lead

Medford School District, 549C•Medford, OR

21h

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Director of Community Engagement, Communications & Partnerships, the Strategic Communications Lead is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications plans, producing content, managing digital and print communications, and supporting internal and external engagement initiatives. The Lead ensures the dissemination of consistent, accurate, and timely information across multiple channels and contributes to promoting the shared vision of the Medford School District. This position works in close collaboration with the Superintendent, Director of Community Engagement, Communications & Partnerships, Human Resources, and other executive leaders and is entrusted with highly sensitive and confidential information, including communications related to collective bargaining, personnel matters, and district-level strategy. The Strategic Communications Lead provides expert guidance on communications strategies, evaluates the effectiveness of messaging campaigns, and supports crisis, emergency, and labor-relations communications as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and experience in communications, public relations, or related fields.
Expertise in content creation for digital, social, and print media.
Knowledge of media relations, crisis communications, and community engagement strategies.
Ability to interact appropriately with teachers, staff, members of the community, school board members, and others, including vendors, law enforcement, and other agencies and students.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing fluently in English.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from students, parents, regulatory agencies, or community members.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to understand, apply and interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute complex communication projects.
General knowledge of computer usage and ability to use database software, internet software, e-mail, order processing software, spreadsheets, and word processing software.
Proficiency with communication software, web platforms, and analytics tools.
Ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders, including executive leadership, school-based staff, and community partners.
Ability to travel between district locations and to off-site events as needed.
Must speak clearly enough to be understood by others and understand the speech of another person—emotional stability to work effectively under pressure and control all aspects of the job.
A valid Oregon Driver's License is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a strategic communications role supporting executives or senior leadership as well as experience in K–12 public education and/or labor-relations or collective bargaining communications is preferred.
Certifications in communications or public relations preferred but not required.
Preference may be given to applicants fluent in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement internal and external communication plans aligned with district goals.
Ensure consistent and cohesive messaging across all district communications.
Plan, create, and execute communication products for initiatives, programs, events, campaigns, and community outreach.
Produce and manage content for print, digital, and multimedia platforms, including press releases, newsletters, web content, social media, videos, and graphics.
Evaluate communications strategies using analytics, feedback, and other assessment tools; recommend improvements to messaging, technology, and outreach methods.
Serve as a subject matter expert in strategic communications for district programs and initiatives.
Support crisis and emergency communications, including drafting alerts, talking points, and messages for families and staff.
Create content for district leadership, including letters, presentations, speeches, and public-facing materials.
Coordinate translation and accessibility of key messages to reach diverse, multi-lingual populations.
Monitor media coverage, educational trends, and public sentiment to inform communications strategy.
Build and maintain relationships with media, public agencies, community partners, and stakeholders.
Assist with the planning and execution of district-wide events, board meetings,town halls, and media activities.
Respond to public inquiries and provide guidance to support staff on communications matters.
Collaborate with the Superintendent, Human Resources, and the district bargaining team to develop communication strategies that support collective bargaining and labor-relations objectives.
Draft and manage confidential talking points, FAQs, and other internal communications related to labor negotiations, personnel matters, and board-level strategy.
Prepare communication materials that explain bargaining processes, timelines, and outcomes for internal and external audiences, in alignment with district strategy.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information, including but not limited to bargaining strategy, management proposals, executive-level deliberations, and personnel matters.
Serve as a trusted communications advisor to the Superintendent and Director of Communications and Community & Family Engagement on issues related to labor relations, negotiations, and other sensitive matters.