Chief Communications Officer

Administration - District Office - Communications & Marketing

Job Number 0000761656

Start Date

Open Date 03/10/2025

Closing Date

ROLE AND PURPOSE: The Chief Communications Officer is a strategic leader responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that enhances the district's reputation and strengthens relationships with stakeholders. This position oversees all aspects of communications, including media relations, marketing, crisis communications, social media, community engagement, and governmental relations. The CCO demonstrates strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the public education experience. They work closely with district and school-level administrators and community partners to promote a positive and collaborative culture that pursues the Arlington ISD vision and priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public relations, Communications or English
• Master's degree in Journalism, Public relations, Communications or English preferred

Minimum Experience:

• Five years' experience in leading marketing and communication functions or media teams
• Experience in public education is preferred.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Demonstrated leadership skills; experience in coaching and developing others.
• Ability to work collaboratively with district and school level administration.
• Broad based understanding of the legislative process.
• Superior public speaking ability.
• Proven public relations and communications planning and evaluation skills.
• Purpose driven individual with a genuine interest in public education issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work with electronic and print media.
• Excellent journalistic and speech writing skills.
• Experience in developing print and electronic publications.
• Expertise in fully identifying salient points on complex matters, issues and events.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully network with internal and external audiences.
• Familiarity with the Texas Open Records Act and laws pertaining to information privacy.
• Demonstrated proofreading and editing skills - must be proficient in AP style.
• Demonstrated skill in special events planning, coordination and evaluation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of graphic design and photography.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, MS Office Suite, etc.
• Demonstrated skill in social networking programs and software.
• Ability to design and present information to the Board of Trustees and other stakeholder audiences.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

I. INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT

Promote and pursue district goals as they apply to the daily operation of the school district.

Promotes positive school and community relations.

Provides management oversight and coordination for the functions of the communication and family and engagement departments.

II. SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION CLIMATE

Models behavior that promotes a positive organizational and school climate.

Communicates and promotes high expectations for staff and students in an enabling, supportive way; provides proper recognition of excellence and achievement.

Assists in articulating and interpreting the mission, vision, goals, and strategic plan for the district.

Provides effective communication with staff, media, community and Board of Trustees.

III. SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

Demonstrates a strong commitment to the vision and priorities of the district by actively contributing to the achievement of district-wide goals.

Work closely with the Superintendent and district leaders in planning for, promoting and monitoring continuous improvement in district staff performance.

Apply the principle of continuous improvement to all programs, processes and procedures related to position functions.

Plan short and long-term strategies, objectives and priorities for the department in collaboration with staff and with input from teachers, principals and other administrative staff.

Assist in the district's annual comprehensive needs assessment and in the development of the district's strategic and improvement plan.

Works well with others by contributing ideas and respecting diverse perspectives, ensuring that team objectives are met with collective input.

Demonstrate a dedication to personal and professional growth by consistently seeking opportunities to improve processes, skills, and outcomes.

IV. ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT

Develop and manage the department annual budget.

Assist the superintendent and other administrative senior staff members in preparing information for school district elections.

Conduct workshops in public relations and communications for school personnel as needed with an emphasis on training campus leaders to become effective and inspiring communicators.

V. STUDENT MANAGEMENT

Assists principals and staff with thoughtful communication systems that promote the districts programs and student recognitions.

VI. SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Represent the district on a variety of boards, councils, committees and commissions.

Assess and address the evolving needs of the district community, ensuring the organization's programs and initiatives are responsive to those needs. Work collaboratively with community leaders and stakeholders to develop and implement community-focused solutions.

Demonstrate commitment to the promoting the vision and priorities of the district through highly-effective professional communication practices.

Works with the community to build a positive perception of the district's budget, bond programs, financial practices, and strategic plan.

Assists the superintendent with legislative activities and the district response to proposed legislation.

Prepares and presents oral and written presentations to the school board.

VII. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Assumes personal responsibility for enhancing competencies through staff development, professional organization membership and active participation in professional conferences and reading of current literature.

Exhibits personal leadership skills characterized by good judgment and logical thinking.

Continually improves and updates knowledge of innovative and effective practices in communications, marketing, governmental relations, and public relations.

Exhibits maturity and emotional control.

Is punctual and dependable in carrying out assignments.

Adheres to professional channels of communication.

Engage with educational policies, work closely with governmental bodies, and contribute to shaping the future of education in Texas.

VIII. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Keep departmental staff sharply focused on service.

Responsible for overseeing the development and execution of all communication, marketing, public relations, and governmental relations strategies within an organization.

Maintain departmental alignment of activities with the Arlington ISD vision and priorities.

IX. MISCELLANEOUS

Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

X. MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer/peripherals; standard instructional equipment.

Posture: Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping

Motion: Moderate walking

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress, with frequent interruptions.

Duty Days 243

Pay Grade Admin Prof 11