Director of Public Relations and Communications

Job Title:

Director of Public Relations and Communications

Job Summary:

The Community Relations Coordinator leads the District's branding and marketing efforts,

coordinates and publicizes achievements, and garners community support for the

District's mission and goals.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field

Three to five years in marketing, communications, or public relations field preferred

Experience in education or the public sector preferred

Valid Driver's License

Reports to:

Superintendent or Designee

Terms of Employment:

This full-time position has an annual salary range of $75,000 - $115,000 set by the Board of Education. The superintendent will determine the work calendar.

Compensation and Benefits:

The Director of Public Relations and Communications' compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance and a $300,000 term life insurance policy. The position offers paid vacation, sick, and personal leave days annually, with tuition reimbursement. The Board provides a monthly allowance for cellular phone and travel expenses, a yearly wellness allowance, and membership dues for up to two professional
organizations.

FLSA:

Exempt

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists the Superintendent in all facets of communications and community relations, concerning the Board of Education and the District, including promoting the District's Strategic Goals.

Collects data from all stakeholders to measure satisfaction and areas of perceived performance improvement.

Provides public relations counsel, taking a proactive stance. Anticipates problems and provides solutions.

Prepares news releases for all local newspapers/TV/radio; secures media coverage for the school district news. Serves as the media's liaison with the school district.

Publicizes student and staff achievement; coordinates district recognition events.

Provides public relations training to staff.

Attends district and community events designated by the Superintendent, which may require flexible hours.

Responds to urgent and emergency communication needs after hours.

Participates in appropriate local, state, and national organizations dedicated to improving school public relations and community outreach coordinator skills.

Prepares communications for Board recognition, prepares certificates of recognition, documents, and presents monthly reports for and attends meetings of the Board of Education.

Oversees, reviews, and updates the Annual District Communication Plan, which includes priority events.

Supports district administrators and other staff members, as appropriate, in publicizing and promoting performances, athletic events, exhibitions, displays, dedications or special programs.

Photographs school events and activities as directed and prioritized by the Annual District Communication Plan.

Communicates monthly with district administration and Board of Education on planned coverage.

Collaborates with the Communications Specialist to create short videos, podcasts, and live broadcasts highlighting events, initiatives, and people within the school community.

Collaborates with the Communications Specialist, designs and writes district publications, including email campaigns, newsletters, brochures, direct mail, annual reports, and other documents as needed.

Writes regular news stories for the district website and press releases for local media.

Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars to convey or gather information required to perform job functions.

Acts as one of the District's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers to receive and prepare responses to requests.

Ensures the confidentiality of personnel and student records and information.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must demonstrate service commitment to Harvard CUSD 50
• Must maintain positive and respectful relationships with other employees and the general public
• Must demonstrate practical communication skills
• Must listen to the opinions of others considering them in decision making
• Must be able to build relationships with all staff members while promoting a team-oriented environment, and maintaining a high standard of accountability
• Must stay current with issues about public education in Illinois and nationally
• Must demonstrate advanced word processing skills, familiarity with website content management systems, knowledge of electronic newsletters, and proficiency in software related to the communications position

Physical Demands:

The physical demands of this position include frequent sitting and standing for extended periods. Depending on the assignment, the employee may occasionally lift, push, pull, and move up to 50 pounds. Repetitive bending at the waist and kneeling, stooping, and crouching to assist students are also required. Employees may reach overhead as well as above the shoulders and horizontally. Driving to and from events in each building and our community locations

ADA:

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

This job description is intended to describe the minimum qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of employees assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The District reserves the right to amend and change the position responsibilities to meet District needs as necessary.