Job Title: Director of Communications

Reports to: Superintendent
Pay Grade:  AP6  
Days: 226

Dept./School: Communications Department
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt        

 

*This position requires a flexible work schedule and the ability to work outside of standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to meet operational and business requirements.             

Primary Purpose: 

Strategically promote positive public relations between the school district and community. Lead and manage the district information and marketing functions to ensure legally sound and effective communication practices. Develop and implement employee, parent, student, and community communications progams that advance the mission of the Communications Department and inform the public about district activities, goals, and policies. Develop and coordinate fundraising strategies, cultivate donor and community partnerships, and secure financial support for district programs and student opportunites. Elevate the district's vision across all campuses and departments, and inspire staff to think big, think positive, and think forward. 

 

Qualifications: 

Education/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Journalism, Communications, or related field (preferred)
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fingerprinting fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee

Experience:

• Three years journalism or communications experience 

Special Knowledge/Skills: 

• Excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees, parents, or the public
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district
• Thorough knowledge of media relations and public relations functions
• Ability to use software to develop spreadsheets, perform data analysis, and do word processing

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Public and Community Relations 

• Serve as the information liaison between the school district and the community. Act as district spokesperson and coordinate media coverage including preparing press releases and submitting articles and photographs to the local media and other publications.
• Ensure that public information, marketing, and fundraising support district goals and objectives.
• Design, prepare, and edit district publications including newsletters, recruitment brochures, special event programs, fundraising materials, and donor communications. 
• Represent the district on community committees as assigned. Identify district and community needs, develop partnerships, and deliver presentations to civic organizations, businesses, and prospective donors.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure financial and in-kind support for district programs and student opportunities.
• Cultivate and maintian relationships with donors, businesses, foundations, and community organizations. Cooordinate sponsorship requests, fundraising campaigns, and donor recognition. 
• Collaborate with district leadership and appropriate departments to align fundraising priorities with district needs and ensure compliance with applicable laws, board policies, and financial procedures.
• Track fundraising activities and results, maintain accurate donor records, and communicate the impact of contributions to district leaders.
• Collaborate with the South San Antonio ISD Foundation to coordinate fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and secure support for district programs and student opportunities.
• Plan, organize, and lead district and community events that advance district goals, strengthen community partnerships, and promote family and stakeholder engagement, including but not limited to District Convocation, the Community Block Party, and the Back-to-School Bash.
• Attendance and participation at district-wide school events, activities, and special functions are an essential requirement of this position.

Policies, Reports, and Law

• Develop and publicize reports on district performance and clearly communicate district goals, objectives, and progress to stakeholders.
• Comply with applicable federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, and local board policies.
• Compile, maintain, and file all required reports, records, and other documents accurately and within established timelines.
• Adhere to district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Open Records Request

• Oversees the administration of open records requests, ensuring timely responses and compliance with applicable requirements for fees, copies, redaction, and disclosure. 
• Consult with district legal counsel as needed for guidance on open records requests, confidentiality, and the release of information.

Budget 

• Develop and administer the department budget based on documented needs and district priorities, ensuring cost-effective operations and responsible stewardshop of district funds. 

Personnel Management

• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate department staff, and make recommendations regarding assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Develop and implement professional development opportunities and performance improvement plans to strengthen staff skills and ensure effective communications operations.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervision of assigned staff 

Working Conditions:  

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; camera; video camera
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. 
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district-wide and statewide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

The Superintendent reserves the right to waive any requirements for any qualified applicant. Not all applicants will be interviewed. Your resume, letter of interest, and other available information will be considered in the screening process.