Position Title
Chief Communications Officer-Estimated start date 07/01/2024...
Responsible To
Superintendent of Schools
Job Classification
Classified position, 239-day employee-at-will
FLSA Status: Exempt
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, or mass communications preferred. Graduate degree in a related field is desirable. Minimum of five (5) years experience in marketing, communications or public relations field with demonstrated success.
Experience
Minimum of five (5) years experience in marketing, communications or public relations field with demonstrated success.
Essential Functions
Provides vision and leadership in the planning, development and implementation of all of the Organization’s marketing strategies, communications and public relations activities, both internal and external. Develops and drives the implementation of the system’s overall strategic communication/public relations program to include media relations, marketing, community relations, government affairs, public presentation, web-based media, graphics, public information, publications, intellectual property, brand identity, and special events. Coordinates at the strategic and tactical levels with other functions of the organization in providing communication services to the district, each department and the schools. Stays abreast of and leverages social networking trends in the distribution of district communications.
As a member of the school district's cabinet team, applies solid strategic thinking to leverage all modes of communication to support organizational priorities and deliver clear and consistent messaging to employees, the public, and policy makers.
Connect and engage others in the creation and delivery of the Marietta Difference.
Principal Accountability Areas
• Responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of:
• a comprehensive strategic marketing, communications and public relations program that will enhance the Organization’s image and position within the community and the general public, and facilitate internal and external communications; and,
• all organization marketing, communications and public relations activities and materials including publications, media relations.
• Serves as the system’s primary media contact, ensures regular contact with target media, and coordinates and provides appropriate response to media requests, produces and distributes news releases and media alerts.
• Responsible for editorial direction, design, production and distribution of MCS publications using a variety of media.
• Coordinates the appearance (i.e., branding) of all MCS print and electronic materials such as letterhead, use of logo, brochures, etc.
• Provides oversight of district publications to ensure consistency of messaging and quality of product and articulation of desired image and position to all stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Initiates and coordinates situation reporting and information delivery to internal and external audiences.
• Fosters two-way communication and collaboration between the system and its various constituent groups. Solicits feedback through formal and informal means on activities, products and purposes of the communications/public relations program and the school district in general.
• Provides logistical support for district events and activities.
• Provides public relations guidance and support to the district’s administration, school board, schools, and school governance groups.
• Coordinates and provides support for school based communications.
• Supervises and manages all school district Web site content.
• Maintains accurate records and functions as district historian.
• Develops and administers the Public Relations and Communications Department budget.
• Manages, monitors, and evaluates Communications Department personnel.
• Organizes and facilitates district recognition programs for employees and students.
• Conducts information campaigns for district elections and bond referendums.
• Drafts speech and presentation content for a variety of audiences and purposes.
• Coordinates with district administrators and other staff members to promote school and district events (i.e. performances, exhibitions, displays, recognitions, dedications or special programs).
• Captures and communicates district accolades and accomplishments.
Information Liaison
• Serves as information liaison between the school system and the community at large, represents the district within various community organizations.
• Serves as legislative liaison and liaison for the Partners in Education program.
• Serves as district information liaison for Open Records and Production of Documents requests, develops responses and secures responsive documents in collaboration with district legal counsel, Superintendent, and department administrators.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by the Superintendent.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications and public relations activities
• Demonstrated success writing press releases, making presentations and negotiating/managing media relations
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical and organizational skills
• Exceptional communications skills – verbal and written
• Advanced multi-media literacy/familiarity and working knowledge
• Working knowledge of internal and external public relations program
• Experience in planning, implementing, evaluating, budgeting and personnel management.
• Accreditation by the National School Public Relations Association or Public Relations Society of America or equivalent professional organization preferred, but not required
• Ability to multi-task essential
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, stand and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision. Occasionally, yet essential to this position, the individual must meet deadlines with severe time constraints, interacting with the public and other workers. The position requires the employee to work irregular or extended hours, direct responsibility for the safety, well-being or work output of other people and multi-task.
Work Environment
Professional environment, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
Application Procedures
Applicants are asked to request a minimum of three (3) confidentially submitted electronic reference surveys via the online application process and provide copies of college transcripts.
Nondiscrimination Statement
The Board of Education of the City of Marietta does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or gender in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public
Marietta GA USA