DESCRIPTION: Medford Public Schools is seeking a dynamic communications professional to design and lead the execution of a comprehensive communications strategy for the school district. The Communications Director will provide direction and expertise to build capacity at all levels of the school district for keeping families, students, staff, and other community stakeholders informed and engaged. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to disseminate clear messages and compelling stories through a broad array of channels.

QUALIFICATIONS: Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field At least 2 years of relevant experience in strategic communication, public relations, marketing, or related fields
• Demonstrated skill in the design and execution of strategies to improve both internal and external communication Preferred:
• Master’s Degree
• Experience in K-12 public education
• Bilingual/biliterate
• Working knowledge of the Medford Public Schools and/or the City of Medford

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Medford Public Schools District Communications Director will create and manage effective communication strategies for the school district using multiple approaches and varied multimedia tools and resources to support students, staff, and families at all levels. Using modern communications tools and platforms, the Communications Director will develop communications for external and internal stakeholders The Communications Director will be directly responsible for mass media announcements, maintaining the Medford Public School District websites, planning events and press conferences, communicating with media, managing media inquiries and arranging interviews, and building brand awareness for the district.

MUST DEMONSTRATE ABILITY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Outstanding writing and communications skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a collaborative manner
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that requires multi-tasking
• Ability to make judgments and complete work products under strict timelines successfully
• Organization and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Operate in Microsoft Office and Google Suite environments
• Assimilate new technology through self-learning

SPECIFIC DUTIES: Develop and Implement Strategic Communications Plan - details here

• Crisis / Emergency Communications - Provide leadership and coordinate internal and external communications during emergency and crisis situations, such as school safety concerns or severe weather announcements; Develop, review, and adjust crisis communications plan; Craft/send messages to keep parents and staff informed during and after emergency situations.
• Regular Community Outreach – Organize, write, and distribute regular communications throughout the district including press releases, blog posts, web and social media content, e-newsletters, media responses, and other outreach.
• Annual Report – Compile information for the District’s Annual Report.
• School Committee Communications – Post School Committee documents before and after every meeting.
• Website – Responsible for content and ADA Compliance. Approve all ads before they are posted on the web to make sure they are in line with the District’s values. Regularly review and update the district’s online calendar.
• Social Media - Develop and post all content for the District’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.
• Media Relations - Write news releases/send out photos to local media outlets and work with media on story ideas. Serve as District spokesperson and media point of contact
• Branding – Collaborate across the district and with the City to ensure all signage, letterhead, and other marketing materials are current and in line with the district’s branding.
• Events & Community Relations - Coordinate special events; Encourage support for the district from current and former district and city stakeholders.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Schedule Flexibility: Occasional evening and/or weekend hours to cover meetings, events, or issues that may arise.
• Ability to work in sometimes stressful or emergency situations to effectively and calmly communicate with all district stakeholders.
• Ability to meet deadlines and take initiative.
• Ability to deal effectively, fairly, and courteously with all people in a variety of environments.
• Natural ability to collaborate and build relationships with multiple stakeholders, both internally and externally.

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Twelve-month work year; non-bargaining salary commensurate with education and experience with a starting salary range of $70,000-$90,00

The Medford Public Schools does not discriminate against students, parents, employees or the general public on the basis of race, color, sex, homeless status, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or age. In addition to the protected classes identified and in regard to employment practices, the Medford Public Schools also does not discriminate based on genetic information, ancestry or status as a veteran.