QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Public Relations/Journalism/Communications or related field is required. Master’s degree preferred.
• At least two to five (2-5) years of progressive experience in supporting the communications function for a large organization, preferably in an education setting
• Must possess strong project management skills to assess appropriate priorities and organize workload on multiple assignments.
• Exceptional oral, writing, proofreading and editing skills with a demonstrated ability to translate technical or complex subjects for general audiences.
• Minimum Five years of supervisory experience.
• High energy level and an ability to interact with people around the clock as a frontline representative of the district.
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products (e.g. Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), Publications software, and Web design is required.

Skills and Knowledge

·         Ability to demonstrate excellent decision making and communication skills especially during crisis situations.

·         Ability to make firm decisions in the areas of responsibility and delegate responsibility to members of the staff.

·         Knowledge of public relations practices and ability to present information in an accurate and persuasive manner.

·         Ability to become conversant quickly related to the District’s diverse organization and key projects.

·         Ability to be a team player and work will all levels of the DPS staff.

·         Ability to prioritizing multiple projects.

·         Ability to work effectively with students, parents and the general public.

• Experience in multi-level communications, marketing, public relations and media relations activities, including print and electronic communications preferred.
• Ability to research on the Internet, Web-site design and use, and other on-line research tools for community engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and to work flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends.

MEMBER OF:

District Leadership Team

Elementary/ Secondary/General Cabinet

Other Committees as Needed

MAINTAINS LIAISON WITH:

Board of Education

Superintendent

Assistant Superintendent

Director of Human Resources

All Administrators

Teachers and Classified Employees

Print and Electronic Media

Decatur Public Schools Foundation

Community and Civic Organizations

Other Education Entities

PURPOSE:

        To develop, design, implement, supervise and continually evaluate the components of the District Strategic Plan related to Community Engagement, including marketing the District and utilizing Channel 22 as a priority-making tool.  Using leadership, supervisory and administrative skills promote the educational development of every student.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

 (The following are the essential fundamentals to include but not limited to the following job duties.)

·         Direct all communications activities for the district, including public relations, print, audio, broadcast, and electronic media

·         Administers Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, and Board-Employee Agreements at the central administrative level.

·         Supervises assigned staff and provides professional development opportunities.

·         Keep up with current developments, research and literature in the field of secondary and elementary education, and alternative programs.

·         Preparation of federal, state, and local reports as required.

·         Studies the ever-changing educational needs of the district to assist in the development of staff training programs to meet those needs.

·         Assesses the needs of the community; plans and develops programs according to school system goals and service needs; assists staff in effectively implementing programs; monitors the overall effectiveness of programs; makes changes as necessary.

·         Works collaboratively with the District staff and other youth serving organizations to facilitate the development and delivery of youth training on special topics requested by the District and children services systems stakeholders, including workshops related to policy and practice standards, and other topics as requested.

·         Serves as a liaison between the district and other educational agencies in the development, coordination, and implementation of new programs for instructional improvement, including grant funding.

·         Coordinate Community Engagement forums and use the information gleaned from those meetings to develop and implement a community engagement plan, with input from key stakeholders. Periodically survey public opinion regarding the District and/or current issues in education.

·         Routinely attend school events/programs to generate newsletter stories.

·         Develop the District Calendar, District Handbooks and District Directory. Supervise the sale of advertising space for District 61 Calendar and other publications

·         Serve as community engagement counselor to the Superintendent and Board of Education and staff members, including speech writing, and counseling regarding probable public relations relating to shifts in existing programs and policies, etc.

·         Maintain continued education of professional practices in the field and affiliate with the appropriate organizations.

·         Serve as a liaison person between the district and the news media.

·         Assist in reporting to the schools and the public clear and valid student achievement information and other indicators of success.

·         Participate in district meetings and other meetings as are required or appropriate.

·         Monitors the community engagement budget, expenditures and ensures adherence to administrative procedures; plans and secures resources for programs in cooperation with the Superintendent and staff.

·         Perform other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

                        Salary is based upon salary schedule established by the Board of Education.

EVALUATION:    

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to compare, analyze, communicate, coordinate, instruct, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate. The employee frequently is required to compute. The employee occasionally is required to copy.