Chief Communications Officer - Mesquite Independent School District

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

• To develop and implement a marketing strategic plan that will positively impact student enrollment in MISD. The Chief Communications Officer responsible for all MISD communications. This means working collaboratively with the Leadership Team and other key stakeholders and setting the vision for and leading the Communications Team, including internal communications, media relations, social media, MISD external and internal websites, marketing, strategic communications and multicultural outreach and language services. The incumbent plans and conducts a broad information program concerning public education and all functions and services of the school system, so as to better articulate the appropriate messages.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalency required in communications, English, public relations, journalism, marketing or related field.
• Master’s Degree or equivalent experience and professional development in communications, marketing, public policy administration or related field preferred

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Current public education trends, issues and research
• Current literature and best practices in public relations, marketing, communications, community relations and public affairs
• Federal, state and local regulatory requirements applicable to MISD communications and community outreach programs
• District functions, policies, rules, regulations, goals and objectives
• Marketing and communications theory, principles, practices and strategies
• Public institution administration and education administration strategies
• Diversity, sensitivity, and competence with regard to issues of race, learning or other ability, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, socio-economic group, sexuality or other orientations or cultural markers
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
• Budget development and administration
• Computer software, hardware, and related technology
• Develop and implement comprehensive public relations strategies and activities
• Generate print and broadcast media coverage
• Establish strong partnerships across organizations and develop powerful messages for different constituencies including parent, staff and community members
• Become conversant quickly in MISD’s work and to communicate with experts
• Work on issue-based communications and/or policy advocacy through messaging, positioning, media and communications strategy, journalism, branding and constituent engagement
• Manage and lead the Communications Department efficiently and effectively
• Effectively plan, organize, and implement a comprehensive internal and external communications program
• Assess, evaluate and enhance formal, informal, internal and external communications programs
• Maintain sensitive and confidential communications
• Work independently in a variety of situations often requiring extensive contact with local public leaders, local media representatives, community members and special interest groups

EXPERIENCE:

• Accomplished strategic communications experience, preferably with experience at a public agency, or with a large, complex organization

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Serve as chief communication strategist on MISD initiatives, goals and priorities with focus on forward-looking message and communications planning
• Communicate and represent the District’s vision and perspective internally and to the general public/community, as designated by the Superintendent
• Build and maintain public support for public education and the school system in collaboration with the Superintendent, Superintendent’s Cabinet, Executive Staff, and MISD administration
• Lead strong, vision-focused, service-oriented team of professionals across all aspects of media, internal and external communications, multi-cultural outreach, web design and communications and marketing
• Develop, direct, and evaluate the District’s public relations, marketing, crisis communications, and public affairs strategy; execute effective campaigns/programs on a local, state, and national basis, with major emphasis on employee communications and communications between the District and the community
• Serve as public relations counsel and advisor to the Superintendent, and serve on the Superintendent’s Cabinet and Executive Staff
• Provide professional public relations counsel and assistance to MISD administration and the Board of Education pursuant to Board Policies and Administrative Regulations
• Assist in problem solving between and among offices in issues involving the Superintendent’s input, and represent the Superintendent on teams for large-scale projects and District-wide initiatives with major employee and community impacts
• Plan and administer District-wide functions as designated by the Superintendent
• Work collaboratively with administrators, staff members, and community volunteers in planning/developing public relations programs and strategies for both one-way and two-way communications with diverse constituents
• Lead the development and delivery of news to broadcast, print, and online media to create media coverage of the school District on a daily basis
• Organize press conferences and the release of information to the media and the public
• Develop processes and systems for garnering public input and support on key initiatives and issues
• Create and implement a marketing program that enhances MISD’s image in the eye of the public and elected officials, as well as the corporate and grant community, with a recognizable “brand” reflective of a school district on an upward trajectory
• Provide analysis of results, and recommend public relations/marketing strategies and tactics
• Manage the development and production of District marketing communications, including print and electronic publications, collateral materials, presentations, website content, social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, new media productions, advertising, media relations, and television broadcasts for staff and the community
• Perform related duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Communications Executive Directors, Coordinators, Graphic Artists and Administrative Assistants
• KEOM

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

• Remaining focused in crisis situations, maintaining emotional control and making multiple decisions while coping with stressful situations.

Physical demands/environmental factors:

• In-District and Statewide travel.
• Prolonged and irregular hours.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.

Employment Begins: July 1, 2024 - 226 Days

The Mesquite Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by law.