Senior Communications Officer - Berkeley Unified School District

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under direction of the District Superintendent or designee, serve as district’s spokesperson, district media liaison, and coordinator of communications and public information; plan, organize, direct and implement proactive communication strategies, special events, programs, and initiatives to inform and engage the district’s employees, parents, and broader community; oversee the content and effectiveness of the district’s print and electronic communication vehicles including publications, websites, telephone/email alert systems, and social networking media; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Serve as district spokesperson, district media liaison, and coordinator of communications and public information; plan, organize, and direct proactive communication strategies, programs, and initiatives to inform and engage the district’s employees, parents, and broader community.
• Lead and oversee the development, design, and production of publications including but not limited to visual presentations, internal and external websites, social media, newsletters, brochures, digital marketing, advertising, and surveys.
• Assist in the development of District and issue-specific communication strategies.
• Attend Board of Education meetings and advise the Board and administration on matters relating to community opinions toward the District and its programs.
• Lead, plan, and organize special events, activities, and marketing to enhance District public information; represent the District at community events/meeting as necessary.
• Assist in the development of District and issue-specific communication strategies, including response strategy during emergencies, critical incidents, and high-profile situations; coordinate with law enforcement and public safety organizations as needed; provide advice and assistance to the Superintendent and other district leaders on addressing communication regarding sensitive and/or confidential matters; support principals and site leaders during critical incidents, including coordinating and implementing a timely communications strategy; function as a lead member of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team. 
• Analyze district communication metrics for effectiveness including reach, engagement, tone and issue coverage and provide leadership in improving the process.
• Convene and coordinate the work of the Superintendent’s Communications Team (including Technology, Superintendent’s Office, Specialists, translators, and contractors) to ensure prioritized planning and completion of projects.
• Manage the work of district communications staff to ensure quality control, effectiveness and accuracy in the preparation and dissemination of all print publications and electronic communication platforms, including graphic, publishing, and writing support as well as translation/interpretation staff and contracts; ensure communications are provided to the community in multiple languages as appropriate.
• Collaborate with District leaders around Public Records Act requests and responses in accordance with the California Public Records Act; collaborate with District leaders, Board of Education members and staff to receive, review and provide records in accordance with law; consult with District legal counsel to develop response strategies.
• Maintain professional relationships with newspapers and other media representatives.
• Research and writes articles and speeches for use by the Superintendent, Board of Education members, and other staff as needed.
• Seek out and cultivate news and information resources for developing stories that reflect the district’s positive efforts for transparency and community outreach.
• Collect information and prepare news releases, including appropriate photographs and videos for mass media as well as special publications for student and staff recognition.
• Coordinate and distribute information to District administrators, employees, the public, and media regarding the district’s programs, policies, events, activities, accomplishments, and related key messages.
• Provide input and oversee district website content and social media communication to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy of information.
• Manage and coordinate the public information pages in conformance with federal and state regulations and district policy.
• Participate in the development of the annual budget for communications and public information in the district; analyze and review the budget and financial data on a continuous basis and maintain appropriate expenditures in accordance with established limitations.
• Coordinate specialized committees, as assigned, including reviewing permanent art installations at school/district sites.

Other Duties

?  Perform related duties as assigned.