Director of External Communications

$93,485 - $93,485/Yr

Aldine Independent School District - Houston, TX

Full-time - Director

Houston, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of External Communications at Aldine Independent School District is responsible for developing and executing strategic media strategies to enhance the district's image and manage communications during crises. This role involves fostering relationships with community news outlets, generating content for various publications, and providing guidance on media relations to district staff.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes media strategies, including press releases and press events.
• Assists principals and district administrators with crisis communications.
• Fosters good relations with community news outlets and serves as the primary media contact.
• Advocates and promotes the district's brand across all communications channels.
• Provides training and support to school-based and district staff on media relations.
• Coordinates with communications staff to distribute key messages.
• Develops and executes external communications plans on key initiatives.
• Produces written copy and assists in layout design of major publications.
• Works with the Director of Internal Communications in editing communications.
• Supports and executes special projects that meet the district's strategic goals.
• Manages and distributes newspaper clippings of relevant news coverage.
• Maintains an editorial calendar that supports organization-wide priorities.
• Leads communications for athletics/sports news and recognitions.
• Attends school board meetings and other district-wide events.
• Works as a member of the Communications team to maintain the district's brand.
• Performs related duties as assigned by the Chief Communications Officer.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum five years of work experience in communications or a related field.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of school district communications and media relations best practices.
• Ability to plan and execute special events and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Adobe Suite (preferred).
• Demonstrated proficiency on both Macintosh and PC platforms.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Experience in school district communications preferred.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance