Executive Director - Communications

About the position

The Executive Director - Communications will guide the district's communications strategy and develop campaigns that effectively and professionally communicate the district's message to both internal and external audiences. This role serves as the primary point of contact for media, proactively pitching stories and responding to inquiries. The Executive Director will manage the communications department, supporting the growth of department staff and making data-driven decisions about the allocation of department resources.

Responsibilities

• Guide the district's message and communications strategy.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the media and an on-the-record spokesperson.
• Help prepare employees and others representing the District to communicate effectively with families, employees, media and the public.
• Draft speeches, talking points, op-eds and correspondence for District leaders.
• Provide leadership and editorial direction for the District's website, social media accounts and educational television cable channel.
• Coordinate the development and distribution of electronic newsletters to keep internal and external stakeholders informed about developments in the District.
• Provide leadership and support for department staff overseeing the District's Adopt-A-School Program and the Waco ISD Education Foundation.
• Coordinate and support the Superintendent's presentations to District and community groups, including the development of slideshows, videos and collateral materials.
• Assist in the development of proactive crisis management plans for the district and campus leadership.
• Gather data to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of District communications and reallocate resources, as needed, to more effectively reach and engage key audiences.
• Oversee school board recognitions of student and staff accomplishments.
• Assist in the planning and execution of special events, as needed.
• Represent the District on community committees, as needed.
• Mentor and develop staff.
• Keep informed of developing communication trends and techniques, as well as issues involving education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, communications, public relations or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in journalism, public relations, communications or related field.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences across a variety of mediums.
• Ability to tailor a message for the audience, context and mode of communication.
• Ability to coach, coordinate and lead teams to achieve assigned goals, including the ability to manage and complete projects with attention to detail and under tight deadlines.
• Solid understanding of media relations, community engagement and marketing.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing employees and a departmental or organizational budget (preferred).
• Experience as an on-the-record spokesperson for an elected official, governmental entity, or non-profit organization (preferred).

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree (preferred).
• Understanding of school finance, taxation, elections, the legislative process and education policy (preferred).
• Fluency in Spanish (preferred).