Manager - Director of Public Relations @ Learning Services Center

$115,000 - $115,000/Yr

Moses Lake School District - Moses Lake, WA

Full-time - Manager

Moses Lake, WA

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Public Relations (DPR) is a strategic leader responsible for managing the district's communication efforts, enhancing its public image, and ensuring effective information dissemination to stakeholders. This role involves strategic planning, media relations, content creation, crisis communication, and community engagement, while providing executive-level support to the Superintendent and School Board.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to promote district goals, initiatives, and achievements.
• Collaborate with district leadership to align communication efforts with educational objectives and community needs.
• Identify and tailor key messages for various audiences, including students, parents, staff, media, and the broader community.
• Support district administrators on special projects, providing communication expertise.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, coordinating responses and interviews with appropriate district personnel.
• Prepare and distribute press releases, statements, and other materials to media outlets.
• Cultivate positive relationships with media representatives to ensure accurate and balanced coverage.
• Create engaging content for various communication channels, including the district website, social media, newsletters, and multimedia presentations.
• Manage social media accounts, monitor online sentiment, and address concerns promptly.
• Develop written materials such as articles, blog posts, and speeches to highlight district achievements.
• Develop crisis communication plans and protocols for effective response to emergencies or negative situations.
• Serve as spokesperson during critical incidents, providing accurate information to the media and the community.
• Facilitate communication between district departments and schools for consistent messaging.
• Coordinate internal communication platforms, such as intranet, email updates, and staff meetings.
• Organize and participate in community events to foster relationships and gather feedback.
• Collaborate with parent-teacher associations, local organizations, and community leaders.
• Act as a liaison between the Superintendent, district/building administrators, staff, and the public.
• Attend School Board meetings to provide information, record minutes, and coordinate distribution of materials.
• Maintain official records, including district policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with records retention guidelines.
• Schedule regular and special School Board meetings, prepare meeting agendas, and disseminate meeting information.
• Serve as secretary to Board members, provide clerical assistance, facilitate in-service training, and coordinate meeting logistics.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all communication materials, maintaining the district's visual identity and values.
• Track and analyze the effectiveness of communication efforts using metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, and media coverage.
• Make data-driven recommendations to improve communication strategies.
• Serve as the district Public Records Officer.
• Coordinate special district functions and events, such as community forums and leadership training.
• Supervise archive retention schedules and manage student records.
• Monitor staff, student, and community recognitions for School Board meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Five (5) years of executive-level experience in strategic communication, public relations, or related roles.
• Proven experience in processing and maintaining confidential information.
• Strong writing, editing, verbal communication, and digital communication skills.
• Crisis communication experience.
• Knowledge of educational institutions and school community dynamics is advantageous.
• Experience working with a governing or legislative board, including knowledge of Roberts Rules of Order and the Open Public Meetings Act.
• Technological proficiency, including digital communication tools, social media platforms, content management systems, office equipment, and applications like Skyward and Google.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, exercise independent judgment, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills and positive public relations abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with public records administration preferred.
• Successful experience in a public school district preferred.

Benefits

• Salary: $115,000 - $115,000
• Full-Time; 12 months (260 days)
• Union-Exempt Manager