Communications Director

REQUIRED: Must upload a copy of College Degree or College Transcripts.

POSITION TITLE: Communications Director

LOCATION: District

DATE POSTED: 06/25/2024

JOB NUMBER: CL030-25-10

HOURS/DAYS: 8.0/260

BENEFITS: Classified Admin Benefit Sheet

Sunnyside School District

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Communications Director

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Administrative-level staff position charged with ensuring the effective operation of the Superintendent's Office and providing comprehensive leadership and support in the following areas: strategic communications, district-wide safety and security, special project coordination, developing and maintaining community partnerships, day-to-day operation of the Superintendent's Office, and official functions of the Sunnyside School District Board of Directors.

Works directly with the Superintendent to facilitate District-level decision-making by ensuring that appropriate personnel are engaged in the process and relevant information is collected and considered. Analyzes relevant information and provides input to decision-making processes. Assists and supports Directors and Principals in project planning, analysis, and resource management to ensure successful implementation of projects and initiatives. Will maintain communication and organizational systems to support the work of the Superintendent's Office.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS*:

• Direct and support the effective and efficient operation of the Superintendent's Office.

• Oversee the administrative support and customer service operations that support productivity and effectiveness within the Superintendent's Office.

• Prepare and contribute to the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations and responses on strategic issues and projects.

• Analyze and manage sensitive issues that frequently arise in the rapidly changing environment of the Superintendent's Office.

• Facilitate communication, information collection and cooperation among administrative leadership team related to the successful, timely completion of work assigned to team members and staff.

• Monitor and follow up on the Superintendent's directives and special projects, as appropriate.

• Provide strategic communications direction and counsel to the Superintendent.

• Assist the Superintendent in the preparation and delivery of communications necessary to advance the District's vision, mission and strategic goals.

• Orchestrate effective communication between the Superintendent's Office and key internal and external audiences.

• Design and publish district publications using industry standard software and graphic design techniques.

• Serve as an advocate for the Superintendent's strategic initiatives and priorities within the organization and the community.

• Maintain positive, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationships with the administration, staff, students, parents, and representatives of resource agencies within the community.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan.

• Serve as confidential counsel to the Superintendent on District and community issues.

• Design, develop, and manage content and features of District website.

• Manage and provide regular updates and content for District social media sites.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Identify key participants for critical decisions

• Collaborate with key participants to obtain relevant insight and perspectives related to critical decisions.

• Collect relevant data and resources for critical decisions.

• Address the needs of parents and patrons who visit the Superintendent's Office.

• Oversee bond and levy information campaigns.

• Coordinate public records requests.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

Bachelor Degree in a related field from an accredited college or university. Master degree preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of school district organizational structures, functions, policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of professional school public relations practices.

• Knowledge of Washington State public meeting laws.

• Knowledge of Washington State public record laws.

• Highly developed interpersonal communication skills including ability to deal with distraught or angry individuals

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to factors associated with cultural, ethnic and economic diversity.

• Knowledge of SSD policies and procedures.

• Ability to express ideas clearly in writing; demonstrating technical proficiency. Ability to write appropriately for different audiences.

• Ability to speak to groups about issues in education.

• Proficiency in Apple OS, office productivity software, graphic design software, photo editing, and video editing software.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Membership in the Washington School Public Relations Association and National School Public Relations Association is encouraged.

Valid Washington State Drivers license or photo identification.

Social Security Card.

WSP/FBI fingerprint/background clearance.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT: Exempt

EVALUATION: Superintendent

• The list of essential functions in this job description is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary by determination of an appropriate administrator and Human Resources.

Approved by:

Appropriate Administrator (date) Human Resources (date)

Last Revision: December 2, 2022