Boston Public Schools
Deputy Chief of Communications (SY24-25)
Boston Public Schools, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Reports To : Chief of Communications
Please ensure you read the below overview and requirements for this employment opportunity completely.Overview:The Deputy Chief of Communications / Press Secretary resides in the Communications Office of the Boston Public Schools, reporting to the Chief of Communications. This role is responsible for implementing the external communication strategy, design, and best practices. The Deputy Chief serves as the primary communications advisor to the Chief of Communications and spokesperson for Boston Public Schools, supporting the coaching and advising of the Superintendent and their leadership team, including media training and preparation.Working with the Chief of Communications, the Deputy Chief will assist in developing a strategic external/media communications strategy to complement the district’s overall communications goals and advance the mission of Boston Public Schools. This position emphasizes media relations, requiring candidates to possess a strong sense of news judgment and understanding of a major market media landscape. The role also requires the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while working under tight deadlines.As a senior member of the Communications Office, the Deputy Chief will assist in overseeing all aspects of the district’s communications and public relations functions, including press releases, media inquiries, letters to staff and families, press conferences, and crisis communications at the school and district level.Additionally, the Deputy Chief manages the day-to-day operations and assignments of the content team within the Communications Office, maintaining confidentiality and exhibiting discretion and professionalism in all activities.Responsibilities:Press Secretary/District Spokesperson:Develop key messaging and implement communication strategies relevant to the superintendent’s priorities.Serve as spokesperson on behalf of the superintendent and Boston Public Schools.Brief and advise the superintendent on media appearances and responses.Manage communication with media outlets during emergency and crisis situations, serving as the point person to notify the media and public about school closures.Actively engage, cultivate, and manage relationships with reporters.Lead content strategy for the district:Develop communications cascade and strategy for announcements of key initiatives.Work with the Communications team to develop and execute long-range communication strategies.Direct the implementation of social media, media, and multimedia content plans.Work with Media Relations Manager and Multimedia Content Manager to develop a plan for how schools can identify stories to share.Work with the Media Relations Manager to pitch reporters.Support the work of building a new BPS website with a specific focus on multimedia content.Support the creation or edits on any external-facing documents to ensure alignment in message and branding (press releases, media statements, internal messages, school committee presentations, etc.).Maintain strong relationships with principals, department heads, and other BPS staff and stakeholders, visiting schools periodically to develop newsworthy story ideas.Support the promotion and marketing of BPS schools and programs.Oversee the tracking of media coverage and maintaining up-to-date media contacts lists.Prepare, edit, and produce media materials, including press releases, statements, op-eds, quotes, talking points, and briefing materials.Serve as senior leader for Communications Office:Respond to Freedom of Information Act and public records requests.Measure communication KPIs to track internal and external engagement.Provide communications and media training and support to district officials, principals, department heads, and other staff.Work with the director of strategic communications, the Mayor’s press office, and other city departments as appropriate to coordinate messaging and talking points.Supervise and manage members of the Communications Office, including but not limited to individuals responsible for media relations and content creation.Qualifications - Required:Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field.7-10 years of experience in public relations/journalism/communications or a related field, including time in a senior-level role.Advanced understanding of proactive, reactive, and crisis media relations, including strong story pitches that reinforce the district’s priorities.Previous experience as a spokesperson/press secretary for a larger organization.Ability to manage professional employees with specific and varied areas of expertise, prioritize competing demands, and work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, especially in communicating complex policies and practices to varied audiences.Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and assignments.Current authorization to work in the United States.An understanding of and commitment to gain greater understanding of what is necessary for an urban school system to enjoy continuous improvement in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.A deeply held and unyielding belief in the overarching mission of public education.Qualifications - Preferred:Understanding of urban education and community issues, preferably in the City of Boston.Experience producing media statements and publications, such as flyers, newsletters, reports, etc.Working knowledge of web communication, including content management systems and social media.Familiarity with Boston and Boston Public Schools.Work Schedule:Eight-hour day, steady with peak periods; some evening and weekend responsibilities driven by media/community engagement needs.Required Application Documents:A cover letter, resume, and digital portfolio or links to examples that showcase social media content strategy and cross-platform examples.Terms:
Managerial, E92The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.
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Please ensure you read the below overview and requirements for this employment opportunity completely.Overview:The Deputy Chief of Communications / Press Secretary resides in the Communications Office of the Boston Public Schools, reporting to the Chief of Communications. This role is responsible for implementing the external communication strategy, design, and best practices. The Deputy Chief serves as the primary communications advisor to the Chief of Communications and spokesperson for Boston Public Schools, supporting the coaching and advising of the Superintendent and their leadership team, including media training and preparation.Working with the Chief of Communications, the Deputy Chief will assist in developing a strategic external/media communications strategy to complement the district’s overall communications goals and advance the mission of Boston Public Schools. This position emphasizes media relations, requiring candidates to possess a strong sense of news judgment and understanding of a major market media landscape. The role also requires the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while working under tight deadlines.As a senior member of the Communications Office, the Deputy Chief will assist in overseeing all aspects of the district’s communications and public relations functions, including press releases, media inquiries, letters to staff and families, press conferences, and crisis communications at the school and district level.Additionally, the Deputy Chief manages the day-to-day operations and assignments of the content team within the Communications Office, maintaining confidentiality and exhibiting discretion and professionalism in all activities.Responsibilities:Press Secretary/District Spokesperson:Develop key messaging and implement communication strategies relevant to the superintendent’s priorities.Serve as spokesperson on behalf of the superintendent and Boston Public Schools.Brief and advise the superintendent on media appearances and responses.Manage communication with media outlets during emergency and crisis situations, serving as the point person to notify the media and public about school closures.Actively engage, cultivate, and manage relationships with reporters.Lead content strategy for the district:Develop communications cascade and strategy for announcements of key initiatives.Work with the Communications team to develop and execute long-range communication strategies.Direct the implementation of social media, media, and multimedia content plans.Work with Media Relations Manager and Multimedia Content Manager to develop a plan for how schools can identify stories to share.Work with the Media Relations Manager to pitch reporters.Support the work of building a new BPS website with a specific focus on multimedia content.Support the creation or edits on any external-facing documents to ensure alignment in message and branding (press releases, media statements, internal messages, school committee presentations, etc.).Maintain strong relationships with principals, department heads, and other BPS staff and stakeholders, visiting schools periodically to develop newsworthy story ideas.Support the promotion and marketing of BPS schools and programs.Oversee the tracking of media coverage and maintaining up-to-date media contacts lists.Prepare, edit, and produce media materials, including press releases, statements, op-eds, quotes, talking points, and briefing materials.Serve as senior leader for Communications Office:Respond to Freedom of Information Act and public records requests.Measure communication KPIs to track internal and external engagement.Provide communications and media training and support to district officials, principals, department heads, and other staff.Work with the director of strategic communications, the Mayor’s press office, and other city departments as appropriate to coordinate messaging and talking points.Supervise and manage members of the Communications Office, including but not limited to individuals responsible for media relations and content creation.Qualifications - Required:Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field.7-10 years of experience in public relations/journalism/communications or a related field, including time in a senior-level role.Advanced understanding of proactive, reactive, and crisis media relations, including strong story pitches that reinforce the district’s priorities.Previous experience as a spokesperson/press secretary for a larger organization.Ability to manage professional employees with specific and varied areas of expertise, prioritize competing demands, and work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, especially in communicating complex policies and practices to varied audiences.Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and assignments.Current authorization to work in the United States.An understanding of and commitment to gain greater understanding of what is necessary for an urban school system to enjoy continuous improvement in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.A deeply held and unyielding belief in the overarching mission of public education.Qualifications - Preferred:Understanding of urban education and community issues, preferably in the City of Boston.Experience producing media statements and publications, such as flyers, newsletters, reports, etc.Working knowledge of web communication, including content management systems and social media.Familiarity with Boston and Boston Public Schools.Work Schedule:Eight-hour day, steady with peak periods; some evening and weekend responsibilities driven by media/community engagement needs.Required Application Documents:A cover letter, resume, and digital portfolio or links to examples that showcase social media content strategy and cross-platform examples.Terms:
Managerial, E92The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.
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