Poudre School District
Executive Director of Communications
Poudre School District, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States, 80521
Plan, organize, and direct the operations and activities of district communications, including public relations, strategiccommunications, marketing and awareness activities to enhance community understanding of Poudre School District’s mission, goals,objectives, services and activities. Direct media relations, strategic publications, video production, website, graphic design, socialmedia, crisis communications, public engagement, and community outreach. Advise and support the Superintendent, Board ofEducation, and district staff regarding internal and external communications and media relations. Report to the Chief of Staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential dutysatisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Description of Job Tasks
1. Provide advice and counsel to the Superintendent and Chief of Staff on district-wide initiatives including forecasting potentialramifications, implications and unintended consequences where improper handling could have adverse impacts on theDistrict. Provide advice and counsel to the Board of Education, leadership team and cabinet. Provide proactive strategicsupport and problem solving to district leadership to position the District in the most favorable position within thecommunity and marketplace.
2. Develop and implement high-quality public relations and marketing programs that effectively promote the Districtand its services. Direct strategic internal and external communication plans and activities. Provide leadership andtraining to district staff related to effective communications and marketing. Develop and implement marketingand branding strategies.
3. Provide strategic leadership in media relations and crisis communications. Member of the District’s CrisisResponse Team. Direct training for district leadership and staff in support of communicating the District’s keymessages. When appropriate, serve as spokesperson for the District. Coordinate/train other members ofCommunications Department to support crisis communications, as needed.
4. Implement comprehensive public relations and engagement plans centered on building relationships withexternal and internal, targeted audiences to shape public opinion and behaviors in support of the District and itsinitiatives. Listen to and analyze the concerns of the public.
5. Provide leadership to the communications staff and functions including overseeing public relations, marketing,strategic publications, graphic design, social media, video production, and the District’s website. Conduct researchon and incorporate cutting edge interactive formats to best engage internal and external audiences.
6. Coordinate and attend special events for recognition of the accomplishments of district staff, students, andcommunity partners. Attend all Board of Education meetings.
2407 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 • phone:web: www.psdschools.org
Description of Job Tasks
7. Attend district-wide meetings/events, school-based meetings/events, and community meetings/events to gather
and disseminate information about the District.8. Assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding disclosure of public information, financial,
operational and academic accountability. Conduct research and collect data necessary to effectively report onprogress on Board monitoring reports.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s degree required in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or Journalism. A Masters Degree or MBApreferred.
• Accreditation in public relations through a national professional association.• Minimum seven years of senior level experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or journalism.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS:
• Criminal background check required for hire• Valid Colorado driver’s license
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of all areas of electronic communication, including website management, e-newsletters, social media, generalcomputer skills, video production, and graphic design.
• Knowledge of a wide range of communication and brand building strategies and tactics.• Knowledge of the role and responsibility of public schools.• Advanced verbal, listening, and written communication and editing skills.• Ability to distill large quantities of information into meaningful messages and interesting stories for diverse audiences.• Ability to effectively work with local and regional media.• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with all stakeholders, including those from diverse
ethnic and educational backgrounds.• Ability to meet strict deadlines.• Ability to stay abreast of professional practices in the field of communications and public relations through participation in
professional organizations such as the Colorado School Public Relations Association, National School Public RelationsAssociation, the Colorado chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, etc.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:The Director should demonstrate competence in the following:
• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment whilemaintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure that own behavior and the behavior ofothers is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the District.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, toachieve the goals of the District.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations and to create new opportunities.• Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed
their expectations within the District’s parameters.• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that
enhance organizational effectiveness.• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the District.
10350 – Executive Director of Communications
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are
timely and in the best interests of the District.• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and
activities.• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible
solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.• Think Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and
values of the District.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE:
• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals.• Operating knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software packages.• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS & DIRECTION/GUIDANCE:
POSITION TITLE # of EMPLOYEESReports to: Chief of StaffDirect reports: Communications (including PSD TV) 7
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands, work environment factors and mental functionsdescribed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of thisjob. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Amount of TimeNone Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3Stand XWalk XSit XUse hands to finger, handle or feed XReach with hands and arms XClimb or balance XStoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl XTalk XHear XTaste XSmell X
WEIGHT and FORCE DEMANDS: Amount of TimeNone Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3Up to 10 pounds XUp to 25 pounds XUp to 50 pounds XUp to 100 pounds XMore than 100 pounds X
MENTAL FUNCTIONS: Amount of TimeNone Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3Compare XAnalyze XCommunicate X
10350 – Executive Director of Communications
MENTAL FUNCTIONS: Amount of TimeNone Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3Copy XCoordinate XInstruct XCompute XSynthesize XEvaluate XInterpersonal Skills XCompile XNegotiate X
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Amount of TimeNone Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3Wet or humid conditions (non-weather) XWork near moving mechanical parts XWork in high, precarious places XFumes or airborne particles XToxic or caustic chemicals XOutdoor weather conditions XExtreme cold (non-weather) XExtreme heat (non-weather) XRisk of electrical shock XWork with explosives XRisk of radiation XVibration X
VISION DEMANDS: RequiredNo special vision requirements.Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) XDistance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more) XColor vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)Peripheral vision XDepth perception XAbility to adjust focus X
NOISE LEVEL: Exposure LevelVery quietQuietModerate XLoudVery Loud
10350 – Executive Director of Communications %{{advertiserId}}% %%{{category}}%%
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential dutysatisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Description of Job Tasks
1. Provide advice and counsel to the Superintendent and Chief of Staff on district-wide initiatives including forecasting potentialramifications, implications and unintended consequences where improper handling could have adverse impacts on theDistrict. Provide advice and counsel to the Board of Education, leadership team and cabinet. Provide proactive strategicsupport and problem solving to district leadership to position the District in the most favorable position within thecommunity and marketplace.
2. Develop and implement high-quality public relations and marketing programs that effectively promote the Districtand its services. Direct strategic internal and external communication plans and activities. Provide leadership andtraining to district staff related to effective communications and marketing. Develop and implement marketingand branding strategies.
3. Provide strategic leadership in media relations and crisis communications. Member of the District’s CrisisResponse Team. Direct training for district leadership and staff in support of communicating the District’s keymessages. When appropriate, serve as spokesperson for the District. Coordinate/train other members ofCommunications Department to support crisis communications, as needed.
4. Implement comprehensive public relations and engagement plans centered on building relationships withexternal and internal, targeted audiences to shape public opinion and behaviors in support of the District and itsinitiatives. Listen to and analyze the concerns of the public.
5. Provide leadership to the communications staff and functions including overseeing public relations, marketing,strategic publications, graphic design, social media, video production, and the District’s website. Conduct researchon and incorporate cutting edge interactive formats to best engage internal and external audiences.
6. Coordinate and attend special events for recognition of the accomplishments of district staff, students, andcommunity partners. Attend all Board of Education meetings.
2407 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 • phone:web: www.psdschools.org
Description of Job Tasks
7. Attend district-wide meetings/events, school-based meetings/events, and community meetings/events to gather
and disseminate information about the District.8. Assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding disclosure of public information, financial,
operational and academic accountability. Conduct research and collect data necessary to effectively report onprogress on Board monitoring reports.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s degree required in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or Journalism. A Masters Degree or MBApreferred.
• Accreditation in public relations through a national professional association.• Minimum seven years of senior level experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or journalism.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS:
• Criminal background check required for hire• Valid Colorado driver’s license
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of all areas of electronic communication, including website management, e-newsletters, social media, generalcomputer skills, video production, and graphic design.
• Knowledge of a wide range of communication and brand building strategies and tactics.• Knowledge of the role and responsibility of public schools.• Advanced verbal, listening, and written communication and editing skills.• Ability to distill large quantities of information into meaningful messages and interesting stories for diverse audiences.• Ability to effectively work with local and regional media.• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with all stakeholders, including those from diverse
ethnic and educational backgrounds.• Ability to meet strict deadlines.• Ability to stay abreast of professional practices in the field of communications and public relations through participation in
professional organizations such as the Colorado School Public Relations Association, National School Public RelationsAssociation, the Colorado chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, etc.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:The Director should demonstrate competence in the following:
• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment whilemaintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure that own behavior and the behavior ofothers is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the District.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, toachieve the goals of the District.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations and to create new opportunities.• Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed
their expectations within the District’s parameters.• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that
enhance organizational effectiveness.• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the District.
10350 – Executive Director of Communications
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are
timely and in the best interests of the District.• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and
activities.• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible
solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.• Think Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and
values of the District.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE:
• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals.• Operating knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software packages.• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS & DIRECTION/GUIDANCE:
POSITION TITLE # of EMPLOYEESReports to: Chief of StaffDirect reports: Communications (including PSD TV) 7
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands, work environment factors and mental functionsdescribed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of thisjob. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Amount of TimeNone Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3Stand XWalk XSit XUse hands to finger, handle or feed XReach with hands and arms XClimb or balance XStoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl XTalk XHear XTaste XSmell X
WEIGHT and FORCE DEMANDS: Amount of TimeNone Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3Up to 10 pounds XUp to 25 pounds XUp to 50 pounds XUp to 100 pounds XMore than 100 pounds X
MENTAL FUNCTIONS: Amount of TimeNone Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3Compare XAnalyze XCommunicate X
10350 – Executive Director of Communications
MENTAL FUNCTIONS: Amount of TimeNone Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3Copy XCoordinate XInstruct XCompute XSynthesize XEvaluate XInterpersonal Skills XCompile XNegotiate X
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Amount of TimeNone Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3Wet or humid conditions (non-weather) XWork near moving mechanical parts XWork in high, precarious places XFumes or airborne particles XToxic or caustic chemicals XOutdoor weather conditions XExtreme cold (non-weather) XExtreme heat (non-weather) XRisk of electrical shock XWork with explosives XRisk of radiation XVibration X
VISION DEMANDS: RequiredNo special vision requirements.Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) XDistance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more) XColor vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)Peripheral vision XDepth perception XAbility to adjust focus X
NOISE LEVEL: Exposure LevelVery quietQuietModerate XLoudVery Loud
10350 – Executive Director of Communications %{{advertiserId}}% %%{{category}}%%