Primary Purpose:

The Director Communications & Marketing oversees a comprehensive communications program for the La Vernia Independent School District. Provides a broad range of internal and external information in order meet the strategic goals of La Vernia ISD and to promote positive public relations between the school district and all stakeholders. Serves as the primary media spokesperson and advises the Superintendent and administrative staff on media relations.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

            Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or Communications

Special Knowledge/Skills:

            Excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

            Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management,

            both internal and external to the district

            Experience using electronic publishing tools and major social media platforms

            Knowledge and understanding of digital photography and video production

            Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees, parents, or the public

            Ability to grasp essentials and core ideas from a wide array of information

            Skill in speech/news/feature/column/letter writing and other specialty communications

            Skill in developing and conducting presentations

            Experience in digital photography

            Ability to stay abreast of local, state, and national education trends and news

            Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, district

            employees, outside agencies, and the general public

            Thorough knowledge of marketing and advertising functions

Experience:

          5 years marketing, advertising, public relations, or communications experience
          Knowledge of, or experience in, public education and school operation-related issues, preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:         

Communications & Marketing

1. Provide leadership in the development and implementation of communications initiatives as envisioned in the District goals and the strategic plan.
2. Oversee development of public awareness of the achievements of students and employees through effective internal and external communications.
3. Develop public awareness of District/campus programs and operations.
4. Generate ideas for communications/marketing strategies and develops related promotional plans, tactics and materials for the District and campuses.
5. Design, prepare, and edit district publications including newsletters, recruitment brochures, web content, programs for special events, and other publications for the District and campuses.
6. Distribute pertinent information about the District and its activities to employees.
7. Gather information, generate ideas, produce well-written copy and develop high quality and creative multi-media materials.
8. Gather information through research, interviews with staff, conducting focus groups and the use of other appropriate sources.
9. Write correspondence, speeches, features, op-ed and press releases for internal and external audiences.
10. Oversee the La Vernia ISD website.
11. Oversee La Vernia ISD’s social media initiative.
12. Facilitate the acquisition of bids/quotes from commercial printers for a variety of print jobs and provide oversight on production.
13. Maintain personal awareness of current educational issues with respect to communications and community relations.
14. Ensure that communication and marketing activities contribute to the attainment of district goals and objectives.
15. Serve as district representative on community committees as required; demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs including speaking at civic organization meetings and make presentations.
16. Oversee the organization and production of District-wide special events (e.g. celebrations, graduations, convocation, dedications, etc.).
17. Develop, coordinate and supervise internship program to utilize student involvement in communications and marketing initiatives.
18. Develop, coordinate and supervise a corporate sponsorship program to increase community partnership opportunities across the district.
19. Develop and coordinate branding, identity and logo design for the district and campuses.
20. Serves as the primary media spokesperson for the district and the Superintendent.
21. Policies, Reports, and Law
22. Develop and publicize reports related to the performance of the district and articulate district goals and objectives.
23. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
24. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records and other documents as required.
25. Budget
26. Develop and administer the department budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely. 

Personnel Management

Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention,

discipline and dismissal.

Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operation of the communications and

marketing function.

Other
Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent
 

Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff members

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used:   Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; camera; video camera

Posture:   Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion:   Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting:   Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 40 pounds)

Environment:   May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district-wide travel and statewide travel

Mental Demands:   Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress