Communications Manager at Woodland School District 50 in Gurnee, IL

Job description

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Applicants are instructed to address in their application/resume their experiences directly related to each section noted in the posting. Only completed/submitted online applications with supporting documents will be screened. POSITION TITLE: Communications Manager DESCRIPTION: A strategic professional who oversees and supports the district's internal and external communications to include social media, publications and district communications while also enhancing public awareness of district initiatives. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Education: Required � BA/BS in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, English or related media studies. 2. Experience: Required � Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a communication of public relations role. Preferred � Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a communication of public relations role within a public school setting. Spanish fluency, both written and conversational preferred. ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Interprets community needs and opinions to the administration and the Board of Education; provide the public relations viewpoint in program and policy planning including planning relating to labor negotiations. 2. Advises the superintendent, administrative team and members of the Board of Education as applicable on the probable public relations consequences relating to planned or proposed shifts in existing programs and policies, including collective bargaining proposals or negotiating strategies, based on reviewing relevant documents and other appropriate information as needed. 3. Provide crisis communications support as needed, including utilization/management of the rapid notification system and other alerts. 4. Manage the District's website by regularly updating content to ensure that it is accurate, timely, strategically sound, brand and mission appropriate, search engine optimized, and aligned with the school's marketing and communications goals. Collaborates with the technology department as needed. 5. Ability to establish and execute public awareness campaigns and communications plans for the district. 6. Evaluate effectiveness of current communications and public relations initiatives and develop strategies that will increase visibility with target markets to advance Woodland 50 mission. 7. Serves as information liaison between the total school system and the community at large. 8. Set annual objectives for the district's communications program and plan budget for meeting objectives. 9. Develops and maintains relationships with local media, including newspapers and electronic outlets. 10. Collaborates with local press to distribute new releases, pitch stories, support articles and arrange photos, respond to press inquiries and coordinate coverage, act as spokesperson as needed. 11. Maintains a vibrant and creative presence for the District's various social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) through effective use of photos, videos, and written posts. 12. Monitors media coverage, news articles and social media outlets related to District #50 and its brand, as well as relevant education trends, in order to maximize opportunities for positive public relations and dismantle negative PR. Track and provide notifications, respond as needed. 13. Develops, executes, and oversees the creation of District print and digital promotional materials, including newsletters, brochures, photography, videography, and advertisements. 14. Publicize and promote Woodland School District 50 activities and successes. 15. Plans and supervises the periodic polling of public opinion regarding the district or current issues in education. 16. Monitors, informs and develops strategies with district administration and the Board of Education regarding legislative issues and public elections that impact public education. 17. Ser