Assistant Director for Communication

Academy School District 20•Colorado Springs, CO

About The Position

A member of the Department for Communication, the Assistant Director of Communication oversees communication initiatives and acts as a liaison to schools and internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate is forward-thinking, high-energy, proactive, thrives in stressful situations, likes to beat a tight deadline, enjoys a good challenge and understands the power of storytelling. The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and other key duties that may be required. The description may not include all functions performed by the incumbents in various locations. The district reserves the right to modify or change the duties or the essential functions of this job at any time. Reports consistently for work as scheduled Performs other duties as assigned Attains proficient or higher evaluations on established Performance Standards

Requirements

Ability to keep information confidential
Ability to prioritize and plan effectively
Ability to think differently and be creative
Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
Ability to work in high-stress environments and be flexible
A full understanding of media needs and media relationships
A wide degree of creativity and latitude
Confident communicator and presenter
Embraces professional learning opportunities to continually improve abilities
Excellent organizational and planning skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Outstanding interpersonal skills
Polished presentation skills and ability to assist with events, to include emcee responsibilities as necessary
Proactive, reliable, responsible and accurate with an attention to detail
Proficient in photography and videography as needed to support visual storytelling
Proficient with Microsoft and Adobe programs
Proven track record of creating successful and impactful media and public relations tactics
Proven leadership tactics and skills
Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management
Solid technology skills
Strategic and goal oriented
Tactical understanding of all primary social media platforms
Willing to work nonstandard hours when required
Bachelor's (Baccalaureate) degree (e.g., B.A., A.B., B.S.)
5+ Years Professional Experience Working in Communication, Branding, Marketing, Advertising or Journalism

Nice To Haves

Participation in an industry professional group such as PRSA, AdFed, AMA, Crisis Communication Network or similar
Experience working with both traditional and digital communication
Experience working in or with a PR, Marketing, Communication or Advertising Department
Experience working in or with education (K-12 or Higher Ed)

Responsibilities

Departmental Leadership Provides leadership and support to members of the communication team on essential job functions Acts as a liaison between department and schools and other internal stakeholders Fills in for Chief Communication Officer (CCO) as a backup in absence or illness situations
Media Relations Attends Board of Education meetings to support CCO, manage media presence Manages and field media inquiries and interview requests Identifies and pitches stories to media outlets Creates and nurtures relationships Manages and updates media lists Writes and edits media alerts and releases Monitors and analyzes media placements Communicates media metrics Oversees district expert list Conducts media trainings Maintains a keen understanding of industry trends Makes appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy Prepares and coordinates press events/conferences Serves as back-ups spokesperson in absence of Chief Communication Officer Supports Chief Communication Officer with all crisis communication efforts
Written & Visual Communication Plans, writes, and posts/distributes announcements and features for various digital and traditional channels Supports dissemination of internal communication Manages video storytelling efforts Gathers and generates stories to disseminate internally
Social Media Works closely with district Digital Communication Coordinator to strategically produce and time content