2 jobs found

Job Summary  The Director - Communications is part of the leadership team for the Communications and Community Engagement Office, which incorporates departments for communications; family and community engagement; and enrollment, choice, and transfers. The position also fills an essential role in informing communications direction and strategy for Baltimore City Public Schools overall. This position is responsible for developing and executing communications strategy in alignment with overall outreach and engagement strategies of the office as a whole; collaborating with counterparts in the engagement and enrollment units to ensure coherent messaging, timely sharing of information in ways that resonate with diverse audiences, and highly responsive service to families and other stakeholders; overseeing development of communications plans and monitoring their efficacy; advising district and school leaders on communications needs; leading departmental staff whose responsibilities include but are not limited to video production, print publication development and production, social media and website content development, editing, and technical oversight, media relations, public information, internal communications, and crisis communications; and representing the district to the public.  Essential Functions  Under the direction of the Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer, serves as a member of the office leadership team and works collaboratively with counterparts from the engagement and enrollment units to establish a clear, coherent, integrated, and cohesive strategic vision for enlisting and supporting families and key stakeholders as essential partners in providing high-quality public education for Baltimore’s young people. Recommends and develops communications strategies in support of the vision, aligning them to priorities shared across units within the office, including but not limited to improving public perception of the district; promoting enrollment; delivering high-quality, responsive customer service; ensuring that information for families is timely and shared effectively; supporting school leaders in communicating with their school communities; and ensuring that all staff members have information to enable them to be effective in their roles and serve as ambassadors for their school and the district. Works across district offices and departments to maintain a high level of knowledge about key district programs and initiatives, particularly in the areas of equity, implementation of the district’s blueprint for success, district and school funding, school portfolio management, and academic program development and implementation. Serves on various staff teams as assigned, to provide guidance on effective communications approaches in specific program areas or in relation to specific initiatives. Monitors national developments and trends in public education policy and practice to identify opportunities to position the district as a leader in urban education. Monitors public perceptions of the district to inform development of communications strategies to counter negative perceptions and promote positive narratives. Ensures that individual communication plans and campaigns are developed in the context of and to advance broader district priorities. Advises district leaders on communications strategies for key initiatives and keeps them informed of public perceptions. Serves as a resource for school leaders with respect to communication with school communities and promoting their schools. Monitors the efficacy of communications campaigns and reports regularly to district leaders on communications activity and success. Approves crisis communications plans developed in consultation with the media relations manager, ensures they are regularly updated, serves as a member of the crisis team, oversees plan implementation when necessary, and participates in executing crisis plans as needed. Supervises the work of the media relations and communications managers. Develops the departmental budget in consultation with the communications manager and ensures good stewardship of all departmental funds. Desired Qualifications  Master’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field.  Degree must be from an accredited college or institution. Bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years’ relevant work experience can be substituted for the required education. Minimum 8 years’ experience in strategic communications or public relations. Knowledge of K-12 education. Familiarity with issues facing Baltimore City and with agencies, programs, and initiatives serving Baltimore’s children and families desirable. Experience managing communications in a fast-paced environment, including crisis management. Managerial experience in large, complex organizations. Supervisory experience required.

Job Summary  The Special Assistant - Communications & Community Engagement position assists the Chief  Communications & Community Engagement Officer in monitoring and managing the day-to-day operation and coordination of activities and services.  Ensures effective liaison, appropriate confidentiality, and coordination with all academic and non-academic departments on matters relating to administration, management, operations and strategic planning.  Represents the Officer and provides leadership and direction for special projects that may have an operational or organizational impact.  Provides direction and insight by participating in the development of policy, organizational and financial analyses. Preferred Skill Sets  Project Management  Strategic Planning Experience in Communications and Community Engagement  Budget Oversight and Planning  Essential Functions Coordinates and manages administrative functions and special projects on behalf of the Chief Officer. Consults, advises, and provides leadership for programs and/or initiatives as assigned. Evaluates needs and services, human capital requirements, feasibility and cost effectiveness, performance and accountability, and other aspects of division management. Prepares executive summaries, documents, and correspondence. Drafts and collects pertinent budgetary planning and implementation data Monitors and implements procedures for the distribution and use of funds allocated to implement the division’s management plan. Responds to inquiries about problems, issues, program status, or activities and provides reports to the Chief Officer. Coordinates and provides technical and logistical support for staffing and staffing transfers. Reviews grievances and complaints and assists in conducting administrative assessments. Responds to information requests from City Schools’ central office departments, schools, and the public on matters related to the Chief Officers area of responsibility. Reviews management policies and procedures and prepares reports and memoranda documents applicable to academic and non-academic services and programs. Assists in planning, organizing, and directing policy and organizational analyses on issues and concerns which impact City Schools’ operations. Assists in the development and implementation of the annual master plan and strategic program initiatives. Represents the Chief Officer in various meetings and conferences as required. Coordinates the work of support staff as assigned. Coordinates involvement in community activities, including advisory councils and planning committees. Meets with and may address a variety of groups, including employees, school administrators, public and private agencies, and community agencies on behalf of the Chief Officer. Desired Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in education, business, management, public administration or related field; Masters degree preferred.  Degree must be from an accredited college or institution. Three years administration experience in public education or related field.