Communications Manager

SALARY:Support Exempt L FLSA STATUS:Exempt POSITION OBJECTIVE: The job of the Communications Manager is to plan and coordinate a variety of strategic community relations activities to promote the mission and vision of the Scottsdale Unified School District as well as supporting the district in all marketing and crisis communication functions. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:(These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.) • Serves as a liaison between district and news media by preparing and distributing news releases, securing media coverage, deploying proactive media relations strategies, and serving as district spokesperson, when needed. • Supports crisis communication and emergency response plans by updating materials, conducting trainings, and serving as liaison on communication to staff and the public. • Serves as information liaison between the district and community, including responding to public inquiries and presenting relevant information related the district’s current initiatives and strategic plan. • Provides ongoing training and assistance to staff on conducting media interviews, utilizing social media in a professional setting and updating content on the website. • Determines how images can best represent the district with the community, media and parents in promotional opportunities and provides direction to the district’s graphic designer and social media specialist. • Plans, coordinates, and/or assists in a wide variety of special events and campaigns such as Kindergarten Recruitment, Parada del Sol, Charros and Foundation galas, and job fairs. • Prepares and writes speeches, presentations, letters, newsletters, award nominations, Governing Board recognitions, and articles for internal and external audiences. • Oversees the content plan for the district magazine. • Research and monitors attitudes, opinions, and perceptions and reports to Communications and Marketing Director to help inform overall communications strategy. • Assists Communications and Marketing Director on special projects and issues, as assigned, including serving as Interim Communications and Marketing Director as needed. • May serve as a direct supervisor to Communications staff. • May be required to be on-call during evenings, weekends, or holidays based on the needs of the district. • Oversees established strategy for public facing messages updating content as necessary. • Maintains confidentiality • Performs other duties as assigned. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE(positions in this class typically require): • Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or closely related field • Minimum (5) years’ experience in communications, writing and editing public relations materials, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved. • Previous supervisory experience is preferred. • Must possess or obtain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS(positions in this class typically require): • None specified SKILLS(position requirements at entry): • Knowledge of AP Stylebook (grammar, punctuation, and spelling) • Knowledge of modern and complex principles of public relations, techniques, and methods used in preparing news releases and publications. • Knowledge and ability to apply communications skills to build strong internal and external support for the district • Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely in conveying messages to a variety of audiences, and possess listening and reading skills which facilitate understanding of messages conveyed by others • Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, implement, oversee, and document special events, media relations, and publications. • Ability to successfully multi-task. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met. NOTE: The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.