EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Executive Director of Communications

Reports To: Superintendent of Schools

Summary

Lawrence Public Schools is a district on the move, committed to timely, factual, transparent, and robust communication that lifts and empowers the mission of learning and growth, opportunities and achievement for all students; at all levels of the organization, quality communication benefits students and staff, families, schools and community. To further this critical mission, Lawrence Public Schools currently seeks an Executive Director of Communications.

The Executive Director of Communications serves and leads as a key member of the districts Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for demonstrating leadership, and embodying a commitment to district vision and direction for all internal and external communications.

This position ensures clear, transparent, and timely communication with all stakeholders, supports Superintendent and Board priorities, and fosters community connections. The Executive Director will lead the districts communication team, build staff capacity, and develop a comprehensive communications strategy that includes consistent internal and external messaging, media relations, social media, crisis communication, and community outreach. This position also collaborates closely with all district departments and schools to ensure cohesive messaging and supports Board of Education engagement, while promoting the districts mission, values, and achievements.

 Core Competencies

 Strategic Communication Leadership

          Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive communication and public relations strategies.

          Ability to proactively manage the districts reputation through storytelling, branding, and strategic messaging.
 

Community Engagement and Public Relations

         Skilled in building and sustaining strong community relationships and partnerships.

         Ability to engage with diverse audiences through multiple communication platforms.
 

Superintendent and Board Support

         Provide direct communications support to the Superintendent.

         Serve as a visible representative of the district at Board of Education meetings, community forums, and public events.
 

Digital and Social Media Management

         Oversee timely and innovative management of the district website and public facing presence.

         Lead and manage the districts social media platforms, ensuring timely, relevant, and engaging content.

         Implement best practices in in-person, online, social media public engagement.

Crisis Communication

         Develop and implement crisis communication protocols in coordination with district leadership and public safety officials.
 

         Serve as the district spokesperson during emergencies and high-profile events.
 

Internal Communication and Staff Engagement

         Oversee internal communications to ensure staff are informed, engaged, and aligned with district initiatives and priorities.

         Support principals and school leaders with tools and training for effective communication with families and stakeholders.
 

Media and Government Relations

         Act as the primary media contact and spokesperson for the district.
 

         Manage relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets, including timely correction of disinformation and reporting of coverage internally.

         Support the Superintendent and Board in legislative advocacy efforts and communication with elected officials.
 

Supervision, Collaboration, and Capacity Building

         Supervise, coach, and develop Communications Department staff, including specialists in digital media, graphic design, and video production.
 

         Foster a collaborative, innovative, and service-oriented communications team.
 

         Build communication capacity within the department and across other departments by providing professional development, support, and communication tools.
 

         Collaborate closely with all district departments, schools, and programs to ensure consistent, aligned, and effective messaging that supports district goals.

Essential Functions

         Develop, implement, and evaluate a district-wide communications plan aligned with district goals and the Superintendents vision.
 

         Serve as the districts primary spokesperson, including during Board of Education meetings, media interviews, and community events.
 

         Manage the district website, social media platforms, newsletters, press releases, and other communication tools to ensure consistent and effective messaging.

         Monitor public perception and proactively address misinformation or community concerns.
 

         Support crisis management and emergency response teams by providing timely and accurate information.
 

         Collaborate with departments, schools, and leaders to ensure coordinated messaging and promote district programs and successes.

         Serve as liaison to key community organizations, parent groups, and civic leaders to strengthen partnerships and foster trust.

         Lead the design, production, and distribution of marketing materials, publications, and videos that highlight district priorities and achievements.
 

         Provide media training, communication coaching, and support to district leaders, administrators, and Board of Education members.
 

         Plan and oversee communication aspects of special projects, campaigns, and district initiatives.

         Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Communications Department staff, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and growth.

         Build communication capacity among district leaders, school administrators, and key staff through training and resources.
 

         Collaborate with Human Resources, Teaching & Learning, Student Services, and other departments to ensure unified messaging and promote district initiatives effectively.
 

         Monitor and report on communication metrics and analytics to inform continuous improvement.

         Ensure compliance with state and federal laws related to communications, public records, and accessibility.
 

         Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications and Experience

Education

         Bachelors degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field required.

         Masters degree in Communications, Public Relations, or Educational Leadership preferred.

Experience

         Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or related field, preferably in a public school district, governmental agency, or other large organization.
 

         Demonstrated success in leading comprehensive communication programs, managing media relations, and crisis communications.

         Proven experience in supervising communication teams and building organizational capacity.

         Proven ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with media, community leaders, and diverse audiences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

         Expertise in strategic communications planning, media relations, social media management, and crisis communication.

          Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and culturally responsive communication practices.

          Strong leadership, organizational, and team-building skills.

          Commitment to public education and to the promise of public education to benefit students and families, community and our country. 

         Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences and platforms.

         Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills.

         Knowledge of digital communication tools, website content management systems, and social media platforms.

         Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and respond quickly to emerging issues.

         Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments, build trust, and foster a culture of communication excellence.

Salary:

Position compensated according to the Executive Leadership Salary Schedule.

Applications will be reviewed as received.

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