Position Type:
Administrator/Communications Director

Date Posted:
8/5/2021

Location:
District Office

Date Available:
ASAP

Closing Date:
Open Until Filled

Greater Albany Public Schools

Communications / Public Information Officer

Salary Level: Per negotiated agreement Classification: Administrator Reports to: Superintendent FLSA Status: Exempt

The Greater Albany Public School District (GAPS) is searching for a Communications / Public Information Officer.

Our school district is looking for a dynamic individual with a background in public relations and communication. This person will work closely with the Superintendent to efficiently and effectively manage the internal and external communications for the Greater Albany Public School District. As a liaison for the District, you will tell our story in an honest and informative way via various media forms, and/or any other form of communication that becomes part of a cohesive communication plan. Our goal is to inform our students, families, staff, and community about the success stories we hold, the goals we strive to achieve, and the District’s policies, practices, and commitment to improve learning for each student we serve.

A creative and flexible mindset is required to tackle the communications needs of a district our size. Developing and strengthening communication systems will be key. This includes professional development for staff to grow their knowledge and understanding in how best to utilize a multifaceted communication plan. The ability to visualize the big picture while implementing detailed systems of communication through various media applications is critical.

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications as described.

Greater Albany Public Schools believes in ongoing personal and professional development. All staff are provided the opportunity to engage in learning specific to their job category as well as professional development opportunities in equity, diversity and inclusion; areas of focus that will impact our communication plan.

Greater Albany Public Schools – A Great Place to Work in a Great Location to Live. Our district is located in Albany Oregon and is the ideal sized school district in an ideal location. Albany is a city of 57,000 residents located adjacent to Interstate-5 between Eugene and Salem, in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Albany is committed to the achievement of its students and has worked hard to attain excellent results. Through a deep commitment to the work of diversity, equity and inclusion, our district boasts some of the best on-time high school graduation rates in the state. With intentionality, we are committed to every child and believe our school system is primed to attain even greater heights.

The district benefits from strong community partnerships with local industry and higher education. This partnership has served our community well during the difficult months of educating children and teens during a pandemic.

An easy drive to Eugene, Corvallis, and Salem, and less than ninety minutes from Portland, Albany offers a small town quality feel near urban amenities, magnificent natural resources, and the state’s two major public universities (University of Oregon and Oregon State University). Residents enjoy easy access to the pacific coastline beaches, hiking and biking trails along the coastal mountain range, snowboard and skiing opportunities in the mountains to our east, and in its backyard the natural splendor of the Willamette Valley with its roving hills and wineries.

Salary Level: $84,450 – $93,240 depending upon experience; 233 day/yr schedule

Generous monthly insurance allowance (Currently $1,493 per month)

District provided TSA (Currently $145 per month)

Travel, cell phone, professional dues, and expense allowance provided

District paid HRA for eligible administrators

Classification: Administrative

Minimum Qualifications:

Criminal history verification/clearance

Experience with various forms of media communication programs and tools

Desired Qualifications:

Bilingual Spanish

3-5 Years of experience in similar work and/or work environment

The Communications Director will develop a comprehensive and cohesive communications plan to include:

Leadership and Advocacy

Demonstrated success working both independently and collaboratively; leveraging different strategies and interpersonal skills to move the work forward.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to foster positive working relationships.

Communicate in all forms with a variety of audiences in a manner that gathers information appropriate to the task at hand, and accurately conveys district priorities.

Diagnose strengths and weaknesses of our current communication systems.

Represent the District in community-wide programs and efforts, serving on committees as appropriate.

Support and build the capacity of schools by informing neighborhood community organizations and media outlets of activities, accomplishments and challenges facing their school communities.

Assists administrators and other staff in their communication efforts and professional growth in best media practices.

System Development and Implementation

Initiates and maintains effective liaisons between schools, District, and media.

Oversee District-wide social media efforts, ensuring that the district has an appropriate presence on the most current social media platforms.

Establish and maintain positive media relations (print and electronic, local, and industry outlets) through sustained professional contact that is consistently helpful, open, and credible.

Plan and implement positive, proactive media strategies (e.g., press conferences, media briefings, press releases, fact sheet) that anticipate the information and other needs of GAPS constituents and the media.

Serve as the focal point for implementing new channels of communication which involve new technology (mobile apps, RSS feeds, and podcasts) to communicate with citizens and officials.

Develop marketing collateral to promote the district at community events, career fairs, school open houses, and other activities.

Develop and implement short-term and long-range communication strategies for improving public understanding of the GAPS efforts to improve learning for all students and raising awareness of and gaining recognition for successful school and District program practices.

Produce/edit clear, concise, “user friendly” documents (e.g., letters, press releases, columns, videos, fact sheets, flyers, blogs, etc.) and locate venues to communicate system-wide goals and priorities to varied GAPS stakeholders (e.g., school-based and central staff, parents, students, community, and business leaders).

Collaborate with District curriculum, instruction, and technology leaders in supporting student and stakeholders as productive digital citizens.

Professional Expectations

Assure that all communications are ADA-Compliant.

Collaborate on emergency communications, including use of auto-messaging systems.Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.

Participate in professional associations and read current research to keep abreast of developments in assigned areas of responsibility.

Participates in workshops and staff development activities and applies learned knowledge to the job; accepts new challenges in a professional manner.

Flexibility with irregular hours for evening and/or weekend events as needed.

Supervises and evaluates assigned personnel.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time