Summary
Description
Littleton Public Schools (LPS) is seeking a Chief Communications Officer to champion our vision of extraordinary learning, exceptional community, and expanded opportunity for all students.
As a key advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education, you will be the architect of a communications strategy that reflects our mission: to educate all students for the future by challenging them to learn, achieve, and act with purpose and compassion. In a district "big enough to serve you, but small enough to know you," you will direct media relations and digital storytelling to prove that a world-class education prepares students to succeed in a global society. If you are a strategic expert dedicated to fostering a safe and secure environment through transparent, impactful communication, we invite you to lead our story in the south Denver metro area.
Essential Duties:
- Provide advice and counsel to the Superintendent on district-wide initiatives including forecasting potential ramifications, implications and unintended consequences where improper handling could have adverse impacts on the District. Provide advice and counsel to the Board of Education, leadership team and cabinet. Provide proactive strategic support and problem solving to district leadership to position the District in the most favorable position within the community and marketplace.
- Develop and implement high-quality communications and marketing programs that effectively promote the District and its services. Direct strategic internal and external communication plans and activities. Develop and implement marketing and branding strategies.
- Provide strategic leadership in crisis communications. Serve as a member of the District's Crisis Response Team. Direct training for district leadership and staff in support of communicating the District's key messages. When appropriate, serve as spokesperson for the District.
- Provide strategic leadership, counsel, and training in media relations. Serve as the district spokesperson when appropriate.
- Implement comprehensive public engagement plans centered on building relationships with external and internal, targeted audiences to shape public opinion and behaviors in support of the District and its initiatives. Listen to and analyze the concerns of the public. Measure the opinions of the public in a variety of ways.
- Provide leadership to the communications staff and functions including overseeing public relations, marketing, strategic communications campaigns, social media, video production, digital signage, mass communications platforms, and the district's website.
- Responsible for all aspects of the Communications budget. Develop, administer, monitor and coordinate a budget.
- Coordinate district-level recognition of the accomplishments of District staff, students, and community partners.
- Serve as the staff liaison of the PTO President's Council. Oversee the PPC's annual required filing process with the IRS for the PPC and all of the organizations under its umbrella.
- Assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding disclosure of public information, financial, operational and academic accountability.
Education/Certification:
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, or related field.
- Accreditation by the National School Public Relations Association or Public Relations Society of America preferred, but not required.
Experience:
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Five (5) years' experience in education, communications, media relations, and/or public relations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of all areas of communication, including printed publications, website management, digital content including e-newsletters and social media, general computer skills, video production, and graphic design.
- Knowledge of a wide range of communication and brand building strategies and tactics.
- Knowledge of the role and responsibility of public schools.
- Advanced verbal, listening, and written communication and editing skills.
- Ability to effectively work with local and regional media.
- Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with all stakeholders.
Salary Range: $157,469 – $182,656
This is a year round position, 253 calendar days.
