Summary
Description
Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.
Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.
Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us!
Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
The Jeffco Public Schools Communication Services Department believes in the pride and purpose of Jeffco Public Schools and is committed to being a reliable voice for the community and beyond. As such, we provide many different services for schools, the district, and the broader community: branding/graphics, district website management, local/national media relations, social media channels, video production, crisis communications, community relations & outreach, athletics/activities promotion, and raising awareness of events, educational opportunities, and support services. Utilizing our website, online and print publications, social media, and outreach, we work to publicize the important work taking place in Jeffco Public School as it serves the Jeffco Generations Vision. Serving nearly 84,000 students and their families, 155 schools, 14,000 employees, and the Jefferson County community at large, Communication Services strives to inform, engage, and inspire.
HOURS AND DAYS WORKED
Desired Start Date: 05/18/2026
Exec Dir – Communications
Annual Position
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.00, Hours/Day: 8.00, Year Round Position
Salary Plan, Grade, Step: JCA – Administrator – 229 days, G12, 1
Min-Mid Annual Salary Range: $129,902 – $155,252
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT
The successful new hire or rehired candidate will be responsible to complete and incur the fingerprinting and processing fee of $54.50 through an appropriate fingerprinting vendor and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, within 48 hours of offer acceptance.
RESPONSIBILITIES
SUMMARY Serves as the district's lead communications strategist, responsible for shaping and delivering clear, consistent, and compelling messaging that advances district goals and strengthens community trust. Directs all aspects of Communications Services, including media and public relations, crisis communications, and digital engagement, and acts as an authorized district spokesperson. Advises senior leadership and ensures coordinated communications across a large, complex organization. Regularly engages in highly sensitive and complex matters, including issues with legal, safety, and law enforcement implications, and requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to communicate clearly during critical moments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Develop and lead the district?s communications strategy aligned with the Jeffco strategic plan, ensuring a clear and consistent voice that communicates district priorities, progress, and impact.
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Execute the communications strategy by leading planning, managing staff and resources, directing writing and editing, and overseeing the district?s Public Information Officer. Coordinate with the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, and subject matter experts to respond to media inquiries.
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Serve as a lead writer and communications advisor to the Superintendent, developing speeches, presentations, board communications, and other high-impact messaging.
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Direct crisis communications within the district?s incident command structure by coordinating public messaging and supporting the District?s Public Information Officer in managing media inquiries and aligning communications with emergency services and law enforcement spokespeople.
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Collaborate with the leadership team to develop communications for key district initiatives and manage the team to produce and disseminate content.
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Build relationships with school leaders to understand and support school communication needs.
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Collaborate with administrative and department leaders to maximize Communications Services support.
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Prepare communications for district and school leaders, providing guidance on crisis communications, news releases, and sensitive or urgent matters.
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Assess and manage communications tools and resources supporting district, school, and department communications.
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Oversee vendors supporting communications priorities and initiatives.
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Lead strategic direction for public relations, media relations, marketing, social media, videography, publications, websites, and other platforms.
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Hire, manage, support, train, and coach communications staff while sharing best practices and monitoring emerging communications trends.
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Represent the Communications Services team in staff and community settings.
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Establish and oversee systems to collect and publish stories highlighting district programs, partnerships, schools, and student and staff achievements.
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Oversee implementation of brand guidelines across district publications, websites, and other materials
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Participate in professional development to ensure best practices.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
EXPERIENCE 3 years of senior manager/director or above experience in communications, with an emphasis in the development and coordination of public information, media relations, journalism, community outreach, community engagement, or public relations.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING Bachelor's Degree in communications, public administration, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related fields.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, OR REGISTRATIONS Valid driver's license required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Must have the ability to develop strategic messages and deliver them effectively to a wide variety of audiences, including representing Jeffco Public Schools, the Superintendent, and the leadership team in public forums and community settings. Must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of district achievements and current issues affecting Colorado's public education system. Must have the ability to work in a self-directed manner within a fast-paced, deadline-driven, and complex environment. Must have the skills to lead multiple projects and analyze information to solve problems. Must have exceptional oral, writing, proofreading, and editing skills. This position requires proficiency with current technology to perform assigned duties.
SPAN OF CONTROL Provides executive leadership, direction, and supervision for the district?s Communications Services team. Oversees all communications functions, budget and resources, and vendor partnerships, with broad authority to establish strategy, prioritize work, and allocate resources. Serves as an authorized spokesperson for the district and directs media relations, operating with a high degree of autonomy while partnering closely with the Chief of Staff, Superintendent and district cabinet team
The physical requirements, mental requirements and work environment factors described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to focus on objects at varying distances and distinguish between colors (with corrective lenses). Perform tasks that require manual dexterity, including operation of computers & small office equipment. Basic mobility and the ability to navigate the office environment safely. Ability to speak clearly, listen attentively (with assistance devices), and convey information accurately. May be required to give presentations to groups.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to analyze complex situations, identify potential risks, and devise effective solutions. Ability to remain flexible in dynamic environments, adjusting plans and strategies as necessary to accommodate changing requirements or circumstances. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other teams. Ability to manage time and priorities to meet deadlines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a semi-secured office building with a typical environment and risk factors.
