Job Title: Director of Communications

Supervised by/Reports to: Superintendent

Job Goals:

• To generate positive media coverage of the school system in the community at large.
• To serve as the school system liaison with local, state and national media to promote student success and to support the school system's mission and goals.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.
2. Minimum of five (5) years' experience in news or public information work in a school or business environment.
3. Ability to meet the suitability criteria for employment and/or certification licensure under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act No. 2002-457.
4. Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
5. Superior leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively as a team member with large and/or diverse groups.
6. Proficiency in oral and written communication with the ability to produce and lead presentations through various data sources.
7. Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule.
8. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may require.

Performance Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

1. Demonstrates support for the school system and its vision, goals and priorities.
2. Generates positive media coverage of the Jefferson County School System programs, services, and initiatives.
3. Manages public information budgets.
4. Serves as consultant to the professional staff and administrators on matters pertaining to public information.
5. Conducts research on current public information issues and best practices to create professional development opportunities as requested.
6. Serves as information liaison between the school system and the community at large.
7. Serves as liaison officer between the system and the news media.
8. Supervises and coordinates the preparation of school system public information publications.
9. Publicizes and promotes any performance, exhibitions, displays, or special programs sponsored by the schools and open to the public.
10. Maintains open lines of communication with all community organizations and the Jefferson County legislative delegation and provides information about the system, its policies, and its programs.
11. Maintains and regularly updates a file of community organizations and their officers, mailing list of residents, and mailing list of community groups with clearly expressed interest in educational affairs.
12. Maintains confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters in accordance with state and federal law.
13. Models and maintains high ethical standards.
14. Demonstrates initiative in identifying opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility.
15. Participates successfully in training programs, professional development, or other learning to increase skill and proficiency related to job performance and leadership.
16. Responds to inquiries and requests in a timely manner.
17. Maintains and submits required reports, records, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.
18. Efficiently uses time and system resources.
19. Adheres to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies, and state, federal, and local laws.
20. Reports absences and takes leave in accordance with Board policies and procedures.
21. Demonstrates the ability to multi-task, to delegate appropriately, and to prioritize tasks and activities efficiently.
22. Performs other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

Terms of Employment: As established by the Board and applicable state law.

Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the Board's policy on evaluation

of personnel.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to

this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities

and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. The Jefferson County

Board of Education reserves the right to amend the job description as needed.

Approved: July 25, 2024
Jefferson County School System
Director of Communications