Chief Communications Officer PC#1

Monterey County Office of Education; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Monterey County Office of Education seeks a Chief Communications Officer to lead communications, public relations, and community engagement. The role advises the Superintendent and shapes strategy, media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen public trust and transparency.

The position partners with local school districts, colleges, and programs to promote clear, consistent messaging and advance the MCOE mission with integrity and community focus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, education, or closely related field.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, community engagement, or related field, including 3+ years in leadership.
• Experience developing strategic communications plans and advising executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of communications, public relations, and community engagement for MCOE.
• Advise the Superintendent on communication strategy, media relations, and crisis communications.
• Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies to advance MCOE’s mission and public trust.
• Collaborate with county school districts and community colleges to align messaging.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Media relations

Crisis communications

Stakeholder engagement

Executive advisory

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction of the County Superintendent, the Chief Communications Officer serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet and provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Monterey County Office of Education’s (MCOE) communications, public relations, community engagement, and organizational messaging. The position serves as the Superintendent’s principal advisor on communication strategy, media relations, public perception, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement; develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies that advance MCOE’s mission, promote transparency, strengthen public trust, and foster community partnerships; and provides communications leadership and technical assistance to MCOE programs and, in collaboration with local educational leaders, the county’s 24 school districts and two community colleges.

Required Documents

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, education, or a closely related field. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, community engagement, or a related field, including at least three (3) years in a leadership or management capacity. Demonstrated experience developing strategic communications plans, advising executive leadership, managing media relations, and responding to sensitive or high-profile issues.

Licenses and Certifications

California Driver’s License and evidence of insurability

Comments and Other Information

Desirable Qualifications: Master’s degree in a relevant field. Executive-level communications experience in public education, government, or a comparable public-serving organization.

Other Requirements

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and additional hours as necessary to meet the responsibilities of the position. Must be willing and able to travel as required, using personal transportation when necessary, with mileage reimbursed in accordance with MCOE policies.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the interview or testing process must notify Human Resources three business days prior to an interview or testing date. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with ADA requirements.

All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a CTC-approved agency to determine the equivalent U.S. degree and major, and the Foreign Transcript Evaluation must be attached to your application before your application will be considered.

Interviews

Interviews will take place on December 17, 2026, and 2nd Interviews on December 18, 2026