Chief Communications Officer: Strategic Outreach & Crisis Leadership

Monterey County Office of Education; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 186,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Monterey County Office of Education seeks a Chief Communications Officer to lead the district's communications, public relations, and community engagement. As a cabinet-level advisor to the County Superintendent, you will develop and implement comprehensive strategies that advance MCOE's mission, build public trust, and foster partnerships with the county’s school districts and colleges.

You will oversee media relations, crisis communications, and organizational messaging, guiding programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, education, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, community engagement, or a related field, including at least three years in a leadership or management capacity.
• Licenses and Certifications: California Driver’s License and evidence of insurability

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of communications, public relations, community engagement, and organizational messaging.
• Advise the County Superintendent on communication strategy, media relations, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans to advance MCOE’s mission and foster public trust.
• Collaborate with MCOE programs and local districts to ensure clear, transparent messaging and effective outreach.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Public affairs

Community engagement

Executive advisory

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/public relations/journalism/marketing/public administration/education or related field

7+ years in communications with at least 3 years in leadership

Master’s degree in a relevant field (Desirable)

Tools

California Driver’s License

Job description

Monterey County Office of Education seeks a Chief Communications Officer to lead the district's communications, public relations, and community engagement. As a cabinet-level advisor to the County Superintendent, you will develop and implement comprehensive strategies that advance MCOE's mission, build public trust, and foster partnerships with the county’s school districts and colleges.

You will oversee media relations, crisis communications, and organizational messaging, guiding programs