DIRECTOR - COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA RELATIONS

Columbus City Schools - Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus City Schools in Columbus, OH seeks a Director of Communications & Media Relations to lead district-wide communications initiatives, media relations, and staff. The role reports to the Chief Officer of Communications and Engagement and focuses on transparent, timely messaging and community engagement to advance district goals.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, crisis communications, media outreach, and coordinating internal/external messages across platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or communications, including project management.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 1 year of direct management of other staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage District communication strategies aligned with the district’s mission, goals, and values.
• Advise the Chief of Communications & Engagement and senior leadership on communication matters including media strategy and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure accurate and consistent messaging across all district platforms and channels (social media, website, direct marketing, media relations, and print).
• Oversee day-to-day activities of CCS Internal and External Communications, Media Relations, and Media Technologies.
• Oversee crisis communication plans and post-crisis evaluations to improve responses.
• Collaborate on annual budget and management of external vendors and contractors.

Job description

POSITION TITLE: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA RELATIONS

DEPARTMENT: COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT

LOCATION: 270 EAST STATE ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43215

REPORTS TO: CHIEF OFFICER OF COMMUNICATIONS

FLSA STATUS - EXEMPT

STARTING SALARY: $119,709

ABOUT US

At Columbus City Schools, we strive to make sure each student is highly-educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community - but we can't do it without you! As an award-winning school district in the award-winning city of Columbus, Ohio, we are proud of the work our more than 9,000 employees (including teachers, coaches, and administrators) do every day to change the lives of our students. With more than 46,000 students located in over 100 different schools around the city of Columbus, we know there's a position that's right for you.

POSITION OVERVIEW STATEMENT

The Director of Communications & Media Relations for Columbus City Schools will manage communication strategies, initiatives and staff for the district, ensuring effective, transparent, and timely communication with internal and external stakeholders. The Director will work closely with the Chief of Communications and Engagement and other district leaders to align communication efforts with the district's goals and mission, focusing on enhancing the district's public image and fostering positive relationships with the community.

The Director serves as an advisor providing comprehensive and proactive communications planning; managing the

district's internal and external communication staff and efforts including but not limited to marketing, strategic messages, social media, and media relations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The list below is intended to describe the essential duties performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities and/or required duties. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Strategic Communication Leadership

• Manage District communication strategies aligned with the district’s mission, goals, and values.
• Advise the Chief of Communications & Engagement and other senior leadership on communication matters, including media strategy, public relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure accurate and consistent messaging across all district platforms and channels, including social media, website, direct marketing, media relations, and print.
• Ensure the department operates efficiently and effectively, meeting all deadlines and delivering high-quality work.
• Identify opportunities and strategic messages to advance key District priorities such as public-private partnerships, school consolidation, legislative advocacy, and ballot initiatives.
• Develop and manage execution of marketing campaigns, in partnership with the Chief Communications & Engagement Officer.
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of staff for CCS Internal and External Communications, Media Relations, and Media Technologies.

Media Relations

• Attend all BOE meetings.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Serve as needed as a spokesperson for the district regarding issues impacting district schools, the district-at large, education or school personnel. Works with the Chief of Communications & Engagement in the coordination, formulation and dissemination of the district's media responses.
• Oversee the development of press releases, media advisories, social media and other communications to ensure accurate, timely, and effective dissemination of information.
• Monitor media coverage and respond to inquiries, providing accurate and timely information to the public.
• Work with the Chief of Communications & Engagement and staff in the marketing of the district and community engagement initiatives.
• Monitor social media channels for feedback and engagement, addressing concerns and promoting district achievements.

Other Duties

• Oversee crisis communication plans, ensuring the district is prepared to respond effectively to emergencies and other high-profile events. Conduct post-crisis evaluations to improve future response strategies.
• Collaborate with the Chief of Communications & Engagement on the annual budget, including election and management of external vendors, consultants, and contractors as needed to support communication efforts.
• Collaborate with Chief to manage internal communication efforts to ensure district staff are informed and engaged.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or communications, which includes project management responsibilities.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 1 year of direct management of other staff.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level

• Master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.

Experience

• Experience within the education sector or government preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual
• Previous experience working in an urban school district, government agency, or large nonprofit organization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge of Local news media practices and the history and social/business/economic climate of the local community.
• Demonstrated knowledge in media relations, crisis communication, and community engagement.
• Thorough knowledge on print, web, graphic design, photography, videography, broadcast, and publications development processes.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skills in effectively communicating with families across multiple cultures and languages.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools, including social media platforms and content management systems.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex roles and responsibilities.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively and work productively with all levels of district staff.

Abilities

• Analytical ability to develop plans of action to address a variety of issues and concerns in a timely manner.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and develop integrated communication plans.
• Ability to engage in continuous learning for self-improvement.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding sensitive matters.

Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability.