Director of Communications & Public Affairs

Alasedu; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Allentown School District is seeking a Director of Communications to plan, coordinate, implement, and assess district-wide public information, community relations, customer service, marketing, and internal/external communications. The role supports the Superintendent and senior leadership in disseminating information and shaping the district’s image.

The position emphasizes strong written and verbal skills, media relations, crisis communications, and collaboration with executive leadership to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Masters preferred.
• 3–5 years progressive experience in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Business or related field.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Spanish fluency preferred.
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Satisfactory work record & criminal/child abuse clearances (Acts 34, 114, and 151).

Responsibilities

• Directs and develops a quality public affairs and communications program.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with district administrators, press and news media organizations, business leaders, community groups, city officials, and the general public.
• Communicates with all levels of district staff, officials, members of the media, and the general public, both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborates closely with building administration to communicate publicly events and functions occurring in the school setting.
• Serve as crisis communicator for the District and coordinates emergency communications for buildings when applicable.
• Trains staff in effective communication strategies and use of approved district platforms.
• Serves as main information source for all media contacts requesting data and insights.
• Establishes processes to generate appropriate flow of press releases.
• Arranges, facilitates, and manages media briefings with Superintendent daily, if appropriate.
• Collaborates with the Executive Leadership Team in the development and/or revision to Board policies relating to all areas of communications, including but not limited to print, electronic, and social media communication.
• Conducts research and prepares informational material which will enhance the District’s image and public awareness of district operations and activities.
• Compiles reports from a wide variety of sources and data.
• Responds to citizen and media requests in a timely, professional manner.
• Understands and follows district oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.
• Makes sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established procedures.
• Performs a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy, meeting time sensitive deadlines.
• Establishes processes to generate appropriate flow of press releases.
• Arranges, facilitates, and manages media briefings with Superintendent daily, if appropriate.
• Collaborates with the Superintendent’s Cabinet in the development and/or revision to Board policies relating to all areas of communications, including but not limited to print, electronic, and social media communication.
• Prepares and assures adherence to budgets, schedules, work plans, and performance requirements relating to district communications.
• Performs such other tasks and assumes other such responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Deputy Superintendent or Superintendent

Skills

Spanish fluency

Written communication

Oral communication

Driver's license

Public relations

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Masters preferred

Job description

Allentown School District is seeking a Director of Communications to plan, coordinate, implement, and assess district-wide public information, community relations, customer service, marketing, and internal/external communications. The role supports the Superintendent and senior leadership in disseminating information and shaping the district’s image.

The position emphasizes strong written and verbal skills, media relations, crisis communications, and collaboration with executive leadership to