Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations

Columbus City Schools - Ohio; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus City Schools is seeking a Director of Communications & Media Relations to lead district-wide strategy, staff, and initiatives, ensuring transparent, timely messaging to internal and external stakeholders in Columbus, Ohio.

Reporting to the Chief Officer of Communications, the role oversees media relations, crisis communications, marketing campaigns, social media, and collateral, with a focus on strengthening the district's public image and community trust.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, PR, English, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in media relations, PR, or communications, with project management.
• Minimum 2 years progressive leadership, including 1 year managing staff.
• Master’s degree and experience in education/government preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and 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.
• Oversee internal and external communications, messaging consistency across platforms, and timely dissemination of information.
• Lead crisis communication planning and post-crisis evaluation to improve response strategies.
• Oversee development of press releases, media advisories, social media, and district messaging.
• Collaborate on marketing campaigns and community engagement initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Public relations

Media relations

Digital tools

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Multicultural communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Master's degree in Communications

Tools

Content management systems

Social media platforms

Media monitoring tools

Job description

Columbus City Schools is seeking a Director of Communications & Media Relations to lead district-wide strategy, staff, and initiatives, ensuring transparent, timely messaging to internal and external stakeholders in Columbus, Ohio.

Reporting to the Chief Officer of Communications, the role oversees media relations, crisis communications, marketing campaigns, social media, and collateral, with a focus on strengthening the district's public image and community trust.