Executive Director of Communications

Ankeny Community School District; Ankeny (IA); In loco; USD 90.000 - 150.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Descrizione del lavoro

The Ankeny Community School District is seeking an experienced, strategic communications leader to elevate district-wide communications, marketing, and public relations. You will shape the district's story, strengthen stakeholder relationships, lead messaging, and serve as the district’s primary spokesperson.

This executive role offers a chance to drive communications for a large Iowa district near Des Moines, overseeing branding, content, and district-wide engagement with a competitive salary

Competenze

• Five or more years in public relations, marketing, or related fields.
• Bachelor degree in PR/marketing; advanced degree or APR preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling across multiple formats.

Mansioni

• Lead district marketing, communications, and public relations strategies.
• Serve as the district's primary spokesperson and manage media relations.
• Develop messaging aligned with district priorities and advocacy goals.
• Oversee branding, social media, website content, and newsletters.
• Supervise staff and manage department budget; ensure timely deliverables.
• Support stakeholder engagement across staff, families, and community.

Conoscenze

Public relations

Marketing

Strategic messaging

Media relations

Leadership

Communication

Storytelling

Crisis comms

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in public relations/marketing

Master's degree or APR preferred

Strumenti

Content management systems

Email marketing tools

Analytics tools

Descrizione del lavoro

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

We’re seeking an experienced, strategic communications professional to lead and elevate our district’s communications, marketing, and public relations efforts.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to shape our district’s story, strengthen relationships with our stakeholders, lead strategic messaging, and serve as the district’s primary spokesperson.

Join a progressive, forward-thinking school district just outside the Des Moines metro and make a meaningful impact on how we connect with our schools, staff, families, and community.

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

Executive Director of Communications

Summary Statement

The Executive Director of Communications is responsible for providing leadership and expertise in planning, developing, and implementing the District’s marketing, communications, and public relations strategies. This role oversees media relations, press releases, brand development, and the consistent application of District branding standards to strengthen public awareness, trust, and recognition. The Executive Director develops and implements effective communication strategies to ensure timely, accurate, and accessible information is shared with internal and external audiences. This position serves as the District’s primary spokesperson and leads district-wide communications, including strategic messaging, stakeholder engagement, and communication related to legislative priorities and advocacy efforts.

Job Title: Executive Director of Communications

Salary Grade: Grade 20

Benefit Summary: A

Contract: Employment Agreement / 12 months

Reports To: Superintendent

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience : Five (5) years of successful experience in public relations, marketing, communication, or other related fields, preferred.
• Education : Bachelor Degree in public relations, journalism, and/or marketing or related field. Masters degree, or APR (accreditation in public relations) preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Proficiency with communication platforms and technologies, including social media, content management systems, and email marketing tools, with the ability to use analytics to evaluate communication effectiveness.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate communication and marketing plans that support the District’s strategic priorities and organizational goals.
• Experience coordinating media relations, preparing press releases, and responding to media inquiries in accordance with District communication protocols.
• Ability to supervise and support staff, establish clear expectations, coordinate departmental projects, and foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats, including press releases, speeches, web content, newsletters, and social media.
• Experience coordinating district-wide communications for events, public campaigns, District initiatives, and community engagement activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with employees, families, community members, media representatives, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of education policy and legislative processes, with the ability to assist in developing and communicating messages related to District priorities and advocacy efforts.
• Ability to respond effectively to time-sensitive and sensitive communication matters, including supporting emergency communications and maintaining accuracy and professionalism under pressure.
• Ability to maintain consistent District branding, messaging, and communication standards across internal and external communication materials.
• Ability to coordinate communication projects, manage competing priorities, and ensure the timely delivery of accurate, accessible, and audience-appropriate information.

Essential Functions

• Board & Community Relations: Coordinate media relations and serve as a District spokesperson as assigned, including supporting crisis and emergency communications in collaboration with district leadership.
• Promote a positive image of the District through consistent messaging that reflects its mission, vision, and priorities.
• Maintain consistency in District messaging, branding, and public-facing communications.
• Develop and produce communication materials, including press releases, social media content, website updates, and event messaging.
• Build and maintain working relationships with media representatives, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, business partners, realtors, faith leaders, and other community stakeholders.
• Provide communication support and recommendations to the Superintendent and district staff on messaging, public information, and stakeholder engagement.
• Budget: Administer and monitor the communication’s department budget to ensure effective and strategic use of resources.
• Evaluate programs for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure budget decisions align with district goals and priorities.
• Communication: Develop, implement, and evaluate District communication and marketing plans aligned with established District priorities.
• Provide communication guidance and support to schools and departments to ensure clear, consistent, and effective messaging.
• Maintain editorial and design standards to ensure professionalism, clarity, and brand consistency.
• Coordinate content development and maintain quality across District communication platforms.
• Develop internal and external materials such as brochures, reports, videos, and presentations.
• Ensure all communication aligns with established ACSD brand standards.
• Supervise and evaluate staff within the Communications Department.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Foster staff development, teamwork, and positive morale.
• Policy, Reports & Law: Ensure compliance with applicable laws, board policy, and state/federal communication guidelines.
• Monitor and interpret communication and marketing trends, research, and innovations.
• Assist with the review and development of communication-related policies and administrative procedures.
• School Organizational Climate: Promote a positive image that supports the vision and mission of the district.
• Anticipate, manage and resolve conflict constructively.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and communication skills.
• Build strong working relationships with the Superintendent, Board, leadership teams, employees and external stakeholders.

Other Functions

• Attend all committee, regular and special board meetings as requested by the Superintendent.
• Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making aligned with the district’s mission and goals.
• Provide strategic communication support for Superintendent presentations, speeches, and events.
• Conduct research, surveys, and data analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts.
• Produce annual reports and metrics on communication performance and stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information when received and distributed to appropriate designees as directed by the Superintendent or designee.
• Maintain an organized, efficient and responsive work environment.
• Demonstrate regular and dependable attendance to ensure smooth District operations.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support district events or urgent communications.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, reaching, driving, standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity. Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress.

Terms of Employment Work year established by the District; Salary according to schedule adopted annually.

Clearances Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Evaluation Job performance will be evaluated annually, as per district policies and procedures.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

Position Type: Full-Time

Equal Opportunity Employer

All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise the allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6)d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures; please check with employers.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Dr. Erick Pruitt , Superintendent
• District Office
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]