Head of Strategic Communications & Community Engagement

Oak Harbor Public Schools; Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Harbor Public Schools seeks a strategic communications leader to guide districtwide storytelling, engagement, public relations, and community outreach. You will ensure that the District's communications align with the Strategic Plan and help students, staff, families, and community members see themselves as part of #OneOakHarbor, while leading proactive and responsive messaging.

It will elevate voices across digital media, photography, videography, social media, web, print, and emerging

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, community engagement, education, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated professional experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, community engagement, or a related field.
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and visual communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible, audience-centered communication.
• Experience developing and implementing comprehensive internal and external communication strategies.
• Strong skills in storytelling across multiple platforms, including digital media, photography, videography, social media, web, print, and emerging communication tools.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders and facilitate meaningful community engagement.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, responsiveness, and professionalism in complex or sensitive situations.
• Experience in public education, public agencies, or community-based organizations preferred.
• Public Records Officer training (or must be obtained within 90 days of hire).
• Valid Washington State driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership for districtwide communications, storytelling, engagement, public relations, and community outreach; aligns with the District's Strategic Plan and helps stakeholders see themselves as part of #OneOakHarbor; leads proactive and responsive communication; elevates student and staff voices; strengthens family and community engagement; builds partnerships; supports schools and departments in telling their stories; manages the District's communication platforms and brand; supports crisis and emergency communication; and listens to the community it serves.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public relations

Journalism

Community engagement

Storytelling

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Visual communication

Audience-centered communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Driver's license

Public Records Officer training

Job description

Oak Harbor Public Schools seeks a strategic communications leader to guide districtwide storytelling, engagement, public relations, and community outreach. You will ensure that the District's communications align with the Strategic Plan and help students, staff, families, and community members see themselves as part of #OneOakHarbor, while leading proactive and responsive messaging.

It will elevate voices across digital media, photography, videography, social media, web, print, and emerging