Executive Director of Communications and Marketing - Office of Communications and Marketing
POSITION: Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent (Primary)/Superintendent of Schools (Secondary)
PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Executive Director of Communications and Marketing will provide strategic leadership, direction, and guidance for the Hartford Public Schools' internal and external communications, media relations, and marketing, as well as oversee the day-to-day operations of the Office of Communications and Marketing. In collaboration with the executive team, this position will develop, execute, and oversee a multi-year plan, promoting the district's work to accelerate equity and excellence, to a diverse set of stakeholders. A laser focus for this position will be to develop a plan and supporting strategies that are culturally inclusive of all those served by the district, our students, families, and community. The Executive Director of Communications and Marketing will serve as a leader, ensuring that Hartford Public Schools' commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are infused into organizational culture and all forms of communication, media relations, and marketing.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Build brand awareness and positioning of Hartford Public Schools
- Develop and lead a culturally responsive and outcomes-based strategic communications plan with metrics - utilizing both traditional and new media - to support the district in meeting strategic goals
- Understand and develop budgets and finance and return-on-investment projections
- Lead the Office of Communications and Marketing to develop a culturally inclusive strategic communication plan and execution of said plan
- Utilize all available district and school-based multimedia resources/channels (email, web, video, radio, TV, print, and social media) to share news and maintain lines of communication with district constituents, the media, and other agencies on behalf of the district
- Work with advertising and marketing agency partners as needed
- Execute online and offline marketing initiatives, integrating online and new media, email, social media, SEM/SEO strategy development, brand awareness and other marketing initiatives
- Lead the drafting, editing, and distribution of content for the Superintendent, including: talking points, speaking remarks, presentation/presenter notes, statements, letters, memos, and social media posts
- Lead the drafting, editing, and distribution of letters, web posts/stories, statements, media advisories, press releases, brochures, and other materials to families, students, staff, community partners, and the media
- Lead the preparation of multilingual news releases about programs, projects, activities, and accomplishments of Hartford Public Schools' students and staff
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Advisor for Strategy & Institutional Advancement, schools, and departments in support of the district's strategic communications needs with an emphasis on student, family, and community engagement
- Manage crisis communications strategy and execution, identify risks, prepare contingency and recovery plans, and manage resources and communications during the crisis
- Work with district administration and schools on crisis and emergency communications
- Develop and coordinate promotional marketing materials and activities, ensuring the district's commitment to DEIB are infused into organizational culture and all forms of communication, media relations, and marketing
- Responsible for all aspects of projects, including: meeting deadlines, time management, contingency planning, budgeting, campaign analysis, and tracking/monitoring procedures
- During the Superintendent's absence, serve as the spokesperson for Hartford Public Schools
- Maintain cooperative working relationships with various news media and other public groups
- Notify news media of various district activities, events, and services by issuing news releases, feature stories, and public service announcements
- Respond to media inquiries and assist media in promoting district policies, programs, and special events; consult with appropriate staff to coordinate and supervise the dissemination of information through the media
- Maintain and update media contacts and distribution lists
- Maintain communications software applications that facilitate internal communications, customer service, and operational effectiveness
- Proofread and revise materials for public dissemination
- Prepare and present reports on variety of public information issues
- Perform other related activities as delegated
SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Twelve-month work year; non-bargaining salary commensurate with education and experience with a starting salary of $135,000.
EVALUATION: Probationary period of six (6) months followed by annual evaluation
UNION AFFILIATION: None
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools' online application. To apply, please visit https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford and follow the appropriate link.
Hartford Public Schools (Hartford, Connecticut) is a diverse community of educators and approximately 18,000 students attending 39 distinctive magnet, community, and neighborhood schools, located in the capital city of Connecticut. We are committed to being a leader in innovative urban education, cultivating equity and excellence for all of our students, closing the opportunity gaps, and preparing students for life, college, career, and success.
HPS recruits and selects diverse professionals, who are committed to developing students' individual, academic, social, and emotional capacities and growth within the classroom and beyond. Highly talented and qualified candidates with a passion for urban education, a commitment to our Hartford students, families, and community are strongly encouraged to apply immediately!
Why Should You Choose Hartford Public Schools?
Hartford Public Schools is seeking excellent candidates and wants to provide the best experience for you. We have put together a comprehensive package of benefits and incentives, including:
- Competitive salary
- Career growth opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement
- Rich health care plan
- Professional development
Diversity Among Us
Hartford Public Schools is a diverse community of scholars and educators. Among our 18,000 students, there are 90 languages spoken; 22% of our student population are English Learners. Over 85% of the population are students of color. At Hartford Public Schools, we are well above the national average for diverse teachers and administrators. Among our teachers and administrators, 27% and 47%, respectively, identify as people of color.
Hartford is the Place for You
The state of Connecticut is seated on the northeastern seaboard. Hartford is within an hour's drive of the coastline and is centrally located between New York City and Boston. Hartford is one of America's oldest and most historic cities, made up of 17 unique neighborhoods rich in history and diversity. It is commonly known as the "insurance capital" due to its prominence beginning in the 19th century as home to many of the most prestigious insurance companies in the U.S., many of which still call Hartford home today. The city features world-class museums, entertainment, and sports venues and is home to several major companies. An array of restaurants reflecting cuisines from all over the world attract people from far and wide, and more than 200 arts, heritage, and cultural organizations in the Hartford region provide hundreds of events year-round. In addition, several universities and colleges are in Hartford and the surrounding towns, allowing easy access to advanced degree programs.
Position Subject to Available Funding
An Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/V/D
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, and related fields or relevant experience; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum of eight (8) years' experience in communications including experience working within local or state agencies, preferably educational organizations
- Demonstrated knowledge of internal/external communications content and strategy, crisis communications, media/public relations, marketing strategy, brand management, event planning, digital marketing, and print materials and how all these channels work together
- Highly proficient and productive writing skills required
- Highly developed strategic thinking and execution skills for the management of complex projects
- Independent, entrepreneurial, and excellent problem solver
- Understanding of the urban school system environment and commitment to district's direction to improve student achievement
- Demonstrated cultural competence and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing urban families
- Service orientation towards supporting schools, the Superintendent, and the City of Hartford
- Motivated to action in support of a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for students, staff, families, and stakeholders
- Bilingual/biliterate in Spanish (desired)
- Highly flexible and adaptive work style with the ability to work irregular hours and prioritize among competing demands
- Ability to meet deadlines, take initiative, and make sound decisions under pressure
- Must be computer proficient with Microsoft and Google office suites
- Experience/knowledge in social media and digital communications
- Ability to deal effectively, fairly, and courteously with all people in a variety of environments
- Natural ability to collaborate and build relationships with multiple stakeholders, both internally and externally
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: None