Chief Communications, Engagement, and Technology Officer

Full-Time and Permanent; Exempt; 7.5 Hours/Day; 252 Days/Year; 12 Months/Year; Grade EXEC

DEFINITION

The Chief Communications, Engagement, and Technology Officer is responsible for leading, organizing, and directing the activities of the Department of Information Technology (IT) and the Department of Communications and Community Engagement. The Chief Communications, Engagement, and Technology Officer serves as a member of the Superintendent's Executive Leadership Team, participating in the development and implementation of division-wide initiatives and policies. The role requires an understanding of the overall mission, goals, and objectives of the school division with a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and access for all students, families, and staff.

SUPERVISION

Executive-level duties are performed under the general direction of the Superintendent of Schools. Work is reviewed primarily for alignment with division goals and the requirements of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Supervision is exercised through subordinate administrators and staff with oversight of significant budgets and personnel resources.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single-position classification with division-wide responsibility for information technology, communications, and community engagement. Positions designated as "chief" administer multi-faceted functions with comprehensive responsibilities that impact most or all of the school division's constituencies. This position requires the integration of technology, communications, and engagement strategies to deliver cohesive, student-centered outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (Performs a variety of duties itemized below.)

Technology Leadership

Provides strategic leadership in anticipating and developing innovative responses to the division's technology, communications, and engagement needs.

Oversees the development, testing, monitoring, and maintenance of systems related to student attendance, enrollment, contracts, budget/financial matters, and other applications.

Oversees data privacy, cybersecurity protocols, and compliance with FERPA, CIPA, COPPA, and other regulations to ensure system integrity.

Provides leadership in the ethical and transparent implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that support operational and instructional transformation.

Develops and updates a division-wide Information Technology Plan to guide application development, standardization, prioritization, purchasing, and classroom integration.

Partners with the academic division to promote digital equity and ensure responsible AI integration in instruction, communication, and operations.

Communications & Engagement

Provides oversight to develop and maintain effective public/media relations and community engagement programs.

Supervises/collaborates with the Director of Communications and Community Engagement on issues management and crisis communication strategies.

Develops and updates a comprehensive communications and engagement plan that prioritizes culturally responsive outreach, proactive family engagement, and equitable access to information.

Leads cross-departmental efforts to increase awareness of and access to school choice, specialty programs, and academic pathways.

Oversees brand reputation, crisis response, and transparent communication with stakeholders.

Partnerships & Innovation

Supervises volunteer management, partnership development, and community events.

Secures outside resources and partnerships to support strategic initiatives.

Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of communications, technology, and engagement programs.

Organizational Leadership

Plans, manages, and controls staffing requirements.

Ensures accountability, professional growth, and performance of staff.

Collaborates regularly with other departments, including Title I, ESL, McKinney-Vento, and the Parent Resource Center, to align engagement efforts.

Monitors progress of major projects, resolves challenges, and communicates significant developments to senior leadership.

Participates in and attends all School Board meetings.

Communicates regularly with the Superintendent on division requirements.

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to make complex decisions in a timely manner.

Broad knowledge of both central and school-based administrative policies and procedures.

Comprehensive knowledge of school law and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.

Knowledge of emerging educational technologies, AI applications in K-12, and digital equity strategies.

Expertise in crisis communication, media relations, and brand management.

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in large, complex organizations.

Strong organizational development, management, budgeting, and supervisory skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, families, media, and government officials.

Exceptional interpersonal and collaborative leadership skills, fostering trust and transparency.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, or a related field and at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a governmental purchasing environment: or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the above noted knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

Virginia Postgraduate Professional Certificate with endorsements in teaching, instructional supervision, or administration preferred, but equivalent certifications or demonstrated executive-level expertise in technology, communications, or leadership will also be considered.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Work requires normal physical attributes associated with an office environment.

HAZARDS

Work involves exposure to everyday risks including the need to mitigate cybersecurity and data security threats.

UNUSUAL DEMANDS

Work is typically performed in an office environment and requires travel. The position is subject to high levels of stress, deadlines, and frequent interruptions. Work requires attendance at regularly scheduled after-hours meetings and events and rapid response during crises, system outages, or urgent media events.