Deputy Chief, Communications and External Relations

Deputy Chief Of Communications And External Relations

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city's more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?

The Deputy Chief of Communications and External Relations for the Board of Education is a strategic, innovator leader in communications who is both process and relationship-orientated. As the leader for all internal and external communications, the Deputy Chief drives the Board's messaging to align with established Board priorities to increase transparency and communication with stakeholders.

The Deputy Chief is passionate about serving in an urban school district and collaborates with the District's Communications Team in aligning District messaging and implementing best communications practices and strategies to build trust, increase transparency, as well as strengthen engagement and collaboration with all stakeholder groups, internal and external.

Essential Functions

Leads the development and execution of the Board's strategic communications plan and crisis-communications plan.

Oversees and directs the activities of staff; plans and coordinates daily operations related to Board communications and engagement.

Creates and implements communications initiatives to engage key stakeholders (students, families, staff, community members, elected officials, business partners and community leaders) to clearly message the Board's role, responsibilities, and priorities.

Writes and oversees strategic communications to ensure high quality, effective and consistent delivery of key messages; utilizes various communications channels that may include email, social media, newsletter, video messages, website, and public / community meeting.

Develops a comprehensive social media strategy that is informed by ongoing data analytics to inform engagement and direct daily activities that improve communications and engagement with Board's stakeholders.

Works proactively with leaders in the District to stay abreast of the latest programs, initiatives, news, and information to inform Board of Education messaging and execute well-coordinated communication.

Works with District and City offices to plan, write, and prepare press releases and articles to message the Board's mission and responsibilities.

Oversees and manages the Board's website content in collaboration with the Office of the Board of Education staff.

Builds and maintains positive professional relationships with local education reporters, media, producers, and editors.

Oversees daily press outreach, including responding to media inquiries, writing and editing of press releases, statements and op-eds.

Provides written communications support to the Board President and other Board Members, including talking points, remarks, response correspondence, and other communications.

Develops and maintains relationships with District staff in support of the District's government relations goals and legislative agenda.

Works closely with team members to implement best practices for timely, effective two-way communications with stakeholders that engage with the Board of Education.

Coordinates advocacy efforts and messaging with the Board's Chief of Staff and District staff to proactively manage and promote the District's legislative agenda.

Provides logistical support and assistance to Board Members at news conferences, events, and meetings of the Board of Education.

Develops and maintains relationships with Board and District Office staff.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, business or a related field.

Six years of full-time, paid, professional experience in strategic communications, public policy, governmental relations or external relations.

OR

Master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major concentration in education, educational administration, education policy, business or a related field.

Four years of full-time, paid, professional experience in strategic communications or external relations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of :

• The principles of effective communication.
• Strategic communications planning.
• Editorial principles and practices as they pertain to the preparation of informational materials.
• English usage, grammar, rhetoric, punctuation and spelling.
• Supervisory techniques.
• Techniques for establishing and maintaining effective community relations.
• Collaborative problem-solving methods.

Demonstrated ability to :