Chief Communications Officer

Reports To

Superintendent of Schools

226

Base Salary - $165,000/Annually. Actual salary will be calculated based on experience and credentials.

Provide executive leadership for the District’s communications strategy, brand, and stakeholder engagement. Serve as a key advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees, guiding communication strategy, crisis communication, managing public perception, and strengthening relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support student success and organizational effectiveness.

Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field. Master’s degree or APR preferred.

Special Knowledge/

Skills:

Expertise in strategic communications, public relations, branding, and stakeholder engagement.

Executive presence with the ability to advise and influence senior leadership, including the Superintendent and Board.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including speech writing and messaging development.

Strong knowledge of media relations, crisis communications, and issues management.

Ability to anticipate and respond to public, political, and community perceptions.

Experience using data, analytics, and KPIs to inform communication strategies.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and cross-functional initiatives.

Knowledge of digital communications, social media strategy, and emerging technologies.

Ability to build and maintain relationships with media, community, and governmental stakeholders.

Knowledge of applicable laws, including the Texas Public Information Act and FERPA.

Ability to manage complex and sensitive situations with sound judgment and discretion.

Commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusive communication practices.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or media relations.

Experience in K–12 education, public sector, or governmental communications preferred.

Demonstrated leadership experience managing communications teams and large-scale communication initiatives.

Strategic Communications and Brand Leadership

Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive Districtwide communications and community engagement strategy aligned with the District’s strategic plan and promote and position the District as a leader.

Support district goals related to student enrollment, staff recruitment, and retention.

Identify opportunities for positive media coverage, partnerships, and speaking engagements.

Conduct perception audits and climate assessments to monitor district reputation.

Ensure alignment of all campus and department communications with district messaging, brand standards, and priorities.

Monitor emerging communication trends and implement innovative strategies.

Oversee branding, marketing, advertising, and audience engagement strategies.

Identify target audiences and tailor messaging across multiple platforms and channels.

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and inform continuous improvement.

Lead long-range communications planning and proactive storytelling to strengthen district reputation.

Executive Communications and Superintendent Support

Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s executive leadership team (cabinet).

Serve as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent and executive leadership on communication strategy, messaging, and public positioning.

Draft, review, and coordinate high-level communications including speeches, presentations, talking points, and correspondence for the Superintendent and Board of Trustees.

Support the Superintendent in crisis communication, media engagement, and stakeholder messaging.

Anticipate public, political, and community reactions to district decisions and advise leadership accordingly.

Lead stakeholder messaging strategy for major district initiatives, policy changes, and organizational shifts.

Coordinate cross‑functional communication efforts during district transformation initiatives.

Provide…