Executive Director of Communications

Job Description

Job Title:

Executive Director of Communications, GCISD
Wage/Hour Status:
Exempt

Reports To:

Superintendent
Pay Grade:
Professional 9
Dept./School:
Administration
Days Paid: 233

Primary

Purpose:

Provides strategic leadership in developing and executing proactive communication plans that support district priorities, strengthen community trust, and advance student success. Develops and delivers clear, consistent messaging by translating complex issues into language that is easy to understand. Serves as a trusted advisor to district and campus leaders by providing communication counsel, public relations guidance, and support in effective communication practices.

Responsible for fostering meaningful community engagement and enhancing recognition of GCISD’s students, staff, schools, and programs. The Executive Director of Communications serves as the district’s primary spokesperson and oversees external communications on behalf of GCISD.

• Participates as an active member of the superintendent’s executive team.
• Acts as an organizational consultant, providing advice, assistance and recommendations as required. Sets community engagement priorities for the district. Acts strategically about issues, process, timing, and messaging.
• Leads all efforts to bring awareness about the district and each school, program, and department to earn broad community support and recognition.
• Maintains a strong network of key constituents and media partners.

Education & Experience:

• Experience in communications, public relations, or other relevant fields and/or demonstrated substantial experience in community engagement.
• Experience in developing and implementing communication plans and strategies.
• Experience in facilitating online discussion and community relationship development.
• Experience in developing and implementing marketing and branding strategies.
• Experience in a similar role in a school district or government environment desired.
• Experience leading a team with a positive, high‑performing team culture.
• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or related field.

• High-level community engagement skills including planning, communication presentation, facilitation, event management, and evaluation.
• High-level project management skills, including project scoping, assessment, logistics, and implementation.
• High-level interpersonal skills, including effective verbal and written communications and active listening skills. Excels in writing with the ability to translate complex concepts and explanations into easily understandable communication.
• High-level social media and interaction skills, including the ability to facilitate online conversations and publications.
• Ability to deliver high-quality training, effective community meetings, and discussion with groups.
• Good problem-solving skills, along with the ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, and process deadlines of projects and programs.

• Responsible for development of brand strategy and implementation, brand marketing efforts and public engagement for GCISD and, as needed, for various schools and their programs.
• Research, develop, advise upon and implement a range of innovative, relevant and effective techniques to engage the GCISD community in decision-making process and support ongoing community development practices.
• Lead and oversee the execution of short-term and long-term plans relating to internal and external communications to stakeholders of the GCISD community, as well as to state and national leaders and audiences.
• Create strong positive relationships with advocacy groups, civic, professional, business and government representatives, parents, and members of the media.
• Act as a central coordination point to support staff in the development and implementation of community engagement strategies to enhance and maximize the level and quality of community participation.
• Lead and execute community engagement initiatives, information campaigns and projects, delivering high-quality results on time.
• Buil…