Chief of Communications; SY

Position: Chief of Communications (SY26-27)
Location: Roxbury

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Boston Public Schools (BPS) is searching for a dynamic communications leader with a strong background in media relations/public relations to serve as Chief of Communications. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Chief of Communications is responsible for strategic development, oversight, and management of internal and external communications for the district and 104 schools. The Chief of Communications serves as the primary communications advisor and counsel to the Superintendent, the School Committee and the Executive Team.

The Chief of Communications will serve as the owner of all BPS communications in order to promote and protect the district's reputation, respond to requests from media outlets, support schools with rapid response and crisis communications, and promote a positive narrative about the district. The Chief of Communication is part of the Executive Team and will play a key role in aligning the district's strategic goals and priorities through strategic messaging.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain confidentiality and exhibit discretion and professionalism in all activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Communications:
Develop and implement short- and long-range communications strategies for improving public understanding of the Boston Public Schools' efforts to improve academic achievement among all students. Advise district leadership about methods for effective articulation of policy, response to crises, and district actions.

Media Relations:
Serve as a spokesperson and primary surrogate for the Superintendent, and will lead internal activities such as building and managing internal communication hubs. Establish and maintain positive media relations (print and electronic, local, national, and industry outlets) through sustained professional contact that is consistently helpful, open, and credible. Provide supervision and support the Communications staff in researching, coordinating, and responding to daily media inquiries regarding school-based and district matters.

Brief the Superintendent and Superintendent's Executive Cabinet, School Committee, Mayor's Office staff, and other relevant school leaders on an ongoing basis.

Multimedia Content Production:
Lead the editorial direction and development of the multimedia content production team's calendar, and ensure pitches are reviewed and assigned strategically. Review and prioritize alignment of team resources to maximize outputs that strengthen people-driven narrative across nontraditional media channels. Establish a strategy to build on direct interaction with audiences, including students, families, staff, and community members, as well as other key internal and external stakeholders.

Internal Communications and Publications:
Champion the organization's culture and mission and lead the development and deployment of expertly engineered communications, both internal and external, culture, values, and beliefs. Work to ensure these beliefs are visible and consistent across all channels, as well as internally amongst employees. Work cross-functionally to ensure all publications (e.g., letters, columns, videos, fact sheets, fliers) are clear and concise in communicating the system's goals and priorities to various BPS stakeholders, including school-based and central staff, parents, students, community, and business leaders.

Utilize publications and platforms to build opportunities to message

Social Media and Website Management:
Oversee content on the district's external and internal website and other online resources (e.g., BPS website and blog, Instagram, Linked In, You Tube, and Facebook page) to ensure accuracy and consistency of information.

Rapid Response and Crisis Communications:
Support school administration teams through emergency and incident messaging.

Team Management:
With the support of the Deputy Chief of Communications, direct the day-to-day activities of the communications staff to maintain an effective and cohesive message strategy across issues and crisis management capabilities, public relations, media relations, internal communications, content strategy, digital, and social media. Manage a team of approximately 10 members with three direct reports.

Perform other related duties as requested by the Superintendent and/or Chief of Staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field

* 7-10 years of experience in public relations/media relations/strategic communications, including senior-level communications management

* Experience managing professional employees with specific and varied areas of expertise

* Demonstrated ability to advise and negotiate comfortably with individuals at all levels of the organization

* Advanced skills in communicating with the media, preferably in Boston

* Ability to advocate with other government agencies on behalf of the district

* Ability to prioritize competing demands and work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment

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