] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DIRECTOR, PUBLIC INFORMATION AND WEB SERVICES

Sorted by job title: A - C | D - H | I - Q | R - Z

Director, Public Information and Web Services

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Director I CODE: 0330 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Director, Public Information and Web Services GRADE: P MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the direction of the chief communications officer, directs the department of public information and web services. Responsible for overseeing media relations and digital communications for the school system, planning and implementing two-way internal and external communications; coordinating emergency communications; and providing training, guidance and support to staff on effective communications and media relations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Outstanding oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Extensive knowledge of current communications trends and technologies including social media platforms. Proven track record of communicating effectively with diverse, multi-lingual populations using various methods. Experience supervising and managing creative professionals. Knowledge of and experience using effective strategies and best practices for communicating with school system employees and parent/school communities using multimedia in different languages. Minimum of 10 years of supervisory experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, or related field. Thorough knowledge of K-12 public education issues. Strong management, leadership, and team-building skills with progressively responsible experience in coaching, mentoring, and evaluating staff. Ability to manage multiple projects on tight deadlines by coordinating the work of cross-office teams. Creative thinker with ability to continuously improve communications products and tools and develop innovative ways to implement two-way communication strategies with stakeholders.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university, with a degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, or other relevant liberal arts coursework and/or commensurate experience in the field. Proven experience in media relations for a large organization, working with diverse communities, managing and supervising staff and leading teams. Experience in conceptualizing, developing, and implementing public awareness campaigns using multimedia in multiple languages.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) May have to lift heavy boxes for press conferences, special events and presentations
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Coordinate media relations including responding to media inquiries, maintain excellent relationships with news media, develop press releases, plan media events and serve as the school system spokesperson.

2. Provide leadership, in collaboration with team members in the Office of Communications, for editorial content in systemwide publications, including oversight of the MCPS Web.


3. Provide training, support and guidance to school and office staff on effective communication strategies and media relations, including crisis communications.

4. Coordinate emergency communication, including systemwide weather-related emergencies.

5. Oversee development of internal and external communication tools, including The Bulletin and MCPS QuickNotes.

6. Meet weekly with Communications Leadership Team and regularly with chief communications officer to plan and coordinate activities of the office.

7. Oversee school system charity campaign.

8. Develop, supervise, and evaluate staff according to MCPS requirements

9. Work closely with staff in other offices to support the MCPS District Implementation Plan. 1

0. Develop and coordinate production of informational products for staff, students, parents and the community.

11. Prepare memoranda and informational materials for the Board of Education and elected officials on school system priorities, programs, and activities.

12. Develop talking points, presentations, speeches, materials and documents to inform stakeholders about key initiatives, including the Strategic Planning Framework, the District Implementation Plan, and the operating and capital budgets.

13. Collaborate with the Board of Education staff and support superintendent and executive staff, and Board of Education members on communications issues and strategies.

14. Respond to Maryland Public Information Act requests.

15. Perform other duties as assigned.
Class Established: 2006
Date(s) Revised: 10/2007,9/2010, 6/2011, 10/2015
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.