 |
| Director, Public Information Officer |
0330 |
| |
P |
| Under the direction of the director of communications, directs the public information office. Responsible for overseeing media relations for the school system, planning and implementing two-way internal and external communications; managing the MCPS Call Center; coordinating emergency communications; and providing training, guidance and support to staff on effective communications and media relations. |
| Outstanding oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Extensive knowledge of current communications trends and technologies and proven track record of communicating effectively with diverse populations. Extensive experience working with ethnic media organizations. Knowledge of 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. |
| Bachelor’s 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. |
| None |
| (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.)
May have to lift heavy boxes for press conferences, special events and presentations |
| (Frequent
overtime or night work required, etc.) Attendance at evening None |
| No |
- Coordinate media relations including responding to media inquiries, maintain excellent relationships with news media, develop press releases, and coordinate press events
- Respond to Freedom of Information Act requests
- Provide training, support and guidance to school and office staff on effective communication and media relations
- Provide leadership, in collaboration with team members in the department of communications, for editorial content in systemwide publications, including the MCPS Web
- Assist schools with communications during crises and emergencies
- Serve as MCPS spokesperson whenever called upon
- Coordinate emergency communication, including systemwide weather-related emergencies
- Oversee development of internal and external communication tools, including The Bulletin, Parent Connection, Quick Notes
- Manage the MCPS Call Center
- Meet weekly with Communications Leadership Team and regularly with director of communications to plan and coordinate activities of the office
- Oversee school system charity campaign
- Develop, supervise, and evaluate staff according to MCPS requirements
- Work closely with staff in other offices to support the MCPS strategic plan
- Develop and coordinate development of informational products for staff, students, parents and the community
- Prepare memoranda and informational materials for the Board of Education and elected officials on school system priorities, programs, and activities
- Develop talking points, presentations, speeches, materials and documents to inform stakeholders about key initiatives, including the strategic plan and budget
- Collaborate with the Board of Education staff and counsel and support superintendent and executive staff, and Board of Education members on communications issues and strategies
- Prepare program mission statement and budget for the public information office
- Perform other duties as assigned
|
2006
10/2007 |
This description may be changed at any time.
Note: A general guide to class description, which includes
definitions of standard terms used, is considered an integral
part of this description and is available
from the Office of Human Resources. |
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