Fort Bend ISD
Fort Bend ISD is hiring: Assistant Director of Communications %26 Public Relatio
Fort Bend ISD, Sugar Land, TX, US, 77479
Job Overview
The Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations supports the strategic communication efforts of Fort Bend ISD by overseeing district-wide public relations, media engagement, crisis communications, marketing, and storytelling initiatives. This role works closely with the Executive Director to ensure consistent, transparent, and timely communication with internal and external stakeholders that reflects the District's mission, values, and priorities.
Position Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Communications
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.
The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.
Additional Information
The Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations supports the strategic communication efforts of Fort Bend ISD by overseeing district-wide public relations, media engagement, crisis communications, marketing, and storytelling initiatives. This role works closely with the Executive Director to ensure consistent, transparent, and timely communication with internal and external stakeholders that reflects the District's mission, values, and priorities.
Position Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Communications
- Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement comprehensive communication plans aligned with district goals and programs to enhance the FBISD organizational brand position and reputation.
- Create messaging frameworks to support district initiatives, policy changes, and major events.
- Prepare and review press releases, speeches, scripts, talking points, website announcements, and executive statements.
- Cultivate strong relationships with local, regional, and national government agencies, businesses, and community partners.
- Develop and distribute public relations campaigns targeted to stakeholders, community members, and news entities.
- Support strategic partnerships and engagement activities with parents, students, and community stakeholders.
- Assist in the planning and promotion of districtwide events and campaigns.
- Manage the District's reputation by anticipating and mitigating issues that may impact public perception.
- Assist with crisis communication responses in coordination with the Chief Communications Officer and Chief of Police, and other departments.
- Monitor local and state news, social media, and internal stakeholder feedback channels for topics affecting public education and FBISD.
- Oversee creation of high-quality content, including newsletters, website copy, scripts, speeches, and social media posts.
- Ensure brand consistency and accessibility in all communications materials.
- Lead in process management and supervision to departments for website content management, including creation, revision and maintenance.
- Collaborate with departments such as Human Resources, Teaching & Learning, and Safety to amplify district programs and initiatives.
- Serve as a liaison with campuses to ensure alignment in school-level messaging.
- Attend pertinent District and community functions and network with community, local municipal entities, and/or media representatives.
- Manage the workflow of both internal and external communications - project management.
- Assist in the process of recruiting, screening, interviewing and hiring of assigned staff
- Address complaints and resolve problems in a timely fashion
- Initiate personnel actions, including documentation and termination under the guidance of Human Resources
- Conduct performance appraisals of assigned staff
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.
- Bachelor's degree Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field
- Master's degree preferred
- Minimum of 5 years In public relations, journalism, or strategic communications (experience in public education or government preferred).
- Minimum of 3 years Supervisory experience preferred.
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for a variety of audiences and platforms.
- Proficiency in crisis communication planning and execution.
- Deep understanding of the media landscape and social media platforms.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
- Familiarity with school district operations and public education challenges.
- Culturally responsive communication skills in a diverse community.
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.
The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.
Additional Information
- Occasional evening and weekend work required.
- Fast-paced office environment with frequent deadlines.
- Travel within the district and to community events.