Chief Communications Officer

General Definition of Work The chief communications officer (CCO), under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision-making discretion in developing, leading, and executing a comprehensive and strategic communications effort for multiple audiences that publicizes the district's educational programs, student-focused initiatives, strategic goals, and vision. This position also serves as communications counsel to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and Leadership Team. The CCO manages all aspects of the communications program, including, but not limited to strategic planning and advising, employee communications, website and microsites, publications, research, media relations, and crisis communication at the district and school levels. Employee is a member of the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to district communications and public information under the direction of the Superintendent.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status PG 14/Full-time, 12 months

Reports To Superintendent

Place of Work The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures

Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff/programs in the district

Establish and implement budgeting and fiscal management systems consistent with local, state, and federal requirements

Develop and manage annual communication and marketing plan that supports the district's vision, goals, objectives, and accomplishments

Serve as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent, leadership team, principals, and district staff regarding communications, community relations, and public relations, including forecasting potential ramifications, and implications/unintended consequences

Create/manage crisis communication and assist with reunification, and emergency drills

Provide support and direction to district departments and schools in the planning, preparing, formatting, publishing and dissemination of reports and other communications

Oversee and facilitate special projects internally and externally as needed/required

Oversee and facilitate employee recognition efforts as needed/required

Serve as district spokesperson, fostering cooperative, professional relationships with media while building opportunities for engagement

Develop and sustain cooperative relationships with community, employee, and public interest groups, seeking new ways to work collaboratively toward district goals/vision

Craft and manage the district's communication messages through various traditional and digital means for both internal and external audiences, including social media, video content, written communications, and mass notification technology

Contribute to the district's overall communications and branding efforts by ensuring continuity, consistency, and professionalism in all district publications/communications

Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly

Participate in professional development workshops and leadership training

Facilitate and supervise professional development for staff

Create an inclusive environment with positive communication

Perform other related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of communications, marketing, graphic design, and webpage management

Thorough knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards

Demonstrated knowledge of traditional, modern, and complex principles and practices of media relations and marketing

Demonstrated knowledge of communication tools, project management systems, media monitoring and reporting software and data/asset management

Excellent communications planning and project management skills

Strong still and video photography skills

Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills

Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others

Ability to develop and maintain strong internal and external working relationships, including with local, regional, and national media

Ability to meet deadlines and successfully coordinate multiple projects at one time

Ability to use effective media relations, writing and verbal communication skills

Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress

Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor

Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs

Ability to develop and monitor a budget

Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships

Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums

Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment

Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business

Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement

Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy

Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs

Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related area required

Minimum of seven (7) years' communications experience as a public information official including experience in news media relations, public relations, marketing, and publications design or related area preferred

Equivalent combination of experience and education

Special Requirements

Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License or ability to provide own transportation

Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings

May be required to attend offsite and/or community events that may occur outside of normal business hours

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Work requires the occasional exertion of up to ten pounds of force

Work regularly requires the exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communication

Constantly operates a computer and other office business equipment

Ability to remain in stationary position for required meetings/work

Ability to move to other work locations

Visual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities

Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications

Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, and use of advanced technology

Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions

Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic)

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions

Must be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stress

Must be on-call as a regular part of the job

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