Academy District 20 is hiring: Assistant Director for Communication in Colorado

Location: EAC (Education and Administration Center)

Recruiting Start Date: 03/13/2026

Estimated Start Date: 05/18/2026

A member of the Department for Communication, the Assistant Director of Communication oversees communication initiatives and acts as a liaison to schools and internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate is forward-thinking, high-energy, proactive, thrives in stressful situations, likes to beat a tight deadline, enjoys a good challenge and understands the power of storytelling.

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and other key duties that may be required. The description may not include all functions performed by the incumbents in various locations. The district reserves the right to modify or change the duties or the essential functions of this job at any time.

• Reports consistently for work as scheduled
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Attains proficient or higher evaluations on established Performance Standards

Departmental Leadership

• Provides leadership and support to members of the communication team on essential job functions
• Acts as a liaison between department and schools and other internal stakeholders
• Fills in for Chief Communication Officer (CCO) as a backup in absence or illness situations

Media Relations

• Attends Board of Education meetings to support CCO, manage media presence
• Manages and field media inquiries and interview requests
• Identifies and pitches stories to media outlets
• Creates and nurtures relationships
• Manages and updates media lists
• Writes and edits media alerts and releases
• Monitors and analyzes media placements
• Communicates media metrics
• Oversees district expert list
• Conducts media trainings
• Maintains a keen understanding of industry trends
• Makes appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy
• Prepares and coordinates press events/conferences
• Serves as back-ups spokesperson in absence of Chief Communication Officer
• Supports Chief Communication Officer with all crisis communication efforts

Written & Visual Communication

• Plans, writes, and posts/distributes announcements and features for various digital and traditional channels
• Supports dissemination of internal communication
• Manages video storytelling efforts
• Gathers and generates stories to disseminate internally

Social Media

• Works closely with district Digital Communication Coordinator to strategically produce and time content

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to keep information confidential
• Ability to prioritize and plan effectively
• Ability to think differently and be creative
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to work in high-stress environments and be flexible
• A full understanding of media needs and media relationships
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude
• Confident communicator and presenter
• Embraces professional learning opportunities to continually improve abilities
• Excellent organizational and planning skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Polished presentation skills and ability to assist with events, to include emcee responsibilities as necessary
• Proactive, reliable, responsible and accurate with an attention to detail
• Proficient in photography and videography as needed to support visual storytelling
• Proficient with Microsoft and Adobe programs
• Proven track record of creating successful and impactful media and public relations tactics
• Proven leadership tactics and skills
• Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management
• Solid technology skills
• Strategic and goal oriented
• Tactical understanding of all primary social media platforms
• Working knowledge of design principals
• Willing to work nonstandard hours when required

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a staff member typically encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. They are included for informational purposes and are not all-inclusive.

Physical Demands

• Sits, stands, walks, stoops, kneels, and crouches/squats while performing duties
• Has oral and auditory capacity enabling interaction interpersonally and/or through communication devices
• Uses eyes, hands, and finger coordination enabling the use of equipment and writing utensils

Cognitive Functions

The following are some of the cognitive functions commonly associated with this position. They are included for informational purposes and are not all-inclusive. The staff member may be required to analyze, communicate, compare, compile, compute, coordinate, copy, evaluate, instruct, negotiate, synthesize, reason, and use interpersonal skills.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's (Baccalaureate) degree (e.g., B.A., A.B., B.S.)
• 5+ Years Professional Experience Working in Communication, Branding, Marketing, Advertising or Journalism

Preferred Qualifications

• Participation in an industry professional group such as PRSA, AdFed, AMA, Crisis Communication Network or similar
• Experience working with both traditional and digital communication
• Experience working in or with a PR, Marketing, Communication or Advertising Department
• Experience working in or with education (K-12 or Higher Ed)

Timeline

• Posting Date: Friday, March 13
• Closing Date: Monday, April 6 at Noon
• Preliminary Interviews: Friday, April 10
• Final Interviews: Wednesday, April 15

Compensation Range

$100,860-$110,860

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Hours per Day

8.0 hour(s) per day

Number of Days per Year

225 Days

Benefits Eligibility

Full-time - Regular

For more information on our benefits, please visit Employee Benefits | Academy District 20 (asd20.org).

FLSA Status

United States of America (Exempt)

How to Apply

New applicants (including current district staff members) must use the Workday application portal. Documents emailed directly to a supervisor will not be considered for application purposes and will not receive a response. A completed online application also includes the following uploaded documents in PDF format:

• A letter of application which states why you feel you are qualified for the position and your background
• A statement of your philosophy of administration and the role of the administrator in this position
• A current resume
• Three current letters of recommendation (i.e., less than one year old)
• Complete undergraduate and graduate transcripts (in color, readable, and reflecting official status where applicable)
• Applicable Colorado License or evidence of eligibility as indicated in the job posting above
• We do not accept "Alternative Principal Authorizations"

No other documents will be accepted. Thank you for not uploading and submitting any additional materials.

Please do not call to request site visits or interviews at the school/location. Please direct all inquiries via the email address indicated on the posting.

Hiring Manager Email

mark.belcher@asd20.org