Director of Communications and Community Engagement

Position Type:
Administration/Director

Date Posted:
7/21/2026

Location:
Administration Building

Date Available:
when position is filled

Closing Date:
when position is filled
POSITION AVAILABLE

TITLE:

Director of Communications and Community Engagement

REPORTS TO:

Superintendent

JOB GOAL:

The Director of Communications and Community Engagement serves as a key member of the Superintendent's executive cabinet, leading the strategic communications, marketing, and community engagement functions of Valparaiso Community Schools. The Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving systems that promote transparency, build trust, and elevate the visibility of the district's mission, programs, and accomplishments. The Director will advise crisis and emergency communications, oversee brand integrity, manage external vendors, coordinate community engagement opportunities, and partner with district leadership to communicate effectively with students, families, staff, the Board, and the broader Valparaiso community. The Director will play a central role in supporting long-term initiatives, including referendum planning, enrollment communications, and the advancement of the "We Are Valpo" identity.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field. Prior experience in K-12 public education is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience in crisis and emergency communications, including the development of protocols and rapid response messaging.
Demonstrated experience managing brand standards, visual identity systems, and the work of external design, web, and media vendors.
Strong portfolio of professional, audience-appropriate, and visually clear communication products, including newsletters, infographics, video, and digital content.
Experience working with media outlets and serving as an organizational spokesperson or media liaison.
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the administration may find appropriate and acceptable.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex educational, fiscal, and policy information into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
Working knowledge of Indiana public education policy, school finance, and the legislative landscape, including SEA 1, accountability frameworks, diploma redesign, and school choice dynamics.
Knowledge of Northwest Indiana media markets, civic organizations, and community networks.
Proficiency with design platforms (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or comparable tools), website content management systems, and social media management platforms.
Experience producing or directing the production of professional video content.
Working knowledge of analytics tools to measure communication reach, engagement, and effectiveness.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality while serving as a trusted advisor to the Superintendent and executive cabinet.
Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines, including during emergency or crisis events.
Commitment to professional growth and to the values and mission of Valparaiso Community Schools.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Communications and Brand Leadership:

Lead the development and execution of a district-wide strategic communications plan aligned with VCS priorities and Board goals.
Serve as the primary steward of the VCS brand, ensuring consistent and professional application of brand standards across all district and school-level communications.
Develop, maintain, and update brand guidelines, communication standards, and templates for use across the district.
Advise the Superintendent and executive cabinet on communication strategy, messaging, and stakeholder considerations for major initiatives.
Crisis and Emergency Communications:

Develop and maintain comprehensive crisis and emergency communication protocols, including procedures for weather closures, lockdown events, building incidents, and other emergencies.
Advise the primary spokesperson during emergency events, coordinating closely with the Superintendent, Safety Coordinator, building leaders, and community partners, including law enforcement (PIO) and emergency services.
Conduct regular drills, training, and after-action reviews to ensure district readiness and continuous improvement of crisis communication systems.
Maintain up-to-date contact protocols, message templates, and channel coverage to ensure rapid, accurate, and consistent emergency messaging.
Public Relations and Media Engagement:

Cultivate professional relationships with local, regional, and statewide media outlets covering Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana.
Serve as the primary on-the-record liaison and spokesperson for VCS in interactions with the media.
Coordinate proactive media outreach to highlight student, staff, and district achievements.
Manage all media inquiries in coordination with the Superintendent and ensure a timely, accurate response.
Digital Communications and Content Creation:

Oversee the design, content, and continuous improvement of the district website and school websites in collaboration with the Technology Department and external vendors.
Coordinate building-based social media liaisons and principals to manage the district's social media presence across platforms, ensuring a consistent voice, professional design, and timely engagement.
Produce or direct the production of district publications, including newsletters (e.g., Viking View), annual reports, infographics, video content, and digital storytelling assets.
Ensure all digital and print communications meet brand standards, accessibility requirements, and best practices for legibility and engagement.
Community Engagement:

Design, promote, and coordinate community engagement opportunities to build transparency and trust between the district and the community, including but not limited to a Viking Ambassador Program, town halls, and community forums.
Partner with civic organizations, the Mayor's Office, the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, the Valpo Creative Council, the Redevelopment Commission, and other community partners to strengthen district-community relationships.
Coordinate communications and engagement strategies in support of long-term district initiatives, including referendum planning, enrollment, and facilities planning.
Develop and maintain a district communications calendar that ensures consistent, planned engagement throughout the school year.
Internal Communications:

Lead the design and execution of internal communications systems that ensure consistent, professional, and timely communication with VCS staff.
Support the Superintendent and executive cabinet in communicating district priorities, decisions, and initiatives to staff.
Partner with Human Resources to support employee engagement, recognition, and communication.
Vendor and Resource Management:

Manage relationships with external design firms, website developers, video producers, and other communication vendors.
Oversee the communications department budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of district resources.
Evaluate the effectiveness of vendor partnerships and recommend changes to ensure quality and cost-efficiency.
Data, Analytics, and Continuous Improvement:

Establish key performance indicators for district communications and regularly analyze reach, engagement, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Use data to inform continuous improvement of communication strategies, channels, and content.
Prepare regular reports to the Superintendent and Board on communications activities, outcomes, and priorities.
Professional Responsibilities:

Engage in ongoing professional growth through professional organizations such as the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and the Indiana School Public Relations Association (INSPRA).
Stay current with trends, laws, and best practices in school communications, public relations, and community engagement.
Serve on district committees and attend meetings as directed by the Superintendent.
Act as a positive role model and ambassador for Valparaiso Community Schools.
Perform other duties as assigned.
General Working Conditions and Contract:

The Director of Communications and Community Engagement primarily works on-site at the Valparaiso Community Schools Administration Center, with regular travel required to all VCS schools and to community engagement events. A stipend for mileage may be included in the final contract.
The position requires regular evening and weekend work to accommodate Board meetings, school events, community engagement opportunities, and emergency response.
This position is considered a year-round 260-day position. Contracted days, compensation, and scope of specific responsibilities may vary with the applicant's education, qualifications, and experience.
Salary range: $80,000 - $95,00, commensurate with experience and qualifications, with a competitive benefits package.