] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR COMMUNICATIONS

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Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Deputy Chief CODE: 0182 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications GRADE: NS MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION; PHYSICAL DEMANDS; AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the superintendent’s chief of staff, the deputy chief of staff for communications (deputy chief) oversees activities and strategies implemented in the Division of Communications and the Department of Editorial, Graphics and Publishing Services; provides strategic advice and counsel to the superintendent and fellow cabinet members; supports the superintendent's communications to the Board; develops the district's overall communications plan and ensures alignment with the superintendent and Board's broader strategic plan. The deputy chief ensures that MCPS remains connected to its diverse community by providing timely, accurate, and accessible information that supports student success. The deputy chief coordinates a wide range of communication tools and resources, and the division delivers essential updates, produces engaging content, and maintains user-friendly websites to serve students, families, staff, and the broader community. Maintains the Division’s commitment to delivering clear, culturally responsive, and impactful communication strengthens the bond between the school district and its stakeholders while enhancing transparency and trust. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Availability for frequent evening and weekend work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of and ability to implement best practices in public relations, marketing, communications, community relations and public affairs. Knowledge of federal, state and local regulatory requirements applicable to Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) communications and community outreach programs. Knowledge of and ability to advise the MCPS leadership on applicable laws related to freedom of the press and free access to public information. Must understand and be able to address matters of diversity, sensitivity, and competence with regard to issues of race, learning or other ability, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, socio-economic group, sexuality or other orientations or cultural markers. Strong skills related to budget development, oversight, administration, and emerging technologies. Ability to establish strong partnerships across organizations and develop compelling messages for different constituencies including parent, staff and community members. Knowledge of effective communications strategies in response to a crisis. Ability to work with stakeholders including families, governmental agencies, non-governmental partners, and the business community. Ability to lead issue-based communications and/or policy advocacy through messaging, positioning, media and communications strategy, journalism, branding and constituent engagement. Ability to create and disseminate a cohesive message across media, community relations, and intergovernmental affairs functions of the organization. Ability to effectively work with administrators, central office staff, school staff, families, local, state and national colleagues, to implement and monitor the overall communications plan and related projects. Excellent planning, organization, management, communications (oral and written) and human relations skills. Ability to plan and implement strategies for fiscal accountability and budget management. Skilled at re-envisioning, building, inspiring and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE; CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field. Master's degree preferred. Ten (10) years of accomplished strategic communications experience of increasing scope required, preferably with some experience at a public agency or with a large, complex organization. Proven experience as a leader in communicating with a diverse community. Experience in leading and managing a team of communications professionals. Experience working proactively with media, establishing influential productive working relationships. Experience functioning successfully as a communications strategist and spokesperson in a politically charged environment.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Reports to the chief of staff, serves on the superintendent’s cabinet and is a member of the executive staffOversees all activities and staff of the Division of Communications and the Department of Editorial, Graphics and Publishing Services, ensuring alignment with and effective implementation of MCPS strategiesProvides direction to the editorial team to develop written content into compelling visual designs that strengthen the message and increase access to a broader audienceInnovates strategies and initiatives to build communications capacity throughout the district, including in the schools.Manages the district’s social media presence and proactive communications strategies.Provides strategic advice and counsel to the superintendent and executive staff.Develops the district's overall communications plan and ensures alignment with the superintendent and Board's broader strategic plan.Manages the work of writers and editors, providing direction and actionable feedback to enhance content quality and reach.Ensures robust and responsive language translation and interpretation services to families and stakeholders.Directs the district's day-to-day internal and external communications functions, including MCPS-TV, public information and web services, language services, and editorial, graphics and printing services.Coordinates with the district's community relations and government relations functions to ensure consistency in messaging to various audiences and stakeholders.Manages coordinated campaigns to advance the superintendent's priorities in the community and among local, state, and national policymakers.Partners with employee associations, community organizations, and other stakeholders to build and maintain coalitions in support of the district.Utilizes multiple communications channels, including email platforms, social media, websites, and traditional news outlets (i.e. newspapers, radio, and TV) and printed materials.Expands the district's communications infrastructure, including email, phone, and text/SMS lists.Advances the district's branding and marketing initiatives through earned media and paid media.Leads the district's crisis communications and rapid-response efforts.Identifies and leverages opportunities to position the superintendent as a thought leader in state and national policy circles.Oversees speechwriting and message development for the superintendent as well as top surrogates.Produces high-impact events such as town hall meetings, stakeholder roundtable discussions, and State of the District presentations.Develops the budget for the Division of Communications and the Department of Editorial, Graphics, and Publishing Services, and ensures proper budget management and spending.Performs other duties as needed.

This description may be changed at any time.