] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DIRECTOR OF NEWS AND MARKETING

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Director of News and Marketing

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Director I CODE: 0287 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Director of News and Marketing GRADE: P MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the Senior Communications Advisor and Assistant Chief for Communications (Assistant Chief), initiates and manages proactive gathering or coverage of news and information that illustrates the work of Montgomery County Public Schools, initiatives, programs, partners, schools and offices. Utilizes multiple innovative tools and tactics including digital, and traditional methods to connect school system information to all audiences including students, staff, parents and community members. Liaises with schools, offices and school system partners to gather and prepare information for distribution and promotion. Collaborates with offices, schools and school system partners to place outreach or informational content in associated but external channels. Coordinates editorial calendar to ensure new and usual content is captured and processed for publication though MCPS channels. Serves as an official spokesperson for MCPS and advises the Assistant Chief on potential communications opportunities and initiatives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of communication across multiple platforms, including print, digital, and social media. Exceptional writing and speaking skills, with the ability to craft compelling stories and communicate complicated concepts clearly and concisely for a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. Outstanding interpersonal skills with demonstrated success working in a fast-paced environment managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, while maintaining accuracy and delivering on time. Confident, proven strategist with excellent news judgment and political acumen, as well as the tactical skills to complete a wide variety of written and special assignments. Ability to provide advice and counsel on strategic and/or critical communication issues and to independently exercise judgement. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum of five years of experience in media relations, public or government affairs, or journalism. Extensive experience writing and editing for a wide variety of audiences and purposes, including, but not limited to, press releases, talking points, opinion pieces, speeches, newsletters, etc. Demonstrated success with managing complex projects and handling sensitive and controversial topics. Proven track record working with a broad range of community stakeholders. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Frequent overtime and night work required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plans and directs comprehensive communications programs, to include media, community affairs, and a variety of publications, in close consultation with the MCPS senior community advisor.

Researches, writes and/or directs the development of editorial content to amplify proactive efforts across MCPS owned media assets and channels.

Implements comprehensive content and outreach strategy for wide variety of channels and platforms in both traditional and new media.

Writes for multiple platform styles including print, television, social media and websites.

Serves as one of the district's official media spokespersons.

Collaborates on outreach around crises, emergencies and ongoing emergent situations.

Serves as an intermediary between school administrators and the communications team to proactively gather information on district and school initiatives, policies, activities, and operations.

Provides proactive assistance and media training for the superintendent, key staff and Board members, as needed.

Develops and coordinate surveys, evaluations and assessments of external communications activities in order to determine the effectiveness of MCPS communications effort.

Maintains knowledge and understanding of superintendent and school system priorities, initiatives and structures in order to write media advisories, press releases, talking points, speeches, publications and other materials required to support the public relations mission of the Office of Communications.

Oversees the content creation, publication and dissemination of material created by the editorial and web services staff.

Understands and applies the six leadership standards that have been established for the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP/MCBOA) Professional Growth System (PGS).

Performs other communications duties as needed and assigned.
Class Established: 11/2021
Date(s) Revised: 7/2022, 9/2022
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.