] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → PRESS SECRETARY/PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

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Press Secretary/Public Information Officer

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Director I CODE: 0287 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Press Secretary/Public Information Officer GRADE: P MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: The Press Secretary/Public Information Officer (PIO) works closely with Chief Communications Officer (CCO) as a senior member of the Department of Communications to shape and execute the media outreach strategy for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Serving as the primary liaison between MCPS and the media, the Press Secretary/PIO strives to align communications with the priorities and goals of the MCPS Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education's strategic plan. The Press Secretary/PIO operates as a primary spokesperson for MCPS (both on-camera and on-the-record); leads the district's response to all media inquiries and requests, including conducting the research required to provide comprehensive responses; advises the CCO on opportunities to feature MCPS leaders, staff and students in media coverage, and determines efforts to pitch, place, book and prepare participants for interviews and segments. Works with senior communications team on strategy, planning, initiatives and projects. Plays a critical role in crisis situations by coordinating cross-agency communications with local government and other partners.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of strategic communication best practices and message dissemination across multiple platforms, including TV, radio, print, digital, and social media. Ability to maintain composure in stressful and deadline-driven situations. Exceptional writing and speaking skills. Ability to craft compelling stories and presentations to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely for a broad range of internal and external audiences. Outstanding interpersonal skills. Demonstrated success in fast-paced environments, working both independently and as part of a team, to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, while maintaining confidentiality, accuracy and delivering on time. Confident, proven strategist with excellent news judgment and solid political acumen. Creative self-starter and team player with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple lines of work in a busy communications shop.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum of 7-10 years serving as a Press Secretary and spokesperson, including on camera, in a large organization, campaign, government or elected official's office, or similar experience in public relations, journalism, or agency communications, dealing with both local and significant national issues. Extensive experience writing and editing executive level communications for a wide variety of audiences and purposes, including, but not limited to, press releases, talking points, opinion pieces, speeches, newsletters, community updates, etc. Ability to build and maintain relationships across the media landscape with reporters, writers, editors, correspondents, producers and bookers. Demonstrated success with managing complex projects and handling sensitive and controversial topics. Proven track record working with a broad range of internal and community stakeholders. Experience creating graphics, Power Point presentations, and using video editing software a plus. 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.) Ability to travel for public presentations.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Frequent overtime and night work required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Drives strategy around earned media to amplify MCPS messaging, and monitors metrics for periodic reporting to MCPS senior team.

Implements comprehensive media relations strategy for wide variety of media outlets and platforms

Serves as a primary media spokesperson and point of contact for MCPS with local and national journalists.

Establishes and maintains relationships with local, national and trade media.

Monitors, tracks and raises awareness of local and national issues that are or may become important to one of the nation's largest and most diverse school districts.

Takes a leading role in communications around crises, emergencies and ongoing emergent situations and, when situations warrant, coordinates cross-agency communications with local government partners

Plans, organizes, and executes press conferences, briefings and other special media events, and prepares all participants and necessary support materials. Frequently assists with event planning for the Superintendent of Schools.

Develops strategies to use validators to amplify the school system's work, tell stories, and enable MCPS to reach diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Collaborates with experts across MCPS to ensure that materials have input from key internal stakeholders and are accurate prior to finalization. Coordinates with Language Services Unit for translation of materials and products.

Understands superintendent, school system and Board of Education priorities, initiatives, and structures to independently write media advisories, press releases, talking points, speeches, op-eds, articles, publications, and other materials required to support the work of the Communications department.

Gains an understanding of 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 duties as needed and assigned.
Class Established: 9/2022
Date(s) Revised: 11/2023
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.