Primary Purpose

Promote positive public relations between the school district and community.  Prepare and provide information to the public, Del Valle community and employees about the activities, goals, and policies of the school district. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Certification  

Master’s degree from accredited university

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

Knowledge/Skills

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Use technology to design and produce district publications

Demonstrate skills in writing, editing, and public speaking

Thorough knowledge of media relations and public relations functions

Collaboration skills to work closely with a variety of stakeholders

Strong ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline and detail-oriented environment

Knowledge and Experience in coordinating special events 

Knowledge and experience in Social Media

Ability to proactively identify communication/community relation opportunities and develop supporting programs

Experience:

Five (5) years’ of experience in communications-related field(s) such as media relations, public relations, journalism or related field

Supervisory experience in a public school setting preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community. 

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Communication and Community Relations

The director promotes a positive tone for school and community relations through activities such as the following:

• Serve as the chief information liaison between the school system and the community.
• Ensure that public information activities contribute to the attainment of district goals and objectives.
• Serve as district spokesperson and coordinate media coverage.
• Develop strong relationships with local media.
• Oversee preparation of press releases, articles and photos in local media and other publications.
• Serve as district representative on community committees as directed and participate in campus and district-level decision-making processes. 
• Work with school board members and serve on various project committees.   
• Oversee coordination of activities with community partners to bring services to students and their families.
• Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Demonstrate use of appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
• Prepare speeches, scripts and correspondence for key administrators and Board members.
• Speak at civic organization meetings and make presentations to classes, as needed.
• Direct and manage the district’s public relations and special projects activities.
• Provide for two-way communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community.
• Direct the production and dissemination of all DVISD communications.
• Work with DVISD departments to design, prepare, and edit district publications including newsletters, recruitment brochures, programs for special events, and other publications.
• Assist school personnel to publicize and promote any performances, exhibitions, displays, or special programs sponsored by the schools.
• Direct district social media sites, website, and online presence.
• Serve as the district emergency management communications director.
• Attend board meetings/community events and prepare reports as requested.
• Articulate the district’s mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Address business and parent inquiries regarding the department and various campuses.
• Project a positive image of the schools to the community.
• Maintain a professional level of confidentiality regarding all district matters.
• Maintain a flexible schedule before, during and after traditional workday.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Organization Management

The director manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following:

• Work with campus principals, teachers, and staff in all areas of communications.
• Interpret policy, procedures, and data.
• Oversee district-level special events.
• Serve as the elections manager for the district including all job duties relating to district elections and serving as the liaison between the district and Travis County.
• Oversee the development and publication of reports related to the performance of the district and articulate district goals and objectives.
• Administer the communications/community relations budget and ensure the programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
• Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs. 

Professional Growth and Development

The Director of Communications and Community Relations provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Develop training options and/or improvement plan to ensure exemplary operation of the communications/community relation’s function.
• Provide staff development in all areas related to communications/public information, as needed.
• Provide professional development for the parent involvement program, as needed.
• Participate in national and state level organizations to stay abreast of latest research and best practices.
• Read, synthesize, and disseminate professional research and information related to best practices.
• Participate in all required meetings and professional development opportunities to improve job-related skills. 

Qualities of an Effective Director

The Director of Communications and Community Relations exhibits the following qualities: 

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Be able to work tactfully and efficiently despite pressure situations and frequent interruptions.
• Application of current communication tools and standards.
• Comply with district and campus policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Demonstrate a high level of personal integrity, a collaborative leadership style, and high ethical standards.
• Comply with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Compile, maintain and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by Superintendent or designee.Maintain confidentiality.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate Community Relations Coordinator and Communications Coordinator.  
• Dual supervision, with campus principal, of campus Parent and Community Liaisons.
• Dual supervision, with superintendent, of Superintendent Secretary and Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board. 

Equipment:

Personal computer, printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, shredder, calculator, telephone, digital camera, video camera, and CD burner.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions and maintain emotional control under stress.
• Repetitive hand motions; prolonged sitting and prolonged use of computer.
• Work irregular and extended work hours to include weekends, as needed.
• May require prolonged use of computer, moderate standing, stooping, bending, and lifting.
• Frequent district wide travel.
• Occasional statewide travel.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration. Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces. 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.