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Belton Independent School District
Job Description
Job Title: Chief Communications Officer FLSA Status: Exempt, 226 Days
Reports To: Superintendent Pay Grade: AD-10
Department: Communications Date Created: 6/10/2024
Primary Purpose:
Develop, implement, and lead a comprehensive communications strategy that markets and promotes the Belton ISD brand, fosters positive relationships within our school community, and builds trust in the district's vision for empowering each and every learner to pursue their dreams and enrich their communities.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university is strongly preferred.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Deep understanding of media relations, crisis communication, public relations best practices, and community engagement principles.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
Digital and social media fluency with experience creating compelling content.
Strong organizational, data analysis, and project management skills.
Ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in journalism, communications, or a related field with Leadership Experience. School district experience is strongly preferred.
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
- Foster positive relationships: Work to build and maintain strong relationships with various stakeholders, including parents, students, staff, media, and the wider community. Ensure that the district's message is effectively communicated and understood by all parties.
- Enhance transparency and trust: Promote transparency by sharing accurate and timely information about the district's activities, policies, and achievements. This helps to build trust and confidence in the district among its stakeholders.
- Manage crises and issues: Develop and implement proactive crisis communication plans to address unexpected events or controversies. Work to mitigate negative impacts and maintain public trust during challenging times.
- Promote the district's brand and achievements: Highlight the district's successes and positive initiatives through various communication channels, such as press releases, social media, newsletters, and events. Enhance the district's reputation and attract support.
- Support internal communication: Ensure that staff members are well-informed about district policies, initiatives, and news. Foster a positive work environment and ensure that everyone is working towards common goals.
- Advise leadership: Serve as a strategic advisor to the superintendent and other district leaders on communication matters. Provide guidance on how to effectively communicate key messages and address potential issues.
- Serve as the district's primary spokesperson and media liaison.
- Proactively plan and project management major district events, to include but not limited to Convocation, State of the District, Teacher of the Year, etc.
- Track and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and drive continuous improvement.
- Uphold high standards of professionalism and ethics at all times. Ensure compliance with district policies, state, and federal regulations related to communication.
- Serve as an engaged member of the Superintendent’s cabinet team.
- Supervise and mentor the Communications Department staff, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of the Communications Department staff.
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting
Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds)
Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel, occasional prolonged work hours
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress
This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Revised: July 2024
Prepared By: Belton ISD Human Resources Department
