Director, Communications and Media Relations
$110,292–$169,610 year
On-siteRichmond, Virginia, United States
Job Summary
Lead divisionwide storytelling and media efforts to share updates across the RPS community. Monitor and analyze media coverage to provide briefings and recommendations to leadership. Manage communications staff, oversee assigned budgets, and ensure operational efficiency. Lead planning and execution of internal and external communications strategies while serving as a strategic advisor on messaging and branding. Define performance metrics to measure effectiveness and direct crisis communications efforts as needed. Oversee creation and dissemination of press materials, web content, and official statements. Provide coaching and training to staff to ensure alignment with program goals.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field
- Twelve (12) years of progressive experience in supporting the communications function for a large organization
- Experience in the education field
- Extensive writing experience
- Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products (e.g. Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), Google Suite, and publications software
- Knowledge of and experience with traditional and digital communications tools
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse personalities and interests, in both individual and group settings, towards identifying and achieving mutually beneficial objectives and outcomes
- Availability to participate in evening and weekend events
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment requiring responsiveness to urgent student and family needs
- Strong project management and organization skills, with the ability to track intricate details and prioritize multiple initiatives and timelines in a fast-paced work environment
- Availability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends
- Deep relationships with Richmond-area and national education media
- Strong expertise in crisis communications, branding, and multi-platform content development, including digital and social media
- Demonstrated experience leading comprehensive communications strategies within a complex organization, preferably in K-12 education or a public sector environment
- Proven ability to advise senior leadership on strategic messaging, media relations, and stakeholder engagement
- Experience managing and developing high-performing teams, budgets, and external vendors
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to analyze data, measure impact, and tailor messaging to diverse audiences
- Demonstrated understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds of families and the Richmond community
- Occasional travel within the division to support school-based and community engagement activities
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree
- Experience in journalism
- Experience in the education field
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