Central Midwest HERC

Position Function: The incumbent in this position is directly responsible to the Superintendent for developing a strategic communications plan and providing overall leadership and direction in the marketing of, and communication about, the Omaha Public School District.  The focus of the department’s work is on developing and enhancing the relationships and outcomes which support:  an environment of mutual trust, two-way dialogue between the District and its internal and external patrons, the education needs of all OPS students, and positive community perceptions.  This individual serves as the primary spokesperson on behalf of Omaha Public Schools and directly manages the Communications Department.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Acts as the District Spokesperson during press conferences, crisis situations, public dialogue sessions, and/or media interviews.
• Implement a comprehensive strategic district-wide communications plan centered on building relationships with external as well as internal targeted audiences.
• Provide the Superintendent of Schools input regarding communication strategy and media relations.
• Listen to and analyze the concerns of the public as well as communicate district actions as appropriate to address concerns.
• Manage internal communications staff and functions, including oversight of advertising and public relations efforts executed on behalf of departments and schools throughout the district.
• Oversee communications efforts with key media partners, providing media counsel to internal staff and serving as the district’s media point of contact.
• Update the Superintendent and Board of Education regularly regarding marketing and communication issues impacting the district or specific sites.
• Coordinate all budget planning and preparation within the communications department.
• Develop and/or update all district policies and procedures pertaining to the Marketing and Communications Department.
• Coordinate with the administration on a place to improve communication between and among various internal employee groups.
• Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Council, District Crisis Team, as well as other key district committees or initiatives as assigned.
• Provide effective leadership to the Communication Department’s staff and functions to nurture a team capable of exceeding the demands of the department.
• Responds to media requests or identify an appropriate spokesperson in support of the overall communication strategy.
• Assist staff who respond to media requests in identifying and scripting key talking points that support the overall district’s position.
• Oversees management of the district-owned radio station (KIOS).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is required; Advanced degree preferred
• Successful management experience with a history of strong leadership, organization and teamwork skills, and managing staff.
  • Ability to respond quickly in a calm and professional manner to crisis situations and to represent the district’s stance in these situations in a creditable manner.
• Excellent analytical research skills and project management skills.
  • Ability to meet frequent and changing deadlines with high attention to detail with the ability to multi-task.
• Ability to plan, assign, direct, coordinate, review, and evaluate the work of subordinate staff engaged in various professional, technical, and administrative functions.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervisory direction, and establish work priorities and follow-up actions required to meet strict deadlines and other requirements accurately and completely.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing, and to prepare marketing documents and press releases.
• Experience in facilitating large and small group processes
• Experience within the profession of education and/or public service, as well as hands-on marketing or media experience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Education, Superintendent, media sources, employees, as well as officials of state agencies and public and private organizations, and members of the public.
  • Work collaboratively to create and effectively deliver information and instruction to staff
  • Must have advanced computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office products.

About Omaha Public Schools

Omaha Public Schools: where every child is known, loved, and inspired! Our mission is to prepare all students to excel in college, career and life. Our district consists of 65 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, 9 high schools, 1 virtual school, and 13 alternative programs. We enroll 52,000 students from various ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. We serve more than 18,000 English Language Learners and 120 languages. #OPSProud

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