Deputy Chief of Communications

Reports To : Chief of Communications

Overview:

The Deputy Chief of Communications / Press Secretary resides in the Communications Office of the Boston Public Schools, reporting to the Chief of Communications, will serve in a senior role within the Communications Office and is responsible for the implementation of the external communication strategy, design, and best practices. The Deputy Chief of Communications/Press Secretary serves as the primary communications advisor to the Chief of Communications, spokesperson for Boston Public Schools and supports the coaching and advising of the Superintendent and their leadership team, including media training and preparation.

Working with the Chief of Communications, the Deputy Chief of Communications/Press Secretary will assist in the development of a strategic external/media communications strategy to complement the district’s overall communications goals and advance the mission of Boston Public Schools. This position will have a particular emphasis on media relations and candidates must possess a strong sense of news judgment and understanding of a major market media landscape. The position also requires the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while working under tight deadlines.

As a senior member of the Communications Office, the Deputy Chief of Communications/Press Secretary will assist in overseeing all aspects of the district’s communications and public relations functions, including press releases, media inquiries, letters to staff and families, press conferences as well as crisis communications at the school and district level.

Additionally, the Deputy Chief of Communications/Press Secretary manages the day-to-day operations and assignments of the content team within the Communications Office. This individual will be expected to maintain confidentiality and exhibit discretion and professionalism in all activities.

Responsibilities :

Press Secretary/District Spokesperson

• Develop key messaging and implement communication strategies relevant to the superintendent’s priorities
• Serve as spokesperson on behalf of the superintendent and Boston Public Schools
• Brief and advise the superintendent on media appearances and responses
• Manage communication with media outlets during emergency and crisis situations as well as serving as the point person to notify the media and public about school closures.
• Actively engage, cultivate and manage relationships reporters;

Lead content strategy for the district

• Develop communications cascade and strategy for announcements of key initiatives
• Work with the Communications team to develop and execute long range communication strategies
• Direct the implementation of social media, media and multimedia content plan
• Work with Media Relations Manager and Multimedia Content Manager to develop a plan for how schools can identify stories to share
• Work with the Media Relations Manager to pitch reporters
• Support the work of building a new BPS website with a specific focus on multimedia content
• Support the creation or edits on any external facing documents to ensure alignment in message and branding (press releases, media statements, internal messages, school committee presentations, etc.)
• Maintain strong relationships with principals, department heads and other BPS staff and stakeholders, as well as visiting schools periodically to develop newsworthy story ideas;
• Support the promotion and marketing of BPS schools and programs;
• Oversee the tracking of media coverage and maintaining up-to-date media contacts lists;
• Prepare, edit and produce media materials, including press releases, statements, op-eds, quotes, talking points and briefing materials;

Serve as senior leader for Communications Office

• Respond to Freedom of Information Act and public records requests
• Measures communication KPI’s to track internal and external engagement
• Provide communications and media training and support to district officials, principals, department heads and other staff;
• Work with the director of strategic communications, the Mayor’s press office, and other city departments as appropriate to coordinate messaging and talking points;
• Supervise and manage members of the Communications Office, including but not limited to individuals responsible for media relations and content creation

Qualifications - Required :

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications or a related field
• 7-10 years experience in the public relations/journalism/communications or related field, including time in a senior level role
• Advanced understanding of proactive, reactive, and crisis media relations, including strong story pitches that reinforce the district’s priorities
• Previous experience as a spokesperson/press secretary for a larger organization
• Ability to managing professional employees with specific and varied areas of expertise, and prioritize competing demands and work in high-pressure, fast-paced environment
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills, especially in communicating complex policies and practices to varied audiences
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and assignment
• Current authorization to work in the United States
• An understanding of and commitment to gain greater understanding of what is necessary for an urban school system to enjoy continuous improvement in an increasingly complex and competitive environment
• A deeply held and unyielding belief in the overarching mission of public education

Qualifications - Preferred :

• Understanding of urban education and community issues, preferably in the City of Boston
• Experience producing media statements and publications, such as flyers, newsletters, reports, etc.
• Working knowledge of web communication, including content management systems and social media
• Familiarity with Boston and Boston Public Schools

Work Schedule:

Eight hour day, steady with peak periods; some evening and weekend responsibilities driven by media/community engagement needs

Required Application Documents:

A cover letter, resume, and digital portfolio or links to examples that showcase social media content strategy and cross- platform examples.

Terms: Managerial, E92

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.