Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Chief of Strategic Communications & Engagement
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, 28245
Overview
The Chief of Strategic Communications & Engagement, under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision‑making discretion overseeing all aspects of marketing, public relations, and community engagement, ensuring that communications across all platforms reflect the district's goals and values at the highest standard. This role enhances the district's public image, builds strong and sustainable relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and drives alignment with the Board's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Goals to provide an exemplary educational experience for all students. The employee is a member of the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet and carries out Board of Education policies under the direction of the Superintendent. The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position support the district’s efforts to communicate effectively with students, families, staff, and the community, and to manage district branding, media relations, and crisis communications at a system‑wide level. Essential Functions
Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned programs and staff in the district Set overall communication strategy for the entire organization Develop and implement district‑wide communications strategy to engage students, families, staff, and community Manage crisis communications, including emergencies, safety incidents, and sensitive district issues Lead internal communications to ensure consistent messaging across schools, departments, and staff Oversee all external communications including media relations, press releases, and community outreach Oversee multiple departments (PR, marketing communications, internal communications) as needed Make strategic decisions about messaging and brand positioning Develop proactive media relations strategy to communicate district messages, initiatives, and achievements Build meaningful relationships with local media, government officials, and community stakeholders Oversee preparation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and public statements Develop strategy to provide high‑level media training for executive leaders Cultivate relationships with civic leaders, parents, community organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders Develop and implement strategies to strengthen relationships with parents and families to support student success Lead outreach efforts that promote community involvement, including town halls, forums, and engagement events Partner with school administrators and parent organizations to design communication plans encouraging involvement in school and district decisions Establish partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies Collaborate with schools and district leadership to plan and promote events aligned with district priorities Coordinate feedback on the district's performance from stakeholders and develop recommendations Direct the district's branding and marketing efforts for a cohesive message Oversee marketing campaigns to increase awareness of district programs and initiatives Provide executive direction in the design and production of marketing materials Oversee district communications during crises, ensuring accurate, transparent, and timely information Lead the development and maintenance of a comprehensive crisis communication plan Serve as the district's primary media representative in crises Attend Board of Education meetings as needed Participate in staff meetings and related activities Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations Perform related work as assigned or required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of public schools, and federal, state, and local regulatory requirements Strong public relations practices, including media relations, press release development, and crisis communication Exemplary written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences Experience in digital marketing, social media strategy, and website management Ability to manage complex, politically sensitive community processes Professional and emotional control under stress Ability to reflect appropriate responses while maintaining professionalism Ability to learn and use specialized tools and software Ability to develop and monitor an efficient budget Ability to direct, evaluate, and coach team members Ability to implement and monitor rules and procedures in daily operations Effective communication and relationship building Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment Ability to maintain confidentiality of district information Ability to develop charts, graphs, reports, and records for planning and strategy Proactive initiative, independence, and sound judgment Capability to work in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing environment Education And Experience
Bachelor's degree in education, journalism, marketing, public relations, public administration, or a related field required (Master's degree preferred) Minimum of seven (7) years' experience in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or digital media preferred Minimum of five (5) years' supervisory experience preferred Equivalent combination of experience and education Special Requirements
Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License or ability to provide own transportation Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings Salary/Status
PG 15/Full-time, 12 months Reports To
Superintendent Place of Work
The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The district reserves the right to require work at other locations as reasonably required. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Occasional exertion up to ten pounds Regular use of communication and computer equipment May require travel to other locations and work at varied locations Visual and hearing requirements for information processing and communication Work may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions and a moderately noisy environment On-call as a regular part of the job Disclaimer
The preceding description indicates the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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The Chief of Strategic Communications & Engagement, under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision‑making discretion overseeing all aspects of marketing, public relations, and community engagement, ensuring that communications across all platforms reflect the district's goals and values at the highest standard. This role enhances the district's public image, builds strong and sustainable relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and drives alignment with the Board's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Goals to provide an exemplary educational experience for all students. The employee is a member of the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet and carries out Board of Education policies under the direction of the Superintendent. The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position support the district’s efforts to communicate effectively with students, families, staff, and the community, and to manage district branding, media relations, and crisis communications at a system‑wide level. Essential Functions
Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned programs and staff in the district Set overall communication strategy for the entire organization Develop and implement district‑wide communications strategy to engage students, families, staff, and community Manage crisis communications, including emergencies, safety incidents, and sensitive district issues Lead internal communications to ensure consistent messaging across schools, departments, and staff Oversee all external communications including media relations, press releases, and community outreach Oversee multiple departments (PR, marketing communications, internal communications) as needed Make strategic decisions about messaging and brand positioning Develop proactive media relations strategy to communicate district messages, initiatives, and achievements Build meaningful relationships with local media, government officials, and community stakeholders Oversee preparation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and public statements Develop strategy to provide high‑level media training for executive leaders Cultivate relationships with civic leaders, parents, community organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders Develop and implement strategies to strengthen relationships with parents and families to support student success Lead outreach efforts that promote community involvement, including town halls, forums, and engagement events Partner with school administrators and parent organizations to design communication plans encouraging involvement in school and district decisions Establish partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies Collaborate with schools and district leadership to plan and promote events aligned with district priorities Coordinate feedback on the district's performance from stakeholders and develop recommendations Direct the district's branding and marketing efforts for a cohesive message Oversee marketing campaigns to increase awareness of district programs and initiatives Provide executive direction in the design and production of marketing materials Oversee district communications during crises, ensuring accurate, transparent, and timely information Lead the development and maintenance of a comprehensive crisis communication plan Serve as the district's primary media representative in crises Attend Board of Education meetings as needed Participate in staff meetings and related activities Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations Perform related work as assigned or required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of public schools, and federal, state, and local regulatory requirements Strong public relations practices, including media relations, press release development, and crisis communication Exemplary written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences Experience in digital marketing, social media strategy, and website management Ability to manage complex, politically sensitive community processes Professional and emotional control under stress Ability to reflect appropriate responses while maintaining professionalism Ability to learn and use specialized tools and software Ability to develop and monitor an efficient budget Ability to direct, evaluate, and coach team members Ability to implement and monitor rules and procedures in daily operations Effective communication and relationship building Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment Ability to maintain confidentiality of district information Ability to develop charts, graphs, reports, and records for planning and strategy Proactive initiative, independence, and sound judgment Capability to work in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing environment Education And Experience
Bachelor's degree in education, journalism, marketing, public relations, public administration, or a related field required (Master's degree preferred) Minimum of seven (7) years' experience in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or digital media preferred Minimum of five (5) years' supervisory experience preferred Equivalent combination of experience and education Special Requirements
Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License or ability to provide own transportation Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings Salary/Status
PG 15/Full-time, 12 months Reports To
Superintendent Place of Work
The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The district reserves the right to require work at other locations as reasonably required. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Occasional exertion up to ten pounds Regular use of communication and computer equipment May require travel to other locations and work at varied locations Visual and hearing requirements for information processing and communication Work may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions and a moderately noisy environment On-call as a regular part of the job Disclaimer
The preceding description indicates the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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