GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES 

Administers the school division’s School and Community Relations efforts including, but not limited to, communications, media relations, publications, marketing, special events, family and community engagement, community partnerships and engagement, public information, the website and e-communications, web and multimedia design services, AETV video production and editing, the Volunteers and Partners in Education Programs, and Printing Services; provides leadership and support to schools and departments as they work to engage students, families, employees, and the community and build effective relationships; provides administrative oversight for the Student Registration Office and Language Services; serves as the spokesperson for the school system; serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet; and provides leadership for the Office of School and Community Relations.

SUPERVISION 

Work is performed under the administrative direction of the Superintendent. Supervision is provided to staff assigned to communications, media relations, family and community engagement, community partnerships and engagement, volunteer and partnership programs, special events, web and multimedia design services, AETV video production and editing, student registration, language services, printing services, and related functions; and a variety of consultants, contractors, and other personnel supporting the work of the office.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

This is a single, mission-essential, senior administrative position with system-wide responsibilities affecting all areas of the division and its diverse population. The position serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet and provides leadership and administrative oversight for the Office of School and Community Relations and its communications, media relations, family and community engagement, community partnerships, volunteer and partnership programs, special events, web and multimedia design, AETV video production and editing, printing, student registration, and language services functions.

The position requires broad knowledge of public education, communications, community relations, family engagement, public information, and school division operations, as well as the ability to manage multiple functional areas with significant division-wide impact. The position regularly advises the Superintendent, School Board, Senior Staff, and other division leaders on matters affecting the public image, communication, engagement, accessibility, and delivery of services of Arlington Public Schools.

The position represents the Superintendent and the school division at School Board meetings, School Board work sessions, community meetings, public forums, and other official events and activities as assigned.

GUIDELINES 

School Board Policies, Policy Implementation Procedures, various web and digital communications guidelines, public relations and communications guidelines, professional media and communications standards, FOIA regulations, applicable federal and state laws and regulations, student registration requirements, language access requirements, and instructions and guidance from the Superintendent and School Board.

CONTACTS 

School administrative staff, supervisors, Senior Staff and School Board; students and families; community and parent/teacher organizations; local print, broadcast, and digital media; business leaders; community partners and organizations; local, state, and national school, communications, public relations, media, community engagement, registration, and language services leaders and organizations; county and state officials; vendors; contractors; and members of the general public.

The position has regular contact with the Superintendent and members of the Superintendent’s Cabinet and participates in School Board meetings and work sessions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

(May not include all duties performed.)

Advises the Superintendent, School Board, Superintendent’s Cabinet, Senior Staff, directors, supervisors, principals, and other administrators on a variety of public relations, communications, community relations, family engagement, community partnership, student registration, language access, media relations, and other issues affecting Arlington Public Schools.

Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet and participates in division-level planning, decision-making, and discussions regarding matters affecting the school division.

Provides support and leadership for all media relations, community relations, family and community engagement, and crisis communications; serves as the chief spokesperson for the school system; handles media inquiries; and collaborates with Division Counsel on Freedom of Information Act requests.

Represents the Superintendent and Arlington Public Schools at School Board meetings, School Board work sessions, public forums, community meetings, and other official events and activities as assigned.

Provides leadership and administrative oversight for the Office of School and Community Relations and coordinates the division's communications, public information, community engagement, family engagement, community partnerships, volunteer and partnership programs, special events, web and multimedia design, AETV video production and editing, and related services.

Coordinates efforts to provide a full range of communications programs designed to create and maintain accurate and favorable public relations for the school division, both internally and for the community at large.

Directs the development and distribution of informational brochures, publications, digital communications, multimedia materials, and other informational resources; publicizes news, activities, programs, and accomplishments of the schools and school division.

Provides counsel and support to individual schools and programs to help them meet their communications objectives and enhance their family and community engagement efforts.

Provides leadership and oversight for family and community engagement initiatives designed to increase meaningful participation and strengthen relationships among schools, families, and the broader community.

Develops and maintains relationships with community organizations, businesses, civic organizations, and other external partners to support school division priorities and student success.

Oversees the Volunteers and Partners in Education Programs and coordinates efforts to recruit, engage, and maintain volunteers and community and business partnerships.

Plans, coordinates, and oversees division-wide special events, community forums, public forums, meetings, celebrations, and other activities designed to inform and engage students, families, employees, and community members.

Provides administrative direction for the division's website, e-communications, and other Web-based communications and ensures that information is accurate, accessible, timely, and consistent with established standards.

Provides leadership and oversight for Web and Multimedia Design Services, including the development of digital, graphic, and multimedia materials supporting school and division communications.

Provides leadership and oversight for AETV video production and editing, including the development, production, editing, and distribution of video content supporting school division communications, public information, educational programming, and community engagement.

Coordinates e-communications for schools and the district via email, text messages, social media, websites, and other Web-based communication platforms.

Collaborates with local, state, and national agencies as needed to ensure effective communications with internal and external audiences and the media on community, regional, and/or school-based emergencies.

Coordinates community forums, public forums, and community meetings regarding current issues in the school system; coordinates APS participation in community festivals, fairs, forums, and events.

Oversees the planning and management of school division special events including dinners, receptions, open houses, groundbreaking and dedication events, staff recognitions, community celebrations, and other countywide activities.

Manage