Chief of Strategic Communications & Partnerships at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

General Definition of Work

The Chief of Strategic Communications & Partnerships, 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 plays an essential part in enhancing the district’s public image, building strong and sustainable relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and driving alignment with the Board’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Goals to provide an exemplary educational experience for all students. Employee is a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet and performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies under the direction of the Superintendent.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned programs/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 but not limited to 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. 
• Often manages multiple departments (PR, marketing communications, internal communications)
• Make strategic decisions about messaging and brand positioning
• Develop a proactive media relations strategy to ensure the district’s messages, initiatives, and achievements are consistently communicated internal and external stakeholders
• Build meaningful relationships with local media, government officials, and community engagements
• Oversee the preparation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and public statements to elevate the district’s public profile
• Develop strategy to provide high-level media training for executive leaders to ensure effective representation of the district in public forums
• Cultivate relationships with civic leaders, parents, community organizations, businesses, and other key stakeholders to build lasting support for District programs and initiatives
• Develop and implement strategies to build and strengthen meaningful relationships and partnerships with the district’s primary stakeholders — parents and families — to support student success and community trust
• Lead strategic outreach efforts that promote community involvement, including town hall meetings, forums, and other engagement events, enhancing transparency and collaboration with stakeholders
• Partner with school administrators and parent organizations to design communication plans that encourage involvement in school and District decision-making
• Establish partnerships with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to enhance the district’s presence and impact within the community
• Collaborate with schools and District leadership to plan and promote events that foster community involvement and messaging that is aligned with District priorities
• Coordinate feedback on the district’s performance from stakeholders, including students, families, staff, community and business partners, and develop recommendations

• Direct the District’s branding and marketing efforts, ensuring a cohesive and compelling message that reflects the district’s mission and vision
• Oversee marketing campaigns that enhance public awareness of District programs, student achievements, and strategic initiatives, including academic, co-curricular, and community partnerships
• Provide executive direction in the design and production of all marketing materials—both print and digital, to reflect the district’s high standards and innovative spirit
• Oversee District communications during crises, ensuring stakeholders receive accurate, transparent, and timely information
• Lead the development and maintenance of a comprehensive crisis communication plan that outlines protocols for all emergency communications, ensuring strategic alignment and consistency
• Serve as the District’s primary media representative in crises, managing press conferences, interviews, and public statements to maintain public confidence and clarity
• Attend regular and called meetings of the Board of Education as needed/required
• Facilitate/participate in staff meetings and attend other related meetings as needed
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
• Perform related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public schools
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to public school systems
• Comprehensive knowledge of public relations best practices, including media relations, press release development, and crisis communication protocols
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the proven ability to craft compelling messages for a range of diverse audiences
• Demonstrated skills in digital marketing, social media strategy, and website management
• Ability to oversee and guide complex, politically sensitive community processes that result in strong engagement
• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress
• Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs
• Ability to develop and monitor an efficient budget
• Ability to direct and evaluate and coach team members 
• Ability to implement and monitor local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school district planning and strategy
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement 
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and
• mitigation actions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, journalism, marketing, public relations, public administration, or a related area 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