Director of Communications

COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 220

BARRINGTON, ILLINOIS 60010

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Director of Communications

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism or Communication preferred.
2. Extensive knowledge of HTML/CSS, Web technologies, and social media platforms.
3. Adept at using a variety of communication platforms such as Adobe, Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word,
PowerPoint, Excel, etc.), Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)
4. Ability to take initiative, work independently, and cope with continual interruptions and shifting job priorities.
5. Ability to budget time effectively,
organize/prioritize multiple tasks with an aptitude for quality, accuracy and detailed work.
6. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the staff, community and local media.
7. Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills, including knowledge of Associated Press writing style.
8. Demonstrate proficient use of the English language in written and oral forms.
9. Demonstrate a willingness to learn new duties and technology skills as required.
10. Experience with various digital media, including still photography, videography and graphic design using Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

SUPERVISES: Print and Web Design Coordinator

PURPOSE OF JOB: Managing and overseeing all communication channels within the school district, developing strategic internal and external communication plans, maintaining a positive public image and brand for the school district, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms, and managing media relations when necessary.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Direct all communications District-wide. Serve as the key communicator and key point of contact for all District
news, press releases, inquiries, etc.
2. Stage and develop a response process, proactively whenever possible and reactively in emergencies or when necessary, to effectively communicate news and information for all District news, press conferences, press releases, and media sources.
3. Actively monitor and integrate all forms of social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.) to support and promote news, activities, and achievements throughout the Barrington 220 School District.
4. Lead strategic plan initiatives connected to community partnerships and communication (internal communication,
external communication, and community partnerships)
5. Develop processes and procedures for broadcasting the progress of the strategic plan and deliver internal/ external communication for all strategic prioritiea and objectives.
6. Recommend new forms of emerging social media that would provide appropriate outlets for district news, staying connected to evolving digital monitoring and measurement technologies.
7. Solicit news and information to generate newsworthy stories and then draft/write online copy for articles, videos, Websites, and social media.
8. Act as the key point of contact for social media queries, developing a response process, engaging with students, staff, and community members, and proactively promoting information about the school district.
9. Photograph or secure videos of events in the school district that are suitable content for the district Websites.
10. Support communication initiatives by generating publicity and general awareness efforts, raising the profile of the school district through a wide range of media, including local publications, Websites, e-newsletters, and social media posts.
11. Maximize direct marketing opportunities utilizing e-mail, Web-based, and conventional mailings to publicize important district information.
12. Interface with members of local and regional media outlets, providing a customer-service approach in facilitating story requests and inquiries.
13. Update the school district Website, social media sites, and photography archive on a regular basis.
14. Interact as necessary with publicity contacts for the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation, school Parent Teacher Organizations, and alumni.
15. Work flexibly and carry out additional roles within the school district as may be assigned or agreed upon.
16. Work with the Administration in the confidential internal and external communications of personnel matters and employee investigations and discipline.
17. Produce print and graphic media to assist the Human Resource Office with employee recruitment.
18. Support and enhance employee engagement, recognition, branding, and on-boarding/off-boarding components of the organization.
19. Oversee and coordinate communication of negotiations and employee relations matters. 20. Other leadership tasks as assigned.

GENERAL COMMENTS: The nature of this position requires an ability to maintain confidential information and the demonstration of ethical, professional conduct at all times. A working knowledge of the community (people and resources) is desirable.

PHYSICAL CONTEXT OF THE JOB: This position requires sitting in front of a computer screen for relatively long periods of time using a keyboard.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: (Completed by Office of Human Resources)

Created 2/25/2025