Position Filled
Updated March 22, 2012
The Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) is a small state agency located in Olympia that provides leadership, advocacy and services to support public school directors’ efforts to improve student learning. Serving 1,477 locally elected school board members, WSSDA has an outstanding record of service. The Association seeks a Director of Communications to provide support for all programs of WSSDA.
The position reports to the WSSDA Executive Director.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This position plans, organizes and manages the communications program for the association and works closely with the executive director and association leadership on key messages, communication strategies and policies. The position has direct responsibility for research, writing, designing, formatting and editing of materials in both electronic and print format for the publishing and distribution of information.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Directs and performs writing and editing duties relative to communications projects, gathers information and writes, edits, lays out copy and proofreads materials for reports, newsletters, news releases, brochures, speeches and others.
- Administers and directs multiple projects related to WSSDA internal and external communications, including the development of policies, goals and objectives, and evaluation of the effectiveness of agency communication programs.
- Edits copy for a wide variety of work submitted for printing; reviews copy for correctness, clarity, form of presentation and suitability; confers with departments regarding faults and rewrites as necessary.
- Advises association leadership and executive director regarding communications and public relations strategies, including evaluation of target audiences, message development, and delivery.
- Determines schedules for production, publishing and distribution.
- Oversees WSSDA website content and architecture, including formatting and writing of web pages and articles, graphic design and layout. Ensures accurate, timely updates to website. Coordinates conversion of print documents to electronic format. Directs WSSDA electronic communication channels and media, including ListServs, online forums, webinars, podcasts, blogs, social media and video.
- Consults with and advises departments on most efficient and most suitable means of producing work submitted, including possible cost-saving alternative methods.
- Establishes and maintains publication schedules and coordinates schedules to assure conformance with publication specifications; serves as department's agent in resolution of matters.
- Supervises one communications staff member, developing work goals, plans and schedules, ensuring continuous learning and skill building and evaluating performance.
- Directs WSSDA’s media relations; serves as a spokesperson for the agency to the news media and the general public.
- Organizes and conducts workshops and training activities for school board members related to communications and advocacy and other topics as determined by the executive director.
- Participates in executive team activities, including development of agency strategic plans, goals and objectives, and work plans.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Communicates information in a persuasive, tactful and effective manner.
- Uses a variety of means and media to present information, both orally and in written form.
- Maintains effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals including elected officials.
- Oversees multiple projects and deliver quality products on time.
- Supervises staff and maintains a positive work environment.
- Oversees and plans budget for program area.
- Is available for weekend and evening work, and travel by air and automobile.
- Regular work attendance and availability as workload and assignments require.
- Works well under pressure meeting multiple and sometimes competing deadlines, and at all times demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors.
- Prioritize workload, set deadlines and work within time lines.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- BA/BS in communications, public policy or related field, or equivalent education or experience.
- Minimum five years experience in the areas of communications, publications, telecommunications, public/media relations, writing and marketing.
- Experience with desktop publishing and graphics design/editing software (i.e, Adobe CS 5 Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator).
- Experience with software related to electronic communications, including website layout and content, content management systems, and audio/video production.
- Experience in writing and publishing professional, high-quality association newsletters, marketing materials and related publications.
- Experience in a supervisory role.
COMPENSATION
- In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, the annual salary for the position is negotiable, depending on qualifications.
APPLICATION PROCESS
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
- Application review begins immediately and will continue on an ongoing basis until an adequate pool of candidates is established. Therefore, it will be to the applicant's advantage to submit materials as soon as possible. Applications will be screened and only those candidates who most closely meet the desirable education, skills, knowledge, and abilities will be interviewed. By submitting materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or nisleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
WSSDA is an equal opportunity employer