Full-Time and Permanent; 7.5 Hours/Day; 252 Days/Year; 12 Months/Year

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in public relations, journalism, communications, business education or related fields required.  Master’s Degree and/or APR certification preferred.  Minimum of three-five years of experience in the areas of public relations, communications, journalism, management, or a combination of these areas in the public or private sectors or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the noted knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Thorough knowledge of media and public relations functions, principles, concepts, practices, and strategies.
• Thorough knowledge of multi-media and multi-faceted community-oriented communication strategies and techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles of budget management.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, organize, schedule, and prioritize activities, functions, and assignments.
• Ability to perform research and prepare publications and promotional literature; ability to effectively gather, organize, and disseminate information and data.
• Ability to develop and implement public information and to market established or newly developed programs, plans, and policies.
• Ability to prepare and deliver speeches, slides, and video presentations for the community, businesses, and other organizations.
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with superiors, peers, government officials, community organizations, business leaders, and the news media.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with established practices and procedures and to speak on behalf of the division and School Board.
• Excellent human relations skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively organize and present information, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare speech notes as requested.

Nature of Position

• Plans and directs a program for selection and assignment of highly qualified personnel.
• Establishes, develops, and maintains effective relations with the news media to ensure fair, balanced, and comprehensive media coverage of the school division’s programs, activities, and events.
• Creates plans and strategies to address communication challenges/opportunities and public information needs on behalf of Norfolk Public Schools, as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent.
• Manages communication outreach endeavors, including maintaining media relations, organizing special events, and publishing all legal notices concerning the school division’s business.
• Develops and implements the Norfolk Public Schools’ Communications Plan (including crisis communications) in conjunction with various internal and external departments; provides assistance, training, and tools for staff to assist in carrying out the communications plan.
• Assists with communications in crisis situations and responds to questions from the public and school employees regarding actions of the School Board.
• Writes speeches for Board members and the Superintendent of Schools, as requested; composes correspondence on matters pertaining to the School Board for the Chairman’s signature; and assembles information requested by School Board members.
• Provides a professional development plan and training opportunities for staff within the Department of Communications and Media Relations.
• Assists in the design and layout of publications that deliver the message of Norfolk Public Schools.
• Provides general supervision and makes recommendations for increased efficiency and effectiveness of the NPS Print Shop (located NTC) and the mailroom (located in the central administration building).
• Performs other public relation duties and related activities as required by the Superintendent of Schools.