Executive Director, Communications and Engagement (Classified Management) (English-Spanish Biliterate Preferred)

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the County Superintendent of Schools, the Executive Director, Communications and Engagement plans, directs, integrates, and evaluates the Santa Cruz County Office of Education’s organization-wide communications, public affairs, public information, community engagement, student leadership, and family engagement programs and services.
• The Executive Director serves as a senior advisor to the County Superintendent, County Board of Education, and executive leadership on communications strategy, public affairs, community relations, emerging issues, crisis response, public transparency, and other matters of public interest.
• The position establishes strategic direction and standards for internal and external communications; directs media relations and public information activities; oversees responses to public records requests; builds relationships with community partners, public agencies, elected officials, education leaders, students and families; and ensures that communications and engagement efforts advance the values, mission, priorities, and public service responsibilities of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.
• This job reports to the County Superintendent of Schools.
• Direct, supervise, and evaluate the performance of assigned management, professional, technical, and support personnel.

Requirements

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, journalism, public relations, public affairs, public administration, education, marketing, political science, or a related field.
• Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public affairs, public information, community engagement, public administration, education, media relations, or a related field, including experience developing and directing broad organizational strategies, advising executive leadership, supervising professional staff, administering budgets, and directing multiple programs or functional areas.
• At least three (3) years of management or supervisory experience is required.
• License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance.

Preferred

• English-Spanish Biliterate Preferred
• Experience in a school district, county office of education, public agency, nonprofit organization, or other public-service setting is desirable.

Benefits

• Benefits include full family medical, dental and vision coverage, 12 days of annual paid sick leave, life insurance, long-term disability and allowance for Professional Dues. Retirement benefits are accrued through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees are required to pay their portion of the retirement plan.