Deputy Chief Of Communications

Location:Hattie Mae White Department:Media Relations - Press Area:Northwest Contract Months:12 Salary Range:$200,000.00-$235,000.00 Academic Year:23-24 JOB SUMMARY Reporting to the chief communications officer, the Deputy Chief of Communications is responsible for: (1) managing the press office; (2) overseeing the development of certain time-sensitive communications disseminated via e-blasts or the District's automated call system; (3) providing fiscal oversight and coordination/facilitation for the department; and (4) ensuring compliance with the District's action plan and appraisal system. MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES List most important duties first Monitor news coverage of HISD and the broader education landscape in Houston, Texas, and the nation Track press inquiries and ensure that HISD processes inquiries in a timely manner Oversee team members responsible for researching answers to reporters' questions and coordinating interviews Draft and edit press releases, statements, and other content Issue press releases and advisories, coordinate press conferences and media availabilities Ensure that appropriate consent forms are obtained when HISD coordinates opportunities for media to photograph or record students Serve as a spokesperson for HISD MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED Manage media relations at a variety of District locations and functions Represent the District and the Communications Department in meetings with internal and external stakeholders Oversee the Communications Department's work with schools and Central Office departments to share information in a timely manner with families and staff via e-blasts, automated phone calls, and other distribution channels Prepare and monitor the Communications Department budget Oversee the performance review process for the Communications Department Maintain an archive of emergency communications templates and plans Implement an effective and efficient operations process for the Press Office EDUCATION A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university Master's degree preferred WORK EXPERIENCE Significant supervisory project management experience (10+ years) SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION Expert knowledge of HISD and/or understanding of urban education and change management in complex systems. Knowledge and appreciation of business concepts, strong business writing skills, and strong knowledge of spreadsheet and presentation software.

Strong problem-solving and project management skills, including strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach an end goal. A commitment to equity; demonstrates a sense of urgency regarding closing the achievement gap and driving equitable educational opportunities for all students. A successful record leading effective teams and individuals, managing organizational change, setting and achieving ambitious goals, and initiating key innovations.

Demonstrated ability to develop a vision and inspire others to achieve shared goals. Comfort in leading difficult conversations, guided by the best interests of students and families. Integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions.

Strong time management skills and the ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines. Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills. A flexible, optimistic approach; committed to overcoming challenges; comfortable with change and ambiguity.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences (e.g., large groups, staff meetings, executive briefings, public board meetings, memos). Strong analytical skills and a high degree of intellectual curiosity to distill analysis into insights and translate insights into action. A performance management, accountability, and systems-thinking orientation necessary to inform data-driven strategy development and execution.

Ability to initiate and manage cohesive partnerships and professional relationships with stakeholders at all levels, along with the ability to build consensus on pathways for improving student outcomes and addressing complex issues. Willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of a dynamic team committed to a new future for urban education. Fluency in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments.

Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district-wide. WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate.

Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback. BUDGET AUTHORITY Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the district causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays. COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level.

Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems.

Monitors customer service standards. WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Ability to carry and/or lift less than 45 pounds.

Houston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.