DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK 

The Director of Communications oversees the planning and execution of internal and external communications for the Department of School and Community Relations. Reporting to the Assistant Superintendent of School and Community Relations, the Director supervises communications staff and collaborates with the Director of Arlington Educational Television (AETV) on video programming. 

The Director leads strategic communications efforts to inform and engage APS staff, families, and community members across all APS communication channels. Serving as a primary media spokesperson, the Director uses traditional, digital, and social media platforms to communicate APS priorities, strengthen public understanding, and build trust with the community. 

The position emphasizes two-way communication with key stakeholders and the development of targeted communications campaigns that support APS initiatives, decisions, and events. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

The following duties are illustrative and may not include all responsibilities of the position: 

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  Supervise and evaluate staff responsible for communications, the APS website, media relations, events, and digital strategies; collaborate with AETV staff on video content planning. 

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  Promote APS schools, programs, and key public education issues at the local, state, and national levels. 

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  Develop and implement communications strategies that advance the Superintendent’s priorities and engage staff, families, Arlington County partners, advisory committees, and community organizations. 

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  Lead media relations efforts and establish standards for responding to media inquiries, ensuring coordination with APS departments and schools. 

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  Provide training and consultation to central office leaders and school principals on effective communications and issue management. 

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  Coordinate the development of communication materials, including print, video, web content, multimedia presentations, and special events. 

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  Oversee planning and promotion of division-wide campaigns and events for staff, students, families, and community members.  

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  Support issues of management and emergency communications involving schools or the broader community. 

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  Monitor emerging trends and best practices in communications, public affairs, and media. 

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  Serve as a designee for the Assistant Superintendent of School and Community Relations, as needed. 

EXPERIENCE: 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

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  Knowledge of communications standards and practices, including media relations, public affairs, marketing, and multimedia production. 

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  Demonstrated experience managing strategic communications programs, staff, and resources. 

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  Experience supervising staff or serving in a comparable leadership role. 

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  Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, including the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 

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  Knowledge of community relations strategies that foster engagement and support for APS initiatives and operations. 

 Salary Range: $113,000 to $186,275

It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G-2.30, Employee Relations – Equal Employment Opportunity - that “Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability.”