CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Serves to assist the district and schools in marketing, public relations, and internal and external communications. Promotes professional communication and information dissemination regarding district matters. Provides leadership and oversight to the effective and efficient operations of assigned areas. Oversees Communications and Marketing, Title IX & Student Protections, Equity, Access and Inclusion, Black and Latino Male Achievement, Restorative Practices, Gender and Identity Inclusion and Strategic Partnership and Customer Service.

$170,555 - 204,057 (12-month)

Applications for the position are being accepted by the Office of Human Resources no later than 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. A current resume must be attached to the completed application. If you are selected for the next stage of the interview process, you will be asked to provide three, electronic professional references. Appointment is subject to a criminal background check, a drug/alcohol test and credential verification. Non-MPS employees must submit official transcripts confirming Degrees. No applications will be accepted after the deadline date and time.

As of November 1, 2021, all MPS employees are required to be fully vaccinated. The health and safety of our staff and students is our number one priority. That's why all offers of employment are contingent on the candidate showing proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (currently one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine) to pass the pre-employment requirements. Individuals with medical issues or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may request an accommodation from the vaccine requirement.

• • A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree in Creative Writing, English, Journalism or related areas of editing is preferred.
  • Work experience and certifications will be considered in conjunction with but, not as a substitute for, the required degree.
  • Ten or more years of experience working for a large organization, collaborating with multiple departments and partners simultaneously is required.
  • Five or more years of experience in media communications is required.
  • Proficiency of the English language, demonstrated through extensive writing and editing.
  • Advanced technical understanding of editing software, Office 365 and other relevant software and databases.

• • Communicates with the Superintendent in a timely, accurate and honest manner on emerging situations.
  • Informs the Superintendent of all public correspondence including media requests, publications, interviews, complaints and releases.
  • Directs and reviews the development and dissemination of internal and public correspondence, including media requests, publications, interviews and releases, internal publications, data releases and school notifications.
  • Establishes effective modes for communicating with the internal and external school communities.
  • Promotes a positive image of Milwaukee Public Schools and its programs through proactive communications across all outlets (social media, news, radio, bulletins, newsletters, etc.).
  • Utilizes project management strategies to drive effective and efficient campaigns.
  • Ensures the Department of Communications and Marketing assists schools with communication needs and fosters open and responsive communication between schools and their respective communities.
  • Serves as a member of the senior team and collaborates with the other members of the team to ensure the day-to-day functions and goals of the district are met.
  • Interprets, analyzes, monitors and tracks metrics related to marketing and communications operations.
  • Serve on the MPS Strategic Plan team.
  • Provides leadership in the coordinating and implementing the MPS Strategic Plan.
  • Promotes MPS through strong, positive messaging that reflects the districts advocacy for children.
  • Oversees and completes the editing, revising and creating of district policies and procedures.
  • Collaborates with all chiefs and respective directors to ensure compliant language in all handbooks and manuals.
  • Possesses advanced knowledge and understanding of the Milwaukee community and its complexities.
  • Demonstrates the ability to successfully organize and promote large events (media visits, open houses, federal visits, fairs, etc.).
  • Networks and fosters sustainable partnerships.
  • Directs and supervises the operations of Communications and Marketing, Title IX and Student Protections, Equity, Access and Inclusion, Black and Latino Male Achievement, Restorative Practices, Gender and Identity Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships and Customer Service.
  • Develops departments within the Office of Communications.
  • Directs and supports the development of departmental events, including the Mental Health Symposium, Equity Summit, Denim Day, GSA Student Leadership Summit, Town Halls, etc.
  • Oversees the support provided to schools by the department within the Office of Communications.
  • Attends board and committee meetings.
  • Ensures support programs.
  • Maintains a general or higher understanding of the Department of Public Instruction - Wisconsin and its requirements as they pertain to MPS.
  • Evaluates department structures and processes to increase collaboration and promote efficiencies that will guide teams toward proficient performance.
  • Supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel.
  • Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

The Milwaukee Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of a person's sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, every applicant for a position with Milwaukee Public Schools will be subject to the open records law. Any applicant not wishing to have his/her identity released, must submit a written statement to that effect to the Office of Human Resources. The identities of all "final candidates" may be released. Milwaukee Public Schools reserves the right to interview the best qualified candidates.