Job Number 4600312450 Start Date Open Date 06 / 12 / 2025 Closing Date 08 / 12 / 2025
General Definition of Work
The chief communications officer (CCO), under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision-making discretion in developing, leading, and executing a comprehensive and strategic communications effort for multiple audiences that publicizes the district's educational programs, student-focused initiatives, strategic goals, and vision. This position also serves as communications counsel to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and Leadership Team. The CCO manages all aspects of the communications program, including, but not limited to strategic planning and advising, employee communications, website and microsites, publications, research, media relations, and crisis communication at the district and school levels. Employee is a member of the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to district communications and public information under the direction of the Superintendent.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary / Status
PG 14 / Full-time, 12 months
Reports To
Superintendent
Place of Work
The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.
Essential Functions
- Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
- Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff / programs in the district
- Establish and implement budgeting and fiscal management systems consistent with local, state, and federal requirements
- Develop and manage annual communication and marketing plan that supports the district's vision, goals, objectives, and accomplishments
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent, leadership team, principals, and district staff regarding communications, community relations, and public relations, including forecasting potential ramifications, and implications / unintended consequences
- Create / manage crisis communication and assist with reunification, and emergency drills
- Provide support and direction to district departments and schools in the planning, preparing, formatting, publishing and dissemination of reports and other communications
- Oversee and facilitate special projects internally and externally as needed / required
- Oversee and facilitate employee recognition efforts as needed / required
- Serve as district spokesperson, fostering cooperative, professional relationships with media while building opportunities for engagement
- Develop and sustain cooperative relationships with community, employee, and public interest groups, seeking new ways to work collaboratively toward district goals / vision
- Craft and manage the district's communication messages through various traditional and digital means for both internal and external audiences, including social media, video content, written communications, and mass notification technology
- Contribute to the district's overall communications and branding efforts by ensuring continuity, consistency, and professionalism in all district publications / communications
- Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly
- Participate in professional development workshops and leadership training
- Facilitate and supervise professional development for staff
- Create an inclusive environment with positive communication
- Perform other related work as assigned or required
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of communications, marketing, graphic design, and webpage managementThorough knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standardsDemonstrated knowledge of traditional, modern, and complex principles and practices of media relations and marketingDemonstrated knowledge of communication tools, project management systems, media monitoring and reporting software and data / asset managementExcellent communications planning and project management skillsStrong still and video photography skillsStrong writing, editing, and proofreading skillsAbility to direct and evaluate the work of othersAbility to develop and maintain strong internal and external working relationships, including with local, regional, and national mediaAbility to meet deadlines and successfully coordinate multiple projects at one timeAbility to use effective media relations, writing and verbal communication skillsAbility to maintain professional and emotional control under stressAbility to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanorAbility to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needsAbility to develop and monitor a budgetAbility to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operationsAbility to communicate effectivelyAbility to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationshipsAbility to employ positive communication skills in all settings / mediumsAbility to problem-solve utilizing sound judgmentAbility to maintain confidentiality regarding school system businessAbility to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgementAbility to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategyAbility to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and / or current programsDemonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actionsDemonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environmentEducation and Experience
Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related area requiredMinimum of seven (7) years' communications experience as a public information official including experience in news media relations, public relations, marketing, and publications design or related area preferredEquivalent combination of experience and educationSpecial Requirements
Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License or ability to provide own transportationTravel to school district buildings and professional meetingsMay be required to attend offsite and / or community events that may occur outside of normal business hours# of Jobs 1.00 Teacher Scale N Minimum Educational Requirements Bachelors Term 12 Month Additional Job Information
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions
Work requires the occasional exertion of up to ten pounds of forceWork regularly requires the exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communicationConstantly operates a computer and other office business equipmentAbility to remain in stationary position for required meetings / workAbility to move to other work locationsVisual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activitiesHearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communicationsWork requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, and use of advanced technologyWork occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditionsWork is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic)Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructionsMust be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stressMust be on-call as a regular part of the jobJob Attachment