RECRUITMENT BULLETIN #13-31                                               May 1, 2013

 

                                              BUFFALO BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY

 
POSITION:                 CHIEF OF PUBLIC RELATIONS - EXEMPT
 
SALARY:                   BY CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT
 
OVERVIEW:
Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) has begun a period of change that seeks to transform the district and its schools. With the appointment of Superintendent Pamela Brown and a significant level of local, state, and federal attention and investment, Buffalo has an incredible opportunity to ensure that all of its students graduate prepared to succeed in college or a well-paying career.
 
Currently, BPS has 58 schools serving approximately 34,000 students, of whom 79% qualify for free or reduced price lunch and 77% are students of color. Of the 58 schools in the district, 28 have been given “priority” status by the state and 16 more have been given “focus” status. Within the district, a sizable number of students do not meet state standards, and only about half of those who attend high school graduate with a diploma. Superintendent Brown is building a talented and committed leadership team to partner with her in moving BPS towards the ambitious goal of preparing all students for success.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
 

• Acts as an advisor to the Superintendent on all matters relating to assigned areas of responsibility for the purpose of providing information to meet District goals and objectives;
• Assumes leadership role on the Superintendent’s Cabinet (i.e. assisting with long-range strategic planning; developing system-wide budget plans, policies and activities, etc) for the purpose of meeting and communicating District goals, objectives and results;
• Attends District board meetings, and/or ensures participation by public relations designee, for the purpose of staying informed on board-member specific perspectives;
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders (i.e. Board of Education members, district and building administrators, community organizations, foundations, businesses and government agencies, etc) for the purpose of building effective communications, enhancing relationships, and ensuring a high quality of customer service to achieve District goals and objectives;
• Develops and supervises a cohesive and strategic advocacy agenda for the District on relevant state and federal education initiatives;
• Leads development of research on community issues and trends, tracks critical local, state and national policy issues and identifies strategic opportunities for community, foundation and business partnerships, investments and public policy leadership and engagement;
• Coordinates responses to all public information requests for the purpose of ensuring effective communication practices to meet District strategic goals and objectives and to provide excellent customer service;
• Manages program evaluation, including design and implementation, and solicitation of feedback from internal and external stakeholders for the purpose of improving services and programs provided and forecasting future needs of the District and community;
• Manages program and/or departmental responsibilities (i.e. design of innovative programs/services including website, marketing materials, public relations image, data management, fiscal responsibility, district forecasting, etc) for the purpose of providing support for and achieving District mission and organizational objectives;
• Performs related duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or a designee.

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Public Relations, Communications or a closely related field and eight (8) years of full-time experience with progressive responsibilities including senior leadership in public or community relations in a large institution or educational setting.
 
NOTE:  Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time experience requirements.  Proof of all of the above must be presented at time of appointment.
 
APPLICATION:  CANDIDATES FOR THIS POSITION SHOULD COMPLETE AN APPLICATION AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.buffaloschools.org  (Recruitment Bulletin number must be included on application).
 
APPOINTMENT:   Appointments are subject to the review of the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent following the approval of the City of Buffalo Civil Service Division. Personal interviews shall be scheduled where appropriate.
 
The Buffalo Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
 
 
 
FINAL FILING DATE:   Until position is filled.
 
 
APPROVED:
 
 
Dr. Pamela C. Brown
Superintendent of Schools