BOARD OF EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202

RECRUITMENT BULLETIN RB# 22-215

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & INFORMATION, EXEMPT

DATE: OCTOBER 5, 2022

NOTICE OF POSITION

POSITION:

The Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tonja Williams, is interested in receiving applications from qualified candidates for the position of:

Director of Public Relations & Information, Exempt

Civil Service Residency requirement will apply

APPLICATIONS:

Candidates interested in applying must complete an online application on the district website at www.buffaloschools.org/jobs. Click the “APPLY” button at the bottom of this page to start your application.  Once the form is completed, click the “Submit” button.

Applications successfully received will generate a confirmation email to the account listed on the application. (Be sure to check your junk and spam mail.) If you do not receive a confirmation email, we cannot guarantee that your application was received. You must submit an application until you receive a confirmation email.

In order to continue the interview process, interviews for this position may be virtual due to the Covid-19 virus.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Relations, Communications or a closely related field and four (4) years of full-time leadership experience in the field of Public/Community relations, marketing or media

                                                                                                     OR

2. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Relations, Communications or a closely related field and six (6) years of full-time leadership experience in the field of Public/Community relations, marketing or media

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This is an important administrative position which will direct large and active public information programs characterized by moderate number of contacts with the media on sensitive or controversial issues; oversees a staff in specialized titles in multimedia, graphic design, and publications production; reports directly to the Superintendent.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts as an advisor to the Superintendent on all matters relating to media and public information 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;
• 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 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;
• Acts as Districts Spokesperson at the Superintendents discretion
• Establish communication policies and procedures to align with agency communication practices
• Review agency program responses to press inquiries and ensure alignment with agency communication policies and procedures

Performs related duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or a designee

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective public relations and publicity;

Ability to create, prepare and revise informational material;

Ability to work cooperatively with members of the news media, parents, teachers and community groups;

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

Ability to organize and coordinate a number of projects simultaneously;

Ability to supervise the work of others;

Good judgment; good address; resourcefulness; initiative; diplomacy; tact;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

APPOINTMENT:

Appointment will be made by the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent following the assessment of training, experience, credentials, evaluation of service, program needs, and personal interview.

SALARY: By contractual agreement

FUNDING: Pending funding

FINAL DATE FOR FILLING: UNTIL FILLED

DR. TONJA WILLIAMS

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

The Buffalo Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, religious practice, national origin, ethnic group, sex (including sexual harassment and sexual violence), gender identity, sexual orientation (the term "sexual orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or asexuality ), political affiliation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, weight, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by New York state and/or federal non-discrimination laws in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the District's non-discrimination policies should be directed to HRCompliance@buffaloschools.org or to: Tami Hollie McGee, Chief of Human Resources 719 City Hall Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 816-357