Primary Purpose:

Promote positive public relations between the school district and the community. Prepare and provide information to the public about the activities, goals, and policies of the school district. Distribute pertinent information about the district and its activities to employees.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field

A Masters degree in a related field is strongly preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Excellent Public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees, parents, or the public

Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district

Demonstrated skills in writing, editing, and public speaking

Thorough knowledge of media relations and public relations functions

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Ability to interpret data

Ability to use a personal computer to design and produce district publications

Ability to use software to develop spreadsheets, perform data analysis, and do word processing

Ability to manage social media, website information, and a media campaign

Training in leading strategic planning in public school districts or large organizations

Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act, school board elections guidelines, and American and Texas flags protocols

Knowledge of retail management (This position oversees the operation of the district spirit store.) store)

Experience:

Three years in journalism or communications experience 

Experience with surrounding news media

Experience with marketing, promotions, and public relations

Experience with public information requests or public schools

Experience working as a public school administrator strongly preferred

Other: 

Must be able to work prolonged or irregular hours, including nights, holidays, and weekends

Hutto residency or willingness to relocate preferred 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Public and Community Relations

1. Serves on the District Executive Leadership Team and Cabinet.
2. Serve as the information liaison between the school district and the community. Serve as district spokesperson and coordinate media coverage including preparing press releases and publishing articles and photos in local media and other publications.  Create multi-media content (including video) and media campaigns
3. Ensure that public information activities contribute to the attainment of district goals and objectives.
4. Design, prepare and edit district publications including newsletters, recruitment brochures, programs for special events, and other publications.
5. Serve as a district representative on community committees as required. Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs including speaking at civic organization meetings and make presentations.
6. Direct and manage the district’s public information activities.
7. Help school personnel publicize and promote any performances, exhibitions, displays, or special programs sponsored by the schools.
8. Ensure that public information activities contribute to the attainment of district goals and objectives.
9. Keep informed of developing communication trends and techniques.
10. Oversee licensing agreements for use of the district’s trademarks and logos.
11. Oversee the observance of district holidays, celebrations, major events, and special district events such as but not limited to the Back to School Rally, Freedom Game, Veterans Day, Convocation, Graduation, and Meet the Hippo Night.
12. Attend all board meetings and prepare board briefs for district-wide distribution. 

Policies, Reports, and Law

1. Develop and publicize reports related to the performance of the district and articulate district goals and objectives.
2. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy. Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the public information area.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.
4. Serve as the district’s officer for open records requests, filling requests, and maintaining records. 

Budget

1. Develop and administer the department budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost-effective and funds are managed wisely.
2. Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.

Personnel Management

1. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
2. Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operation of the communications function.
3. Supervise the Hutto Education Foundation Director and its respective programs and committees. Serve as the liaison between the HEF Board and the superintendent. 
4. Supervise the Community Education Program Director and its respective programming and offerings.  
5. Supervise the district receptionist and ensure that the position has the most updated information.  

For information regarding benefits click here.