Executive Director, Strategy and Communications

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Executive Director of Strategy and Communications develops, executes, supervises, and maintains comprehensive and wide-ranging internal and external communications; public, community, press, and government relations; and operates proactively to position the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE), its programs, and its partnerships to ensure that SMCOE’s vision and mission are at the forefront of decision-making and implementation.

Working closely with the Superintendent, and as a member of Cabinet, the Executive Director of Strategy and Communications is the chief spokesperson and a leading advocate for SMCOE. The successful candidate will develop and later direct and oversee a comprehensive and proactive organization-wide communications and media  plan  (including  risk  management,  pitching  complex and meaningful stories that advance the SMCOE mission, developing  the  narrative)  and  manage media relations (including print, electronic, and social media).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are examples of assignments to be performed in this position. This is not a totally comprehensive list of duties; nor is it restrictive regarding assignments. It  includes  some start-up activities but also focuses on continuing activities.

Planning and Strategizing to Ensure a Cohesive Direction:
Prepare an overarching strategic communications plan;
Administer, plan, implement, and supervise public information, government and community relations and outreach, marketing, and information dissemination;
Articulate and actively pursue strategic, cohesive, transformative advocacy and policy roles for SMCOE.

SEE JOB POSTING FOR COMPLETE LIST OF JOB DUTIES.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to:

EDUCATION:     Bachelor’s degree required in communications, public affairs, communications, journalism, or related discipline; An advanced degree in communication, public affairs, communications, journalism, or related discipline is highly preferred and;

EXPERIENCE: 10-15 years  of relevant  job-related experience at  a senior  level in public relations, public affairs, media, advocacy communication or a related field, with demonstrated competence in strategy and communications; Experience   at   a   public   agency   or   large   nonprofit   organization,   including   increasingly responsible experience in professionally-related position; Evidence of understanding of visual thinking and graphics; Writing experience in print and digital publications for diverse audiences; Expertise in developing compelling content for web,  multi-media,  and  social  media platforms, working with professional graphic designers, programmers, and technical professionals; Demonstrated success packaging, pitching, and placing media stories and opinion pieces in different outlets; Impeccable attention to detail and follow up; Experience with storytelling and creating narratives; Evidence of excellent organizational, written, and oral communication.

SELECTION PROCESS INCLUDES:
A review of completed application and supplemental questionnaire
A structured interview including a presentation conducted virtually via Zoom (Tentative Date: January 23, 2025)

*Candidates who pass all of the examination processes are ranked on an eligibility list according to their score(s).  Selection for positions will be made from among the top three ranks of candidates.  The job eligibility list will be used for hiring in other vacancies that are in the same respective job classification, and will be active for six (6) months (Merit Rule 60.1: A.4). 

BENEFITS:
Total Compensation Package:  Placement on salary schedule.  If a medical plan is selected, the employee will receive a contribution of $1,300.00/month toward the selected medical plan (through CalPERS), Delta Dental, and Life Insurance.  The employee pays the balance of their health premiums from their gross earnings on a pre-tax basis.  If a medical plan is not selected, employees will receive a contribution of $300.00/month toward single coverage for Delta Dental, and Life Insurance.  A vision plan (VSP) is also available.  Employees pay the worker contribution to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). 

OTHER FRINGE BENEFITS:
Accrue 102 hours of sick leave
15 paid holidays
15 paid vacation days
CALPERS Employer Contribution 
Work remotely one (1) day every week (applicable after initial 6 months pending supervisor approval) 
Flexible work schedule depending on position    
Commuter Benefit

The San Mateo County Office of Education will provide to the job candidate selected for this position a fully paid annual membership to the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).  The membership fee is set at approximately 1% of the member’s annual salary.

*Floating Holiday, Personal Leave, Executive Leave, and Personal Business vary depending on the position,  collective bargaining agreement, and/or other regulations.