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Chief Communications Officer

Albemarle County VA Public Schools
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Chief Communications Officer 

Department of Strategic Communications

 

Are you looking to work in a school division where students are engaged in authentic, challenging, and relevant learning experiences, becoming lifelong contributors and leaders in our dynamic and diverse society? Then look no further! 

 

In Albemarle County Public Schools, we work together as a team to end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children’s success through high-quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student! 

 

We are actively recruiting a Chief Communications Officer to join our team for the 2025-26 School Year. The Chief Communications Officer manages and provides strategic leadership for the School Division's public affairs and communication initiatives, including regular meetings with School Division Cabinet and other ACPS leaders. Oversees marketing and communications efforts; directs media relations program to include measuring the effectiveness of results, and adjusting accordingly. Provides expert advice, consultation, assistance, training, and facilitation to all levels of leadership. Creates and manages multi-media information and education programs to include communications tied to School Divisions key objectives. Oversees production of various public outreach publications. Identifies and implements initiatives that enhance communication and public awareness. May be assigned specific program responsibilities and handle a variety of special assignments including working with confidential information. 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

  • Updates and implements a School Division public affairs and strategic communications plan consistent with the School Division's Strategic Plan;  
  • Serves on the Superintendent’s Cabinet and advises Superintendent on the internal and external communications elements of the Division's strategic planning and budget efforts; 
  • Oversees and is responsible for all content on the ACPS web and social media platforms; 
  • Serves as information liaison between the Division and community, develops and maintains strong working relationships with the media, area businesses, community organizations, and the general public; 
  • Collaborates with the Community Engagement office related to relationships with businesses and community organizations; 
  • Represents the Division on community and regional partnerships with high visibility to the public and decision makers, as required; 
  •  Coordinates with communications staff of national and state organizations, local coalition partners, and elected officials;  
  • Oversees development of and training for staff related to templates and boilerplates for division-wide communications and emergency messages to targeted communities; 
  • Directs planning of stakeholder meetings and surveys to explain, communicate, and solicit input on Division policies and initiatives; 
  • Oversees the Division’s legislative agenda and relations with elected officials at the local and state level; 
  • Works closely with the School Board and Division leadership to formulate key stakeholder messages and improve outreach.  
  • Recommends innovative avenues of communication to the Superintendent and Leadership Team; 
  • Updates communications tools and procedures based on industry standards and best practices;  
  • Oversees web-based, social media, and video communications; 
  • Advises and consults with Division leadership and staff to ensure communications comply with all relevant policies; 
  • Works with senior management to prepare complex reports, executive summaries, etc., used to guide decision-making by the School Board and Division leadership; 
  • Plans and manages dissemination of information regarding School Division programs and services to internal and external stakeholders; 
  • Develops and revises presentations for senior leaders in the School Division; 
  • Collaborates with School Board Legal Counsel to manage the processing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, ensuring compliance with state law and associated timelines; 
  • Creates and succinctly conveys the Division's public information messages, including press releases and other high-level publications, through a variety of print and electronic mediums. 
  • Coordinates media inquiries, requests, and opportunities with School Division leaders; 
  • Manages the organizational communication response to critical situations, incidents, and sensitive, controversial issues; 
  • Expedites responses to inquiries and complaints received by the department from citizens and school personnel; 
  • Provides proactive media training and strategic communications advice to the School Board and Division Leadership Team. Provides professional public relations advice and assistance to schools, parent groups, and student groups; 
  • Manages communications budget; 
  • Supervises other communications staff or interns;  
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

 

Thorough knowledge of various media production including print, video, web, and social media, and aptitude to apply in an innovative and cost-effective manner. Excellent demonstrated oral and written communication skills. Substantial knowledge of commonly used electronic applications supporting public affairs and strategic communications; Ability to communicate with senior-level officials and citizens with tact and diplomacy; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with the media, other office personnel, employees, and the general public; Good organizational skills that include the ability to work under strict deadlines and make decisions in accordance with laws, policies, regulations, and established procedures while organizing and performing work independently. Ability to ascertain information under stressful conditions and clarify the position of the School Board with the media. Ability to work effectively to deliver measurable results in demanding environments with diplomacy and adaptability, while handling multiple tasks, prioritizing activities, and meeting deadlines. 

 

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

 

Bachelor's degree in public relations, mass communications, or closely related area and seven years related professional experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree desired. 

Prefer Public K-12 experience and/or experience with community-based educational programs. Accreditation by the National School Public Relations Association or Public Relations Society of America is preferred but not required. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of valid driver's license and vehicle required as position requires frequent travel. 

  

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS: 

 

Regular and frequent contacts are made with all organizational levels (internally and externally) for the purpose of achieving organizational goals and mission. Regular contact with the School Superintendent and Cabinet personnel, senior School Division staff, School Board members, government officials, media, and the general public is necessary. These contacts may be non-cooperative and may require considerable skill, diplomacy, tact, and discretion to resolve. The position may require attendance at meetings in the evening hours and on weekends. Attends School Board and community meetings or media engagements that are frequently held outside of traditional working hours. Conducts work in a sitting position, however, the job requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, and light lifting.