2025-2026 Director of Communications & Community Relations for Northbrook School District 28
Salary Range: $80,000-$100,000, or commensurate with experience
Benefits Eligibility: Eligible for full-time benefits for certified personnel, including insurance for medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability; tuition reimbursement; sick, personal and vacation days
Work Year: 7/1/2025 - 6/30/2026
Qualifications:
1) Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism; Master's Degree or Accreditation in Public Relations is preferred
2) Minimum of five years of Public Relations or Communications experience in a school setting is preferred
3) Extensive knowledge of web technologies, social media platforms and current desktop software
4) Ability to take initiative, work independently and be flexible with continual interruptions and shifting priorities
5) Ability to budget time effectively, organize/prioritize mulitple tasks with an aptitude for quality, accuracy and detailed work
6) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the staff, the community and the local media
7) Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
8) Experience with crisis communication protocol
9) Experience with various digital media, including still photography, videography and graphic design
Reports to:
Superintendent of Schools
Purpose of Role:
The Director of Communications & Community Relations provides leadership and vision for the district's brand/public reputation as well as developing and implementing strategic communications that align with the district's goals. The position provides direction for all internal and external communications through various platforms, including e-newsletters, district social media channels, news releases, district website, presentations, and special events. The Director works as part of the Superintendent's cabinet to provide leadership and strategic advice, communicating and supporting district initiatives.
Responsibilities:
1) Manage and organize all internal, parent, and community communications of the district and board of education
2) Generate publicity and raise the profile of the school district through a wide range of media, including local publications, websites, e-newsletters and social media posts; also serve as media liaison for local and regional media outlets, providing a customer-service approach in facilitating inquiries and pitching stories
3) Develop a response process, proactively whenever possible and reactively when necessary, to effectively communicate news and information for all district news, press conferences, press releases and media sources and serve as Crisis Information Officer
4) Act as the key point of contact with students, staff and community members to create engaging stories about the learning community and activities in the district
5) Serve as district webmaster responsible for updating and maintaining all content and oversee/train other users on how to make appropriate updates
6) Serve as system administrator for all newsletter and mass notification systems, responsible for training teachers and school staff users as well as overseeing content
7) Photograph or produce videos of events in the school district that are suitable content for social media and the district website
8) Actively monitor and integrate social media channels to support news, activities and achievements throughout Northbrook School District 28 and oversee school and teacher social media accounts
9) Recommend new forms of emerging social media that would provide appropriate outlets for district news, staying connected to evolving digital monitoring and measurement technologies
10) Serve as liaison to Northbrook School District 28 schools' Parent Teacher Organizations and alumni
11) Work flexibly and carry out additional roles within the school district as may be assigned
12) Work with administration in the confidential internal and external communications of personnel matters and employee investigations and discipline
13) Produce print and graphic media to assist the Human Resources Office with personnel recruitment
14) Support and enhance employee engagement, recognition, branding, and onboarding/offboarding components of the district
15) Oversee and coordinate communication of negotiations and employee relations matters
16) Other leadership tasks as assigned
General Comments:
The nature of this position requires an ability to maintain confidential information and the demonstration of ethical, professional conduct at all times. The ability to develop good relations with staff, parents and community members is essential. A working knowledge of the community (people and resources) is desirable.
Physical Context of the Position:
Individuals must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the assignment, including standing or sitting for long periods of time, bend and be able to lift up to 30 pounds. Individuals must be able to travel between school buildings on a regular basis.
Application Procedure:
Please upload to your application academic transcripts, cover letter, resume and at least three letters of reference.
District 28 Statement:
Northbrook District 28 is a four-school district with approximately 1,800 students. The community is committed to excellence in education, which is evidenced by the programs and opportunities available to our children. We are guided by the mission to Empower Every Learner.