Director of Integrated Communications - 1.0 FTE - Prophet Center

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.

The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran’s status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service.

504 Coordinator: Katie Loewen, kloewen@pps.net, 503-916-3337 x63337
ADA Coordinator: Jey Buno, jbuno@pps.net, 503-916-3360
Director of Civil Rights: Dr. Bobby Cruz, bcruz@pps.net, 503-839-3660

BASIC FUNCTION

Under administrative direction, lead the district’s integrated communications strategy and services in support of major system priorities, public trust, and organizational coherence. The Director provides strategic oversight and hands-on leadership for bargaining communications, enrollment marketing support, rightsizing communications strategy, and communications project management, while also overseeing language access services, brand and design services, social media, and web administration.

This position develops and implements coordinated communication systems that strengthen alignment across departments, support families and staff through complex change, and ensure clear, timely, and equitable access to information. The Director serves as both a strategic leader and an individual contributor, managing high-impact projects, developing key messages and materials, and providing communications support during engagements, events, and other activities that may require work beyond the standard day.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

This description does not describe all duties performed. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed.

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and lead an integrated district communications strategy aligned to district priorities, organizational change efforts, and community engagement goals. “E”
• Provide strategic direction and implementation oversight for communications related to collective bargaining, enrollment marketing, rightsizing, and other complex district initiatives. “E”
• Advise senior leaders on messaging, sequencing, audience strategy, risk, and communication planning for sensitive, high-impact issues. “E”
• Build communication systems, tools, and processes that improve coherence, responsiveness, and cross-department alignment. “E”
• Lead the development of communication plans, key messages, timelines, and deliverables for districtwide projects and initiatives. “E”

Bargaining, Change, and Public Narrative

• Oversee communications strategy and message development related to bargaining in close coordination with district leadership, labor relations, and legal counsel. “E”
• Lead communications planning and implementation for rightsizing and other organizational change efforts, ensuring clarity, transparency, and alignment across internal and external audiences. “E”
• Support district efforts to communicate clearly and credibly during periods of change, uncertainty, and heightened public interest. “E”
• Help shape the district’s public narrative by ensuring communications are accurate, timely, audience-centered, and aligned with district values. “E”

Enrollment Marketing and Family-Facing Communications

• Lead communications and marketing strategies that support student enrollment, retention, and family engagement. “E”
• Oversee the development of campaigns, materials, and digital content that promote district programs, opportunities, and school choice processes. “E”
• Partner with schools and central office leaders to ensure enrollment-related communications are clear, accessible, and responsive to family needs. “E”
• Use feedback and available data to improve outreach strategies and strengthen family awareness and engagement. “E”

Oversight of Communications Functions

• Supervise and coordinate key communications functions, including language access services, brand and design services, social media, and web administration. “E”
• Ensure district communications platforms, standards, and services reflect a consistent brand, meet accessibility expectations, and support effective service to schools and families. “E”
• Oversee translation and interpretation systems to support meaningful language access and equitable family communication. “E”
• Guide the management and continuous improvement of district web content, social media presence, and visual communications resources. “E”

Project Management and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Lead complex communications projects from planning through execution, including timelines, deliverables, stakeholder coordination, and follow-through. “E”
• Coordinate with departments across the district to ensure communication efforts are aligned, sequenced, and supported by strong implementation planning. “E”
• Develop and maintain project management tools, workflows, and communication protocols that improve execution and accountability. “E”
• Support cross-functional initiatives by translating complex operational, organizational, and policy issues into clear communications for multiple audiences. “E”

Equity, Access, and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure district communications practices advance equitable access to information for families, staff, students, and community members. “E”
• Apply equity-centered and liberatory design principles to improve communication systems, reduce barriers, and strengthen responsiveness to impacted communities. “E”
• Review communication practices, materials, and delivery systems to identify gaps in access, clarity, timeliness, and user experience. “E”
• Establish feedback loops and use data, community input, and performance indicators to improve communications strategy and service delivery. “E”

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop written materials, presentations, talking points, FAQs, web content, and other communications products as needed. “E”
• Provide communications support for public meetings, family engagement events, district engagements, and leadership initiatives, including work that may occur in evenings or outside the standard workday. “E”
• Respond to urgent issues, emerging concerns, and time-sensitive communication needs with sound judgment and professionalism. “E”
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized “E”, which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

The following knowledge and abilities are in addition to those outlined in the classification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and strategies of strategic communications, public information, and organizational messaging
• Communications planning for complex, high-profile, and politically sensitive issues
• Change management, stakeholder engagement, and public narrative development
• Project management methods, tools, and implementation practices
• Principles of marketing, branding, content development, and audience-centered communication
• Language access requirements, culturally responsive communication practices, and accessibility standards
• Digital communications platforms, web administration practices, and social media strategy
• Public sector communications, including the dynamics of school systems, labor relations, and community engagement
• Equity-centered leadership, liberatory design, and strategies for reducing barriers to information access
• Effective supervision, coaching, and team leadership practices

Ability to:

• Lead and execute an integrated communications strategy across multiple functions and priorities
• Translate complex, sensitive, or technical issues into clear, strategic, and audience-appropriate communications
• Advise senior leaders on communication strategy, messaging, sequencing, and risk
• Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while maintaining high quality and responsiveness
• Supervise staff and coordinate the work of multiple communications functions
• Build systems and processes that improve communication coherence, efficiency, and service delivery
• Develop communication plans, written materials, presentations, and digital content for diverse audiences
• Work effectively across departments and with internal and external stakeholders
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in fast-moving or high-stakes situations
• Engage in both strategic leadership and direct individual contributor work
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and other hours as needed to support meetings, events, and district priorities
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families, community members, labor partners, and district leaders

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, education, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in communications, public affairs, marketing, public engagement, or a related field, including experience supervising staff and leading complex communication initiatives and managing multiple priorities across functions is required. Experience in high-profile, politically sensitive, or organizational change communications is preferred. Public sector, education, or similarly complex organizational experience is highly desirable.

Any other combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Special Requirements:

Work hours include on- and off-campus evening and weekend activities and meetings and district, school and student functions.

Some positions in this classification may require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid Class C Oregon driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working conditions are outlined in the job classification for the position and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.

Remote Work Eligibility: Ad hoc

CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY:

This position is classified as a Director on Grade 45 of the Confidential, Professional and Management Salary Schedule for 260 day employees. The Salary Schedule can be found here: (Link).

SALARY RANGE: $134,927.00 - $161,109.00

LOCATION: Prophet Center

FTE: 1.0

WORK YEAR: 260

STATUS / FSLA: Exempt

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635