Director of Regional Communications

Thank you for your interest in our employment opportunities. We invite you to apply to be a part of our dynamic team providing quality educational services throughout Southwest Washington, and other areas of the state. For more information review the NEOGOV Application Guide and Frequently Asked Questions.

General Responsibilities

Under direction of ESD 112's Executive Director of Communications and Public Engagement, the Director of Regional Communications (ESD 105) serves in a leadership role within the ESD 112 Communications team and as a strategic advisor to partner districts. The Director of Regional Communications oversees communication service delivery for assigned partner school districts and initiatives in the ESD 105 region, and may assist with out-of-region communications work, as needed.

We’re seeking a skilled communications professional who knows how to lead and how to do the work. This position calls to a candidate who is accomplished, adaptable, and deeply service-oriented, with a genuine commitment to building trusted relationships and helping partners succeed. The right candidate will be ready to work hard, think strategically, respond with agility, and jump into everything from planning and advising to writing, editing, and managing high-quality communications in both every day and high-pressure situations.

Salary:

The full range for this position is $114,732.80 - $139,588.80, Offers are made at the entry level of the range.

Assignment:

The position will be full-time, year round.

Essential Functions/Other Functions

Essential Functions:

• Lead strategic communication support and oversight for school districts in the ESD 105 region, including client partner relationships, project planning, service delivery, ensuring high-quality communications support aligned with district goals, priorities, and timelines.
• Serve as primary point of contact and communications advisor for partner districts, providing communications counsel and direct support to district leaders related to communications, public relations, public information, media relations, community engagement, reputation management, marketing, and other emerging needs.
• Develop, and implement communications strategies, plans, and messaging for assigned districts and projects, including routine and planned as well as high-profile, sensitive, and crisis-related communication needs.
• Produce and manage communications deliverables across multiple channels including print, digital, web, social media, and other content management systems. Duties include writing, editing, content development, publication management, and coordination of production and distribution.
• Ensure consistency, quality and strategy alignment across communications work through application of ESD 112 communication standards related to messaging, branding, design, web, workflow, and service for assigned districts and regional projects.
• Utilize research, analytics, surveys, and partner feedback to assess needs, guide recommendations, inform strategy, evaluate effectiveness, and support continuous improvement and growth of communications services with the ESD 105 region.
• Convene regional meetings, trainings, and presentations on communications related issues. Represent ESD 105 and/or ESD 112 at partner meetings, workshops, committees, conferences, and district or community events, as required.
• Provide leadership in media relations and public information response by serving as a public information officer and media contact for assigned districts and ESD 112, as assigned, and supporting timely, accurate, and strategic responses in sensitive or high-visibility situations.
• Maintain positive working relationships and work collaboratively with the ESD 112 Communications Team, internal, and external partners.
• Maintain regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position.

• Identify and support opportunities to strengthen, expand, and sustain communications services for partner districts and regional initiatives.
• Seek partnership and service opportunities to maintain and expand communication related services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum/Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in job-related area.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, public information, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
• Experience working with multiple districts, clients, or partners in a consultative service model while implementing communications plans.
• Experience managing digital communications and using content management systems, including websites and communication platforms, electronic newsletters and social media.
• Experience conducting research, interpreting data, and using analytics to inform communication strategy.
• Experience managing routine and crisis communications.

• Master's degree in job-related area.
• Experience using survey tools, Adobe Suite and other design platforms.
• Experience working in a school district or education-related communications.
• Experience serving as a public information officer, media contact, or strategic communications lead in sensitive or high-visibility situations.

Working Conditions/Employment Requirements

Working Conditions:

• Frequent travel within the ESD 105 region, occasional travel to the ESD 112 region and other areas of state, and occasional out-of-state travel. Some overnight travel required.
• Extended or flexible hours as necessary with hybrid work option.
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity.

• Successful completion of a criminal history and fingerprint background check through the Washington State Patrol and FBI

Notice of Non-Discrimination
ESD 112 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person. The following individuals have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

• Civil Rights compliance Officer: Melissa Kreuder, 360-952-3328, melissa.kreuder@esd112.org
• Title IX Compliance Officer: Wendy Niehaus, 360-952-3574, wendy.niehaus@esd112.org
• ADA/504 Compliance Officer: Jeffrey Niess, 360-952-3529, jeffrey.niess@esd112.org

The above information will be provided in the appropriate language for persons with limited English language skills by contacting the ESD at 360-750-7500.