Direct the communications and community engagement program for Gwinnett County Public Schools. The Chief Communications Officer reports to the Superintendent and is accountable for the district\s public standing, institutional messaging, media relations, digital presence, and broadcast operations. The Chief Communications Officer oversees all internal and external communications and is responsible for ensuring the district communicates with consistency, accuracy, and purpose across every audience it serves. Strategic Communications and Brand. Develop and maintain an integrated communications strategy for GCPS, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms, departments, and audiences. Advise the Superintendent on communications matters including public affairs, media strategy, community perception, and crisis preparedness. Establish and maintain district communications standards, brand guidelines, and messaging frameworks for use by schools, departments, and divisions. Position GCPS as a credible and visible voice in public education at the local, state, and national level. Media Relations and Public Affairs. Direct the district\s media relations program and maintain working relationships with local, regional, and national press. Oversee responses to media inquiries, ensuring all communications are timely, accurate, and aligned with district messaging. Coordinate crisis communications with district and school leadership to ensure a coherent response during sensitive or time-critical situations. Provide media training to district and school leaders to support consistent public communication across the organization. Maintain engagement with government stakeholders to support the district\s legislative and public policy communications. Digital Strategy, Broadcast and Content. Oversee the district website, social media platforms, email communications, and digital content to ensure an accessible and current online presence. Coordinate communications functions of the district\s broadcast studio, ensuring content reflects district priorities and reaches intended audiences. Direct the integration of AI-assisted content tools, workflow automation, and analytics to improve the efficiency and reach of district communications. Oversee production of video, multimedia, and broadcast content in support of district communications and community engagement objectives. Community and Family Engagement. Direct community and family engagement strategies that account for the linguistic and cultural diversity of the GCPS community, ensuring families receive accurate and accessible communications. Maintain relationships with community, government, and civic stakeholders in support of the district\s mission and strategic priorities. Superintendent and Board Support. Prepare communications, presentations, talking points, and messaging for the Superintendent and Board of Education on district matters. Monitor issues affecting GCPS and the public education landscape and provide recommendations to inform leadership communications. Identify opportunities to advance the visibility of the Superintendent and Board as advocates for public education. Work with division and department directors to ensure a consistent communications approach is implemented across all areas of the district. Provide direction to department directors on key communications priorities and ensure timely, accurate responses on district matters. Contribute to Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives in coordination with district leadership. Team and Resource Leadership. Recruit, develop, and lead the communications and engagement team, maintaining clear standards for quality, accountability, and professional development. Manage the department budget, ensuring resources are allocated in support of district communications priorities. Provide ongoing direction to directors and team members on communications standards, key initiatives, and organizational expectations. Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is also required to talk, hear, stand, and walk. The employee may be required to use hands to touch, handle, feel, and/or reach. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to operate a motor vehicle in performance of duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.