Director of Communications and Marketing

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning.

We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join HopkinsPublicSchools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation.

You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

This position within the Hopkins Schools District has been made available due to a resignation.

SUMMARY:

Provides strategic leadership for Hopkins Public Schools' internal and external communications, marketing, branding, and community engagement efforts. Serves as a key member of the Superintendent's Cabinet and a trusted advisor to district leadership on organizational messaging, public engagement, reputation management, and crisis communications. Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the district's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities. Advances public trust through transparent, culturally responsive, and relationship-centered communication that strengthens engagement with students, staff, families, media, and the broader community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP & STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Provides strategic leadership for districtwide communications, marketing, branding, media relations, and public engagement initiatives. Serves as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent and Cabinet on communication strategy, stakeholder engagement, organizational messaging, and reputation management. Develops and implements a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy aligned with district priorities, strategic goals, and community expectations. Leads enterprise-level messaging strategies that support organizational coherence, trust-building, transparency, and public confidence. Anticipates emerging issues and provides proactive counsel regarding communication risks, opportunities, and stakeholder impact.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS & EXECUTIVE MESSAGING

Leads district crisis communication planning and response efforts, ensuring timely, accurate, coordinated, and transparent communication during high-profile or sensitive situations. Develops executive-level communications including speeches, presentations, talking points, statements, and strategic messaging for internal and external audiences. Serves as district spokesperson or coordinates spokesperson responsibilities in partnership with district leadership. Oversees media relations and cultivates productive partnerships with local, regional, and education-focused media organizations.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & BRAND LEADERSHIP

Leads strategic efforts to strengthen relationships and engagement with families, students, staff, community partners, and stakeholders. Ensures communications reflect the district's commitment to equity, inclusion, accessibility, and culturally responsive engagement practices. Oversees district storytelling and brand management efforts that elevate student achievement, staff excellence, innovation, and community impact. Guides strategies that promote two-way communication, stakeholder voice, and meaningful public engagement. Leads districtwide marketing and enrollment communication efforts that strengthen organizational reputation and community confidence.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT

Provides leadership, direction, and supervision for communications, marketing, and related support staff. Builds and sustains a high-performing, collaborative team culture focused on innovation, responsiveness, and service excellence. Establishes departmental priorities, allocates resources strategically, and aligns departmental work to district goals and strategic priorities. Oversees vendor partnerships, contracted services, and departmental budget management. Supports and coaches school and departmental leaders in effective communication, engagement, and public relations practices.

DIGITAL STRATEGY & COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

Oversees district digital communication platforms including website strategy, social media, multimedia communications, publications, and emerging communication technologies. Ensures communication systems and platforms are modern, accessible, data-informed, and aligned to organizational priorities. Uses analytics, stakeholder feedback, and communication metrics to evaluate effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or strategic engagement, preferably within public education or a complex public-sector organization. Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership, leading crisis communications, and managing organizational reputation. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

Driver's license.

Demonstrated Expertise In:

Strategic communications and organizational messaging

Executive communications and public engagement

Crisis communication and reputation management

Equity-centered and culturally responsive communication practices

Media relations and community engagement

Brand development and strategic storytelling

Organizational leadership and change management

Digital communications and emerging communication platforms

Public-sector governance and educational systems

Knowledge of FERPA, public data privacy requirements, public records laws, and legal considerations related to educational communications and information disclosure

Leadership Competencies:

Executive presence and sound judgment

Strategic thinking and systems leadership

Relationship-building across diverse stakeholder groups

Ability to lead through complexity and change

Collaborative leadership and team development

Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills

Ability to communicate with clarity, empathy, transparency, and appropriate confidentiality

Political acumen and organizational awareness

Sound judgment regarding sensitive information, legal considerations, and public accountability

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office setting.

Travel required to locations throughout the District.

Schedule: 1.0 FTE, 52 Weeks, 40 hours per week
Non-Affiliated Group50

Wage & Benefit Info:

Salary Range $ 150,616.26 - $173,566.26
Position specific Benefits information is available HERE
Union Contracts, Position Handbook/Agreements are located HERE