Communications Manager

The State College Area School District (SCASD) is a nationally acclaimed district of 6,800 students within a vibrant education-focused community with over 2,000 employees and an annual budget of $205 million. The State College community includes Penn State University, a large, diverse university with a proud international presence. Reflective of our population, equity,

and inclusivity are at the forefront of our work with every student.

The District seeks a dynamic, energetic, and inspiring leader to join the Communications team to develop a comprehensive District communications strategy centered on the District's mission and values statements. This position supports the District in executing timely, aligned, high-quality communications to all stakeholders centered on the District's mission and values statements. 

Our District has highly engaged families and community members who strongly support education by advocating for students' learning experiences and opportunities. The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to a student-centered approach and a collaborative, supportive mindset that advocates for public education.

This position is responsible to:

• Craft a District-wide comprehensive communication strategy based on the District’s mission statement and ensure District communications align with fidelity.
• Ensure District online presence, social media and broader public relations and marketing efforts showcase District strengths and achievements and improve relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide communications standards and advise District administrative staff on internal and external communications.
• Generate district-wide storytelling through the coordination of feature stories (for both internal publication and local media), local advertising, a regular newsletter, and social media.
• Craft public relations materials and be a spokesperson for the district with local media via interviews or information requests.
• Advise and collaborate with the Superintendent and District administration on crisis communication strategies and execution; prepare all district-wide communication regarding safety/emergency-related messages.
• Ensure the District is utilizing cutting-edge approaches including emerging media opportunities and platforms for District outreach, as well as tools such as infographics.
• Guide communication of District change processes to anticipate questions and concerns from stakeholders, particularly those of marginalized communities.
• Manage all District websites including stakeholder training.
• Attend and provide communications support for District Board events. Serve on District, Board, and community committees, including, but not limited to Crisis Communications and Emergency Management.
• Participate in District Strategic Planning and collaborate with the Superintendent and administration on developing a comprehensive communication plan for the Strategic Planning process and outcomes.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with community leaders, service organizations, municipal officials, and other local schools and agencies.
• Other key responsibilities include communications support for District development efforts, publications for local realtors, and supervision of interns.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, English, journalism, technical writing, or related fields.
• Three to five years of experience in public communications, and professional experience in content creation, copyediting, and writing.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading abilities.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style.
• In-depth social media experience.
• Multimedia skills: Photography and videography.
• Website creation and management including utilizing a content management system.
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1).
• Graphic design skills.
• Familiarity with the Adobe Suite including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Successful project management and organizational skills.
• Experience speaking to multi-generational, demographically diverse audiences.
• Ability to perform well within the dynamics of a rapidly changing and diverse environment.
• Experience in K-12 public education is preferred.

If you desire to serve in this role, provide your cover letter, resume, and three professional references.  Applicants should submit materials by April 10, 2025; the position will remain open until a successful candidate is identified. 

SCASD strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

The State College Area School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.