Director of Sponsorship Development and Communications

Job Summary:

• Identifying, cultivating, and securing partnerships with potential sponsors to support and provide revenue for the district's programs, events, and initiatives. Provide strategic leadership for the District’s communications and marketing efforts to support its mission of "Every Student Every Day." Design and implement effective communication strategies across diverse media platforms to highlight District goals, achievements, programs, and key updates for employees, parents, and the broader community. Strengthen school-community relationships by showcasing the District’s value and fostering partnerships to support educational initiatives. Identify and cultivate revenue opportunities with community partners to enhance programs. Lead crisis communication efforts, ensuring timely and accurate information reaches all stakeholders. Collaborate with administration to develop and execute comprehensive internal and external communication strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field (required).
• A minimum of five (5) years proven experience in sponsorships/fundraising, marketing, communications, or related field.
• Experience participating in or leading a non-profit Board (preferred).
• Strong understanding of the communications process, including expertise in social media marketing and various communication platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in public relations including writing reports, new releases, brochures, video presentations, and other various media.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships within the school and community
• Familiarity with District programs is an asset.

Duties and Responsibilities (including but may not be limited to):

1.  Sponsorship Development

• Sponsorship Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive sponsorship strategy that aligns with the district's goals and objectives;  Identify potential sponsorship opportunities for various school district events, programs, and initiatives; Evaluate the needs of the district and tailor sponsorship proposals to attract new community partners and retain existing sponsors.
• Database: Develop and maintain a sponsor database to track all relationships, partnerships, and opportunities.
• Research and Prospecting: Research potential sponsors, including local businesses, regional corporations, and national entities with an interest in education or community engagement; Conduct outreach to prospective sponsors through calls, emails, meetings, and other communication methods
• Proposal Creation & Contract Negotiation: Develop sponsorship proposals that clearly outline the benefits and return on investment for potential sponsors; Present and negotiate sponsorship packages with potential sponsors, ensuring mutual understanding and agreement on terms.; Draft and manage sponsorship contracts, ensuring compliance with district policies and timelines.

• Newsletters: Develop, design, proofread, and publish content for District newsletters using the Smore platform.
• Internal and External Communications: Draft and distribute general, non-emergency, weather, and emergency communications; prepare and release press statements as needed.
• Media Requests: Respond to media inquiries and serve as the District’s spokesperson when required.
• Website Management: In conjunction with the technology department, create, update, and maintain content on all District web pages.
• Social Media: Manage the District’s social media platforms by creating and publishing engaging content to inform and connect with stakeholders.
• Marquee Content: Develop, upload, and manage marquee information.
• Annual Report: Collect departmental data and compile it into the District’s annual report.
• Email Monitoring: Respond to inquiries from the District’s official email account.
• District Calendar: Oversee and maintain the District calendar.

• Style Guide: Develop, update, and enforce the District Style Guide to ensure consistency in branding across all communications.
• Event Promotions: Assist staff and departments in creating, proofreading, and publishing promotional materials for District events.
• Marketing Strategy: Explore and implement new outreach strategies to enhance the District’s marketing efforts.

• Community Relationships: Foster and maintain positive relationships with community stakeholders to strengthen ties with the District.
• Community Programs: Promote initiatives like the Golden Bulldog Pass and the annual “Dinner and a Show” to boost community participation.
• Staff Engagement: Support internal staff programs and events, such as the annual picnic and opening day activities, to enhance employee engagement and morale. 
• Alumni Relations: Support ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with District alumni and increase their engagement with the District community.

• Serve as the point of contact for all Foundation programs, with the major emphasis on fundraising activities.
• Expand and Strengthen the Education Foundation by increasing membership engagement and growth within the foundation, recruit and develop committee members and leadership to drive initiatives and implement strategies to expand outreach and awareness of the foundation’s mission
• Collaborate with Foundation and School District officers and volunteers to meet the annual budgetary and program goals
• Promoting the Foundation’s mission within the community and School District.

 Other Duties, Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of computerized applications related to the communications and marketing field.
• Knowledge of social media such as Facebook and Instagram and their appropriate use for disseminating business information and announcements.
• Proven planning, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong human relations skills.
• Must be courteous, congenial, cooperative, and service-oriented.
• Professional appearance.
• Effectively use District-sponsored technology as designated by the supervisor.
• Must be able to work independently or in a team (as circumstances warrant) and able to work with frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with students, personnel at all levels, and members of the public.
• Follow written and verbal directions, provide direction, and motivate peers.
• Must be able to read/write/correspond clearly, concisely, and effectively at a post-secondary level; interpret and follow District policies, regulations, and work rules; and exercise good judgment.
• Must appropriately handle confidential information.

• Standard office setting, including standard office equipment.
• Requires frequent travel between multiple school buildings and various community partner locations.
• Regular schedule is 8-4:30 PM at the District's Administration Building but must have the ability to manage a schedule that includes evenings and weekends to support District events and foster community engagement.