Director of Communications, Community Relations and Marketing

About the Role

The Director of Communications, Community Relations, and Marketing serves as the primary communications strategist, media spokesperson, and brand ambassador for the Neenah Joint School District. This leader oversees district-wide internal and external communications, media relations, community outreach, and brand marketing. The Director acts as a key strategic advisor to the Superintendent to promote transparency, build community trust, drive enrollment, and highlight the achievements of Neenah students, staff, and schools.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Brand Leadership
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-channel communications and marketing plan aligned with the district's mission, values, and strategic goals.
  • Oversee brand identity across all platforms, ensuring high standards for visual design, tone, and editorial guidelines (Neenah "Rockets" branding).
  • Direct district media relations, act as official spokesperson, write press releases, and coordinate responses to local and regional media inquiries.
  • Serve as crisis communications coordinator, providing rapid and accurate information during and after emergency situations in coordination with law enforcement and emergency personnel.
• Community & Public Relations
  • Build strong partnerships with local civic leaders, businesses, municipal agencies, and community organizations.
  • Assist the Superintendent in the planning and executing of community engagement campaigns, public listening sessions, and community surveys to gather feedback on district initiatives and referendums.
  • Oversee community recognition programs, district traditions, and special events (e.g., Hall of Fame inductions, staff recognition, major facilities openings).
• Digital Marketing & Content Management
  • Manage the district’s official website, serving as webmaster and ensuring web accessibility standards (ADA compliance).
  • Lead the district’s social media strategy to celebrate student success, promote staff recruitment, advance student enrollment, and inform the public.
  • Produce high-quality digital content such as video stories, district newsletters, and infographics.
• Internal Communications & Administrative Support
  • Serve as a key member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, advising leadership on public messaging and public relations impacts.
  • Establish efficient internal communication workflows to ensure staff and administration remain informed and aligned.
  • Provide messaging support, speechwriting assistance, and communications training for the Superintendent, school principals, board members, and department heads.
  • Implement the communications plan approved by the Board of Education and improve the plan on an ongoing basis.
  • Ensure the proper flow of information between the district, school board, and schools and, when necessary, manage these processes.
  • Anticipate communications challenges and opportunities and consult with staff and board members accordingly.
  • Provide professional public relations counsel and assistance to the administration, school board, school staff, parent groups, and student groups.
  • Serve as information liaison between the school district and the community.
  • Serve as liaison between the district and the news media and supervise the production and distribution of news releases.
  • Serve as district spokesperson as needed.
  • Cooperate with district administrators and other staff members, as appropriate, in publicizing and promoting events and accomplishments at the schools.
  • Oversee the writing and production of the staff and community newsletters including hardcopy and digital newsletters.
  • Prior to final publication, review and edit all district publications that will be disseminated to the general public.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in public relations, communications, or marketing, preferably within K-12 education, public sector, or non-profit organizations.

Skills

• Exceptional written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in crisis communications and issue management.
• Proficiency with website platforms (e.g., Finalsite), social media management tools, and graphic/video tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva).
• Strong knowledge of search engine analytics, social metrics, and data-driven marketing strategies.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders in a community-driven manner.