Executive Director

POSITION PURPOSE

The Agency is actively searching for an exceptional Executive Director to spearhead its communications functions and introduce innovative service lines aimed at enhancing efficiency and bridging the educational opportunity gap in schools across Livingston County. The ideal candidate will possess a distinguished track record of successfully leading both internal and external communication initiatives within the K-12 education sector. Our goal is to enhance the quality of Agency communications and branding while simultaneously providing communication services and support to school districts in Livingston County.

In addition, the Executive Director will be responsible for proposing, implementing, and overseeing new service lines outside of the traditional communications area and that do not involve any service fees. We firmly believe in collaborative efforts and employ cost-sharing models without any additional markup.

The successful candidate will have unquestioned ethics and integrity and will exemplify an innovative spirit focused on finding a way to say “yes” rather than “no”.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Note: These duties and responsibilities are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

New Service Lines:

• Once the ideal candidate is selected, these essential functions will be collaboratively developed to align with their expertise and the Agency's goals. While communications will be a vital aspect of the Executive Director's responsibilities, it is not intended to be the sole focus. The Agency aims to establish new service lines outside of communications, necessitating a candidate with a versatile career and a diverse range of skills that will effectively support the needs of schools and students in Livingston County. We encourage candidates to bring forth fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, enabling us to uncover untapped possibilities and address any areas that may currently be overlooked.

Communications:

• Revamp and successfully execute the Agency's brand identity plan, external communication plan, and internal communication plan (please refer to the attached documents for details).
• Deliver efficient crisis communication assistance to the Superintendent and Board of Education, ensuring effective communication during challenging situations.
• Establish and implement the necessary technology and information systems to facilitate seamless communication efforts across all platforms.
• Deploy internal employee communication engagement strategies that foster a sense of empowerment by each staff member, ensuring they have the necessary information to excel in their role and promoting awareness of core Agency services.
• Initiate awareness campaigns that propel the Agency toward its vision of fostering educational excellence within the community.
• Establish guidelines and inspire compliance among Agency administrators and staff members, ensuring adherence to communication expectations and fostering open two-way dialogue.
• Create compelling communication materials encompassing various formats such as podcasts, print, video, web, multimedia presentations, special events, and other engaging activities.
• Stay abreast of emerging strategies and trends in the communication field, including print media, web-based communications, social media, and other effective channels.
• Introduce a new communication service line for the Agency, offering communication support to school districts in Livingston County in alignment with the Agency's overall communication efforts.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Attend and participate in LESA Board of Education Meetings and other meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain own personal competence through participation in LESA, regional, or state sponsored in-service activities for the purpose of ensuring the effectiveness of communication efforts.
• Subject to invitation by the Superintendent, function as a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet performing any and all other duties as assigned by the Superintendent for the purpose of ensuring efficient and effective functioning of LESA operations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Experience working in an Educational Service Agency (a/k/a Intermediate School District) or expert level understanding of the purpose, role, and function of an Educational Service Agency.
• Experience leading service functions beyond those typically associated with Communications.
• Bachelor degree; experience in K-12 communications and/or public relations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent listening, writing, grammar, and editing skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both verbal and written form.
• Knowledge of communication and marketing techniques, including print, video, web, marketing and public information strategies, and the ability to develop effective plans utilizing all aspects of a strong communications program.
• Proficiency in the use of various social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
• Experience with website design and maintenance.
• Experience creating and dispensing content, via media outlets, web communications, and social media platforms.
• App development experience and/or willingness to obtain necessary training.
• Marketing and/or graphic design skills.
• Knowledge of, and ability to manage, strategies and resources for effective communication within LESA and with the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, staff, and the community.
• Ability and willingness to work under pressure and under tight timelines as well as during emergency situations, and the ability to provide calm interface with internal and external audiences during critical situations.
• Ability to effectively present information, listen, and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, students, parents, and the general public.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The Livingston Educational Service Agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies should be directed to the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services