Professor - Communication jobs in Ann Arbor, MI

*** Deadline for submission of application will be at 3:00pm, Monday, April 1st. ***

POSITION PURPOSE

The Agency is on the quest for a dynamic Director to lead and execute innovative communication strategies that bolster a positive image within the community and enhance engagement with both employees and the public. This role demands a visionary who will craft compelling narratives that echo the Agency's vision and mission, catering to the diverse needs, motivators, and perspectives of various audiences. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in elevating public and employee consciousness about the Agency's essential services, ensuring the success of millage campaigns, and fostering robust engagement, all while amplifying the Agency’s brand in a favorable light.

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.

• Enhance and masterfully orchestrate the Agency's brand identity initiative, sharpening both external and internal communication strategies. Launch an innovative external-facing website designed for impactful, real-time storytelling and departmental showcases that elevate the Agency's vision and mission. Simultaneously, transform the intranet into an indispensable resource tailored for every user, boosting functionality and user experience.
• Strategically integrate cutting-edge technology and information systems to streamline communication across all channels, ensuring a cohesive and unified messaging experience.
• Execute dynamic internal communication plans that empower each employee, providing them with the essential tools to thrive and promoting an in-depth understanding of the Agency's fundamental services.
• Kick-start awareness campaigns that align with the Agency's goal of championing educational excellence and narrowing the educational opportunity gap in Livingston County.
• Craft and enforce communication protocols, nurturing a culture of consistency among Agency leaders and staff, while encouraging a transparent and reciprocal exchange of ideas.
• Produce diverse and captivating communication assets across a multitude of platforms, including podcasts, print, video, web content, multimedia presentations, special events, and other interactive experiences.
• Continuously monitor and adapt to the evolving landscape of communications, embracing innovative strategies and trends that span print, digital, and social mediums, ensuring the Agency remains at the forefront of communication excellence.

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).

Salary starting at $113,000 per year, or commensurate with experience.

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.