USD 506 – Director of Marketing and Communications

Job Title: Director of Marketing and Communications
Reports To: Superintendent
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: USD 506 Board Office – 401 S. High School St., Altamont, KS
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Application Link: https://labette.schoolspring.com 

Position Summary

The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive communications and public relations strategy that strengthens the USD 506 brand, promotes stakeholder engagement, supports student enrollment and retention, and enhances transparency across the district.

Working collaboratively with district leadership, staff, families, and community partners, this role ensures that USD 506’s story is consistently and effectively communicated across multiple platforms—including social media, digital, print, and traditional media. The Director also plays a critical role in emergency/crisis communication, board presentations, school events, and community outreach initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a district-wide communication and marketing plan aligned with strategic goals.
  
  
• Manage and maintain all district communications platforms, including websites, social media channels, newsletters, and email campaigns.
  
  
• Monitor and maintain a consistent brand identity across all platforms and materials.
  
  
• Collaborate with administrators, schools, and departments to identify, create, and distribute content that highlights student and staff achievements, events, and district initiatives.
  
  
• Design and produce marketing materials (brochures, videos, presentations, etc.) for both internal and external audiences.
  
  
• Serve as the district's spokesperson and primary media contact, cultivating positive relationships with local and regional media outlets.
  
  
• Prepare and deliver presentations for school board meetings, town halls, and parent/community events.
  
  
• Manage crisis communication planning, messaging, and implementation in collaboration with the superintendent and safety teams.
  
  
• Produce and oversee key publications, including the Annual Report, bi-weekly newsletter, and promotional campaigns.
  
  
• Maintain a district-wide archive of news articles, photos, videos, and communication assets.
  
  
• Provide strategic leadership to marketing efforts that support enrollment growth, program awareness, and community engagement.
  
  
• Supervise and support staff or volunteers involved in communications or student media.
  
  
• Conduct regular data collection and analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies.
  
  
• Collaborate with the technology department on the implementation and integration of communication tools or platforms.
  
  
• Research and pursue grant opportunities that align with communication and outreach goals.
  
  
• Serve on district committees, including the Administrative Leadership Team and Marketing Committee.
  
  
• Provide staff development and training on effective communication practices and tools.
  
  

Key Skills and Competencies

• Copywriting and content creation
  
  
• Graphic design and visual storytelling
  
  
• Social media strategy and platform management
  
  
• Web content management 
  
  
• Photography and videography
  
  
• Digital campaign planning and analytics
  
  
• Public and media relations
  
  
• Event communication and documentation
  
  
• Assist with writing policy for internal/external communications
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position may supervise student aides, interns, volunteers, or designated communications support staff. All USD 506 staff share responsibility for creating a safe, inclusive, and effective learning environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  
  
• Experience in communications, public relations, or marketing (preferably in K–12 education or the public service sector).
  
  
• Ability to manage websites, social media, and communication campaigns.
  
  
• Strong writing, editing, graphic design, and media production skills.
  
  
• Proficiency in tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign), Canva, video editing software, and Google Workspace.
  
  
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including staff, students, parents, and media.
  
  
• Excellent organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills.
  
  
• Ability to manage sensitive or confidential information with discretion.
  
  
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for local travel.
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Typical office environment with frequent visits to school buildings and community event sites.
  
  
• Occasional evening or weekend work for events, meetings, or crisis response.
  
  
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift to 30 pounds, and operate technology equipment.
  
  
• Frequent interruptions and multiple concurrent deadlines are to be expected.
  
  

Other Information

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. The employee may be required to perform additional job-related tasks as requested by the Superintendent. USD 506 is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination.

Application Process

Applications may be picked up in person or downloaded online:

• In-Person: USD 506 Board of Education Office, 401 S. High School Street, Altamont, KS
  
  
• Online: https://labette.schoolspring.com
  
  

Equal Opportunity Statement

Labette County USD 506 is committed to hiring the best-qualified candidates while ensuring equal employment opportunity for all. The district does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.