Please apply for this position through the McMinnville School District website: https://www.msd.k12.or.us/departments/human-resources/employment-opportu...
Job Title: Communications & Community Engagement Manager
Salary Range: $82,703 - $110,831
Reports to: Superintendent
Please note that this position is 260 days (12 months) with 10 paid holidays, paid sick leave and paid flexible personal leave (3 days per year). If hired after the start of the school year, days and leave are pro-rated. The McMinnville School District provides generous personal and family benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage.
Job Summary
The Communications & Community Engagement Manager serves as the district’s positive promotions leader and chief storyteller, partnering closely with the Superintendent to share the great things happening across McMinnville School District. This position develops and maintains strong relationships with all stakeholders—staff, families, community members, and media—and ensures that all communications reflect the district’s values of inclusion, transparency, and excellence.
The Communications & Community Engagement Manager oversees internal and external communications, manages districtwide media relations, leads crisis and emergency communication efforts, and maintains the district’s digital presence. The role also supports strategic funding and community partnership efforts, including communicating about and seeking grant opportunities that align with district goals and priorities.
Essential Functions
May include, but are not limited to, the following:
Strategic Communications & Leadership
Develop and sustain a proactive approach to communication that ensures a consistent, positive, and accurate portrayal of the District.
Plan, implement, and evaluate the District’s public communication program in alignment with District goals, using best practices to establish two-way communication with staff, media, families, and the community.
Serve as primary media liaison; review and authorize all public dissemination of District information to the media, agencies, and the public.
Provide strategic communication support to the Superintendent, including preparation of presentations, reports, and messaging for internal and external audiences.
Serve as the District liaison to the McMinnville Education Foundation and other community partners.
Support funding and community partnership initiatives (foundation, bond/levy, and grant communications) by aligning messaging with district priorities and demonstrating student impact.
Lead crisis and emergency communication efforts in coordination with the Superintendent and Safety Team.
Community & Media Relations
Build and maintain effective relationships with media outlets, civic groups, and partner organizations.
Communicate with political jurisdictions and officials that influence District operations.
Develop and conduct training for staff and stakeholders on accurate, positive, and inclusive communication tools.
Prepare and disseminate annual and periodic publications for students, families, and the public.
Ensure communications are inclusive, culturally responsive, and accessible to all community members.
Collaborate with schools, district leadership, and community partners to enhance engagement opportunities and promote participation in district initiatives.
Digital, Visual, and Technical Communication
Oversee district website content and quality; ensure school and department pages are up to date, accessible, and aligned with design standards.
Develop and implement technology solutions to enhance effective communication.
Supervise the creation of visual and digital materials, including photography, videography, and design for web and print.
Provide guidance and creative direction for brand consistency across platforms.
Maintain the district’s social media presence to promote transparency, engagement, and celebration of student and staff success.
Supervision & Collaboration
Direct and coordinate the work of department staff, interns, or student volunteers involved in communications, media production, and photography.
Collaborate with schools and departments to support accurate and timely communication.
Participate in professional development to stay current on communication best practices, tools, and legal standards.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or Public Relations, or equivalent successful experience in a similar public-sector role (education preferred).
Minimum two years of related experience in public relations, media, or communications work.
Demonstrated success in strategic communication, public engagement, or media relations.
Proven ability to write clear, concise, grammatically, and factually correct copy in print, broadcast, and digital formats.
Proficiency with digital publishing tools, graphic design, and website content management.
Strong understanding of accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive communication practices.
Ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
Ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively across departments and with community partners.
Valid Oregon Driver’s License; ability to provide own transportation for district-related travel.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands for fine manipulation and computer work. The employee frequently walks, sits, and reaches with hands and arms; occasionally stands, kneels, or moves up to 25 pounds. This position may require driving between locations and attendance at evening or weekend events. The work environment is typically moderate in noise level, with occasional exposure to outdoor conditions during events.
Terms of Employment & Evaluation
Performance of this position will be evaluated annually in accordance with Board policy on evaluation of staff.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
McMinnville School District provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Note: The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Employees who hold this position may be asked to perform duties of other positions on the same classification level.
MSD believes that every individual makes a significant contribution to our success. The administration reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary that still reflect the essential functions of the department. It is our expectation that every employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of MSD’s goals.
McMinnville School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any education programs, activities or employment. McMinnville provides equal access to individuals with disabilities.
McMinnville School District provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, disability or genetics. For more information see District Policy GBA-Equal Employment Opportunity.
Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA). Individuals with disabilities may contact the director of human resources for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon Telecommunication Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900 or 711.
