Chief Public Affairs Officer

NEW JERSEY SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

“Our mission is the advancement of public education in New Jersey”

JOB TITLE: Chief Public Affairs Officer

Executive Office

TERMS: Full-time

MINIMUM SALARY: $130,000

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Exempt

REPORT TO: Executive Director/CEO

ABOUT THE ROLE

Develop and implement the Association’s internal and external public relations vision and communications and oversee the execution of that strategy. Manage the production of NJSBA’s publications, media relations, public information and video materials. Prepare formal statements, speaking points and write speeches for the Executive Director and NJSBA officers as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director on media relations/advocacy, external communications and communication with members.

· Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate department staff; make recommendations concerning hiring, promotions, salary adjustments and terminations.

· Prepare and administer Communications Department budget.

· Serve as editor of School Leader and School Board Notes (with assistance from communications staff).

· Respond to inquiries from the news media and to inquiries from members of the public.

· Oversee public relations programs of Association, including news releases for public/ media.

· Develop presentations and speeches for the Executive Director and Association officers.

· Respond to inquiries sent to Executive Director from public and non-members.

· Edit Association book manuscripts, oversee production of books.

· Establish and maintain editorial standards for association publications.

· Work with Government Relations to implement communications strategies for NJSBA advocacy goals.

· Assist Executive Director in communications with officers, planning presentations for Board of Directors and Delegate Assembly meetings, reviewing Officer reports and post-meeting communications.

· Oversee website postings for news releases, School Leader, publications and other areas as appropriate.

· Assist in editing of Association special reports.

· Develop and present programs for Association members on communications topics (Workshop, NBMO, leadership weekend, county meetings).

· Oversee production of Association videos, in coordination with communications staff members

· Assist with major communications to members.

· Available to work evenings and weekends as required.

· Perform other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

· Minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in reporting/publishing/ public affairs/public information.

· Knowledge of AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style.

· Proficient in teleconferencing skills, knowledge of InCopy or other publication software.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 Apps including Teams, Lists, SharePoint, One Drive, Forms and traditional Office Apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

PREFERRED

· Copy editing procedures and processes a plus.

· Knowledge of Adobe InCopy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Excellent writing, researching and analytical skills, capacity to present complex info in a clear way, excellent grammar, proofreading, editing and public presentation skills. Ability to identify issues of importance to members, discern what they need to know “next.” Capacity to work with a wide variety of people- staff members, members, reporters, non-members and governmental officials. Ability to plan and meet deadlines, dependable, efficient, organized.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two letters of reference to jobs@njsba.org by December 18, 2024.

Issued: May 2021

Revised: November 2024

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Trenton, NJ 08618