Job Description:
Visionary Leadership Meets Strategic Communication
The Hillsboro R-III School District seeks a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve as our Communications & Strategic Engagement Director. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a comprehensive communication strategy in a vibrant, student-centered public K–12 district committed to educational excellence, transparency, and community collaboration.

We’re looking for an experienced, innovative communicator ready to elevate our district’s story, deepen stakeholder trust, and foster lasting engagement with families, staff, and the broader community.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Design and manage a district-wide communications and marketing plan aligned to the Strategic Plan (CSIP 2023–2028).
• Collaborate with district leadership to implement strategic campaigns and initiatives that strengthen brand identity and community trust.
• Attend Board of Education meetings and support public-facing materials and messaging.

Media Relations & Crisis Communication

• Serve as the official spokesperson and media contact for the district.
• Monitor public sentiment and proactively address misinformation and reputation risks.
• Lead crisis communication efforts during emergencies and school safety events.

Content Development & Digital Engagement

• Create compelling multimedia content including newsletters, press releases, board updates, social media posts, and videos.
• Oversee content for the district website and ensure compliance with ADA and IDEA regulations.
• Manage all social media platforms and ensure timely, inclusive, and engaging messaging.

Internal Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support school leaders and departments with clear, consistent internal communication tools.
• Facilitate surveys, reports, and feedback loops that reflect stakeholder voices.
• Lead efforts that support family and community engagement and build strategic partnerships.

Brand Stewardship

• Maintain district branding guidelines and ensure a consistent visual identity across platforms.
• Promote a unified and inspiring narrative that reflects the mission and values of the Hillsboro R-III School District.

Qualifications & Skills

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a closely related field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years in communications role, ideally in education, nonprofit, or public sector.
• Strong expertise in:
  • Media and public relations
  • Crisis communications
  • Social media and web content strategy
  • Writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication
• Technical proficiency with CMS platforms, social media tools, and graphic design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Deep understanding of working with diverse audiences and inclusive messaging strategies.

Salary & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $73,500 – $108,735 (commensurate with experience and education)
• Benefits:
  • Full health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement and district-sponsored employee wellness reimbursements
  • Paid leave: 7 sick days, 5 personal days, and 20 vacation days annually

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit the following:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter highlighting your vision for communications in a public school setting
3. Portfolio or work samples (preferred)

Apply through the Hillsboro R-III School District Frontline portal or contact the District Office for further details.

Join Us
If you're a collaborative, forward-thinking professional who thrives in fast-paced, purpose-driven environments, we encourage you to apply. Help us amplify the voices of our students, staff, and community — and shape the future of education in Hillsboro.
Be the story. Be the change. Join Hillsboro R-III.