The New Jersey School Boards Association is seeking a chief public affairs officer to develop and implement the Association’s internal and external public relations vision as well as its communications — and to oversee the execution of that strategy.

The successful candidate will manage the production of NJSBA’s publications, media relations, public information and video materials. They will also prepare formal statements, speaking points and write speeches for the executive director and NJSBA officers as needed. They will report to the Association’s executive director and CEO.

The minimum salary for the position is $130,000.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a key adviser 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 the 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 the Association, including news releases for the public/media.
  • Develop presentations and speeches for the executive director and Association officers.
  • Respond to inquiries sent to the executive director from the public and non-members.
  • Edit Association book manuscripts and oversee the production of books.
  • Establish and maintain editorial standards for association publications.
  • Work with Government Relations to implement communications strategies for NJSBA advocacy goals.
  • Assist the executive director in communications with officers, planning presentations for the 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, New Board Member Orientation, Leadership Weekend and 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 the executive director.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of five to seven 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 and to discern what they need to know next. Capacity to work with a wide variety of people, including staff members, reporters, non-members and governmental officials. Ability to plan and meet deadlines, dependable, efficient and organized.

NJSBA OFFERS: 

  • Pension.
  • Health Insurance.
  • Dental.

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

NJSBA complies with the “New Jersey First Act.” The Act requires all NJSBA employees hired on or after Sept. 1, 2011, to currently reside in New Jersey or relocate within one year of their hire date.