Executive Director, Strategy and Communications

About the Employer
Thank you for your interest in the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE). SMCOE employees share a vision of equity and excellence in education for every student, educator, and school. Children and youth are at the heart of our work, and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive, supportive workplace where staff have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. San Mateo County is home to 23 school districts, serving 85,000 students, and a robust early learning community. SMCOE and its staff have been recognized widely for their innovative and effective approaches to addressing challenging issues facing schools and students. SMCOE welcomes and embraces individuals from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, disabilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, immigration statuses, and religions. At SMCOE, equity means providing every learner aged 0-22 with the education and support needed to thrive in school, career, and life, and every staff member with opportunities to grow and further deepen their impact. SMCOE is seeking employees who share our vision and commitment to excellence and equity in education for all students. To achieve equity, SMCOE commits to: • Interrupt inequitable practices and replace them with equity-driven, transparent systems; • Improve outcomes for historically and currently underserved student groups, building on the assets, strengths and talents that they and their families possess; • Continue to educate ourselves so we are better able to confront and dismantle systemic inequities; • Center voices of those that have been historically marginalized and underserved, engaging a broad range of educational and community partners, in decision-making, determining priorities.

THE MERIT SYSTEM AND THE PERSONNEL COMMISSION
The San Mateo County Office of Education has utilized the Merit System since 1966 to ensure that classified employees are selected, promoted and retained without favoritism or prejudice. The Personnel Commission oversees a Civil Service (Merit) System of personnel management for San Mateo County Office of Education employees. The Merit System is a method of personnel management which is designed to promote the efficiency and economy of the workforce and the good of the public by providing for the selection and retention of employees, promotional opportunities, in-service training, and other related matters on the basis of merit, fitness, and the principle of “like pay for like work."



Requirements / Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to:

EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree required in communications, public affairs, communications, journalism, or related discipline; An advanced degree in communication, public affairs, communications, journalism, or related discipline is highly preferred and;

EXPERIENCE:
10-15 years of relevant job-related experience at a senior level in public relations, public affairs, media, advocacy communication or a related field, with demonstrated competence in strategy and communications; Experience at a public agency or large nonprofit organization, including increasingly responsible experience in professionally-related position; Evidence of understanding of visual thinking and graphics; Writing experience in print and digital publications for diverse audiences; Expertise in developing compelling content for web, multi-media, and social media platforms, working with professional graphic designers, programmers, and technical professionals; Demonstrated success packaging, pitching, and placing media stories and opinion pieces in different outlets; Impeccable attention to detail and follow up; Experience with storytelling and creating narratives; Evidence of excellent organizational, written, and oral communication.SELECTION PROCESS INCLUDES:A review of completed application and supplemental questionnaireA structured interview including a presentation conducted virtually via Zoom (Tentative Date: January 23, 2025)*Candidates who pass all of the examination processes are ranked on an eligibility list according to their score(s). Selection for positions will be made from among the top three ranks of candidates. The job eligibility list will be used for hiring in other vacancies that are in the same respective job classification, and will be active for six (6) months (Merit Rule 60.1: A.4).

BENEFITS: Total Compensation Package: Placement on salary schedule. If a medical plan is selected, the employee will receive a contribution of $1,300.00/month toward the selected medical plan (through CalPERS), Delta Dental, and Life Insurance. The employee pays the balance of their health premiums from their gross earnings on a pre-tax basis. If a medical plan is not selected, employees will receive a contribution of $300.00/month toward single coverage for Delta Dental, and Life Insurance. A vision plan (VSP) is also available. Employees pay the worker contribution to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). OTHER FRINGE BENEFITS: Accrue 102 hours of sick leave 15 paid holidays 15 paid vacation days CALPERS Employer Contribution Work remotely one (1) day every week (applicable after initial 6 months pending supervisor approval) Flexible work schedule depending on position Commuter Benefit The San Mateo County Office of Education will provide to the job candidate selected for this position a fully paid annual membership to the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). The membership fee is set at approximately 1% of the member’s annual salary. *Floating Holiday, Personal Leave, Executive Leave, and Personal Business vary depending on the position, collective bargaining agreement, and/or other regulations.



Closing Date/Time: 1/10/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• San Mateo County Office of Education

• (650) 802-5309

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