Associate Director, Kids Communications

Job Description

Associate Director, PBS KIDS Communications

Department: Corporate Communications

Corporate Area: Corporate Communications

Status: Full-time/Regular/Exempt (This position is fully funded through 9/30/2023 and will be renewed on receipt of additional federal appropriations approval annually through 9/30/25.)

Supervisor: Senior Director, PBS KIDS Communications

Position Overview:

The Associate Director, PBS KIDS Communications is responsible for supporting publicity and promotional efforts for PBS KIDS, promoting PBS KIDS projects, content and initiatives, such as PBS KIDS programming, digital games, content for parents/caregivers and educators, and community outreach/engagement efforts.

The position is partially funded by a Ready To Learn (RTL) grant from the US Department of Education to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS. The CPB-PBS Ready To Learn Initiative focuses on the development, dissemination, and evaluation of content across media and platforms for children ages 2-8 designed to improve learning outcomes and increase school readiness.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• Develops communications materials, including press releases, media alerts, talking points, briefing books, mailers, invitations, speeches, and presentations

• Develops communications strategies in support of PBS KIDS content, ongoing content and services, apps, other products and initiatives

• Integrates work across PBS KIDS Communications, Ready to Learn, Corporate Communications, PBS KIDS, Station Services, and General Audience teams.

• Writes correspondence and materials for stations and project partners, including customizable templates for stations

• Creates promotional and proof-of-performance materials, including one-sheets, brochures, videos and event materials

• Plans and produces PBS KIDS Ready to Learn events, presentations and webinars

• Works with internal colleagues and external partners to support communications objectives

• Works with Senior Director, PBS KIDS Communications to manage public relations agencies and contractors

• Supports the communications efforts around content launches

• Supports development and execution of presentations for the twice-yearly Television Critics Association tour, and support PBS KIDS events as needed.

• Supports the day-to-day management of communications work

• Fosters collaborative relationships with other departments at PBS, and in the public media system, to stay abreast of new initiatives, products

• Maintains PBS KIDS PressRoom presence

• Works with external partners and agencies on awareness building efforts to amplify Rady to Learn-funded research studies and findings

• Works with RTL-funded member stations on communications and storytelling strategy

• Serve as the liaison for and work to integrate Ready to Learn Marketing and Communications efforts and strategy across the Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand Engagement, Ready to Learn, and Corporation for Public Broadcasting teams to ensure its implementation across the board.

• Responsible for presentations and supporting the grants team re: Ready to Learn promotional activities

• Ad hoc duties as necessary in support of the Senior Director, PBS KIDS Communications work

Requirements for success:
• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Self-starter with ability to manage multiple projects effectively on budget and on deadline

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated success in working well with all levels of management, as well as with internal and external teams

• Strong skills in typing/word processing, spreadsheets, electronic communications systems, using the Internet, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Office

• Enthusiastic, flexible team player who has the willingness and aptitude to acquire new skills

• Superior organizational skills with the ability to accomplish multiple tasks and to prioritize work, and be comfortable with a fast-paced, changing environment

• Meticulous attention to detail

• Event and meeting planning

• Ability to identify multiple strategies to tackling problems

• Ability to figure out and navigate the organization's structure and work effectively within it

• Positive attitude and ability to apply feedback on his/her work

• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination required.

PBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with the EEOC and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gpe5b9-18-118-120-204-42 in your application.