Chief of Staff

Are you a strategic thinker, a trusted advisor, and a dynamic communicator ready to make a difference in public education?

West Ada School District is seeking a Chief of Staff to serve as a key member of our executive leadership team. The Chief of Staff serves as a key leader overseeing the Communications Team. You’ll drive the district’s communication strategy, ensure alignment with strategic goals, and oversee public records requests, policy development, and high-profile events like graduation and the We Are West Ada Awards.

The ideal candidate for Chief of Staff is an ambitious, forward-thinking leader who brings both strategic insight and creative vision to the table. This person thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates clearly and effectively, and can navigate complex situations with professionalism and political savvy. They serve as a trusted sounding board to the Superintendent and a steady presence for a high-functioning executive leadership team, helping keep priorities aligned and operations running smoothly. A keen eye for design and messaging is a plus, as they will help shape how the district’s story is told both internally and externally. This role requires someone who leads with confidence, brings out the best in others, and balances big-picture thinking with day-to-day execution.

This is a high-impact role at the center of community engagement, organizational cohesion, and transparent communication. This role requires someone who leads with confidence, brings out the best in others, and balances big-picture thinking with day-to-day execution. If this sounds exciting, we invite you to join us!

Why join WASD?

West Ada School District offers more than just a job – it’s a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of students while growing your career in a supportive and inspiring environment. As a vital leader in our District, you'll help shape the narrative of public education and strengthen trust with families, staff, media, and community partners.

Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2025

Salary Range: $171,400 annually with a comprehensive benefits package.

How to apply: Applications are accepted online. This position is open until filled with the first round of applications to be reviewed on July 25th.

For full consideration, external applicants must submit a completed application; do not just write “see resume” on the application. In addition to the application, submit a RESUME and COVER LETTER. External applicants are required to include the contact information for three references; at least one of the references must be from a direct supervisor (current or within the last 10 years).

PURPOSE 

The Chief of Staff serves as a key strategic planner, advisor, decision-maker, and problem solver for the Superintendent, managing special projects, leading the coordination of operational and academic initiatives and serving as a primary contact for communications. The Chief of Staff supports the Board of Trustees as a key contributor on the development of policy, and by preparing memos, presentations, and other communications. The Chief of Staff represents the Superintendent at public events and in various capacities with government and community organizations. The Chief of Staff serves as the District’s spokesperson with the media and other agencies; plans, organizes and implements the West Ada School District’s public information program; performs related work as required. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES 

The primary function of an employee in this class is to develop, implement and maintain a strategic approach to all external relations and internal functions of the school district. The Chief of Staff serves as a key strategic planner, advisor, and problem solver for the Superintendent, ensuring that issues that need the Superintendent’s attention are addressed in a timely manner. The Chief of Staff provides operational assistance by managing special projects, leading key initiatives, and ensuring expectations and deadlines are clearly communicated to staff. Additionally, this position is responsible for providing the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees with background information in preparation for public appearances. 

The Chief of Staff also serves as the District’s spokesperson and primary media liaison; develops positive responses to the media. Work includes professional application of research and writing skills, selecting news media, preparing and releasing material, and preparing various periodic and special reports. The work is performed under the direction of the Superintendent, with considerable latitude granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. This position requires a deep understanding of all District programs, public relation principles and theories and communication techniques. The primary duties of this class are performed in the District office, school sites and after hours in a variety of locations. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

• Develops, implements, and maintains an effective public information program on a district-wide basis; 
• Develops press releases, columns and other materials for the media for publication; 
• Develops and maintains internal and external plans for levies, bonds, attendance areas, and other growth-related committees and campaigns; 
• Edits/writes District’s web site, social media accounts, District-wide electronic communication and print publications; 
• Coordinates and plans annual District functions; 
• Works with District staff on media and protocol training/advice; 
• Responds to requests made by the news media; 
• Acts as District’s spokesperson with the media to provide the District’s response to issues; 
• Manages and responds to all Public Record Requests; 
• Facilitates community committees; 
• Approves material from outside entities to be distributed to students; 
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with District policies, procedures, and safety practices;Professional applications of research and writing skills; 
• Implements media tactics, including interview techniques and preparation; 
• Utilizes advanced principles of communication, marketing and public relations; 
• Operation of standard office equipment and a personal computer and software applications for word processing, graphic presentations, spreadsheets, databases, information retrieval and research, and other job-related software; 
• Develop creative ideas for public information projects; 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other District employees, media representatives, the public, and other interested and affected parties; 
• Maintains a professional demeanor during stressful situations; 
• Compile reports from a wide variety of sources and transmit data; 
• Respond to citizen and media requests in a courteous and effective manner; 
• Operate a motor vehicle; 
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines; 
• Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks. 
• Manage special assignments on a short-term basis and provide effective intervention and feedback in complex situations.   
• Initiate and lead interdepartmental teams in analyzing specific issues or problems and in developing strategies to effective address them.   
• Assess and manage sensitive issues that arise in the district that directly impact the Superintendent. 
• Analyze, interpret and provide recommendations to the Superintendent concerning matters that impact the district. 
• Perform other duties as required  

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, mass communications or closely related field; and 
• Considerable experience in responsible public relations positions, five or more years of experience in school public relations preferred; or 
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work; 
• Must have a valid Idaho Driver’s License and a vehicle to drive and/or they must provide their own transportation for job related activities; 
• The job-related travel during the day will be reimbursed at the approved state mileage reimbursement rate. 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES 

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively, hear within the normal range of conversation, speak clearly and concisely to large and small groups of people, and carry on telephone communication; 
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions; comprehend, prepare, and review a wide variety of written and electronic materials at arm’s length or less (distinguish letters and numbers); and to see in detail objects or printed material at greater than arm’s length; 
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to write reports, operate computer equipment and other office equipment, and make adjustments to equipment; and operate a motor vehicle; 
• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to bend or stoop repeatedly, sit or stand for long periods of time, lift or move up to 20 pounds, and work in a variety of locations. 

EVALUATION 

Yearly by supervisor 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT 

To be determined by calendar year. 

Regular attendance is an essential function of this job. 

• If you are chosen for this position your employment with the District would be "at will". Employment at Will means that the employee or the District may terminate the employment relationship with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time; 
• As per Idaho Code 65-5-1/65-503: "Eligible veterans are provided advantages in public employment in Idaho…"

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