Job Description

The DeKalb County School District is seeking an experienced and professional Strategist, Lead Grant.

Salary Grade/Schedule: Unified 130

Salary Schedules: Click Here

The material contained herein is subject to change. All open positions offered by the DeKalb County School District are subject to specific job requirements. The DeKalb County School District is an equal opportunity employer, and all hiring decisions are subject to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Title: Strategist, Lead Grant

The Community Engagement Strategist serves as a key connector between the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) and the broader community. This individual champions positive district and school messaging, strengthens

partnerships with educational institutions, local municipalities, and businesses, civic, and community organizations, and ensures every taxpayer and neighborhood feels informed, engaged, and valued.

Focusing on both strategic planning and grassroots outreach, the Strategist helps shape the public narrative around DCSD, builds lasting relationships, and celebrates the successes of students, staff, and schools. They work closely with the Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships Division to align messaging and outreach efforts, and actively participate in district community meetings and events, particularly those related to the Student Assignment Project, to ensure a cohesive and informed approach to community engagement and district initiatives.

Essential Job Duties

• Serves as the district's liaison to business leaders, local officials, neighborhood associations, faith-based groups, and nonprofits.
• Represents DCSD at meetings such as Chamber of Commerce events, town halls, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, neighborhood associations, and community meetings.
• Establishes and maintains mutually beneficial partnerships with local organizations.
• Designs and executes door-to-door campaigns, school-based pop-up events, and neighborhood walk-andtalks that bring the district directly to the people, especially to taxpayers and families who may not be actively engaged. These efforts aim to build trust, increase awareness of district resources, and create meaningful two-way communication.
• Leads the district's presence at community festivals, faith-based gatherings, civic events, and cultural celebrations, ensuring DCSD is visible, accessible, and positively represented across all parts of the county.
• Shines a spotlight on student, staff, school, and district achievements by capturing and sharing real stories with members of the Communications Department to communicate in newsletters, community presentations, local media, and social platforms-positioning DCSD as a district of excellence and pride within every neighborhood.
• Develops and implements an annual community engagement strategy aligned with district goals and priorities.
• Gathers and analyzes community feedback to inform leadership decisions and adjusts outreach approaches based on evolving needs.
• Collects and reports live data to support the Division of Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships dashboard, including documentation of all community touchpoints-events, meetings, partnerships, and direct interactions.
• Maintains accurate records of engagement activities to ensure transparency, demonstrate impact, and identify opportunities for deeper connection.
• Provides regular updates on engagement progress, trends, and community insights to internal stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Community Development, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years in community engagement, public affairs, or strategic outreach.