Office of Communications and Outreach

Office of Communications and Outreach Type: Administrative and Support Agencies Parent organization: Department of Education Top organization: Department of Education Employees: 100-150 (estimated) Executive: Assistant Secretary for Communications and Outreach Budget: Address: 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202, United States Website: https://www.ed.gov/news/official/communications-and-outreach Creation Legislation: Department of Education Organization Act of 1979 Wikipedia: Office of Communications and Outreach

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Mission The mission of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO) is to engage, inform, and empower the public about the Department's educational initiatives, policies, and programs. OCO strives to enhance public understanding of educational issues, promote the Department's mission, and facilitate dialogue between the Department, educational stakeholders, and the broader community.

Services Public relations; Media relations; Digital engagement; Community outreach

Regulations

The Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO) in the Department of Education is responsible for managing all external and internal communications for the Department of Education. It plays a crucial role in disseminating information about educational policy, programs, and initiatives to ensure transparency, engagement, and support for educational improvements across the country.

Official Site

Mission

OCO's mission is to communicate effectively with the public, media, educators, students, parents, and policymakers. By providing accurate, timely, and engaging information, OCO aims to support the educational community in understanding and implementing federal education policies and programs.

Parent organization

OCO is an integral part of the U.S. Department of Education, reporting directly to the Secretary of Education.

Legislation

The office operates under the authority granted by the Department of Education Organization Act of 1979, which established the Department's structure and functions.

Partners

• Media outlets for news dissemination
• Educational organizations and associations
• Federal, state, and local government entities
• Community groups and advocacy organizations

Number of employees

The exact number of employees in OCO varies, but it's estimated to be between 100 and 150, including communications specialists, press officers, and digital media experts.

Organization structure

OCO includes various units handling:

• Media relations
• Digital strategy and social media
• Publications and content creation
• Community and stakeholder engagement

Leader

The office is led by the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Outreach, who oversees all communication strategies and activities.

Divisions

While not formally divided, OCO operates through:

• Media and Press Office for managing press releases and media interactions
• Digital and Social Media Team for online engagement
• Community Outreach for direct stakeholder interaction

List of programs

• Press briefings and media management
• Website and social media content strategy
• Educational campaigns and public service announcements
• Community forums and informational sessions

Last total enacted budget

The specific budget for OCO is not publicly detailed; it's part of the Department of Education's overall operating budget.

Staff

OCO staff includes professionals with backgrounds in journalism, communications, public relations, and digital media.

Funding

Funding for OCO's activities comes from the Department's general operating budget, allocated for communication and outreach efforts.

Services provided

OCO provides comprehensive communication services, including media relations, digital content creation, public engagement activities, and crisis communication management to support and promote educational policies and initiatives.

Regulations overseen

OCO does not directly oversee regulations but ensures communication aligns with federal guidelines on information dissemination.

Headquarters address

400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202, United States

History

Since the establishment of the Department of Education in 1979, OCO has evolved to meet the changing landscape of media, digital communication, and public engagement, adapting its strategies to reach and involve an ever-growing and diversifying audience.

External links

• Official OCO Website
• wikipedia:U.S. Department of Education#Office_of_Communications_and_Outreach