Communications and Public Relations Specialist

Des Moines Public School District • Chicago, IA

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The Communications and Public Relations Specialist supports districtwide communications, media relations, public information, and executive messaging aligned to district priorities. This role serves as a primary media contact, manages routine media relations and public information requests, supports crisis communications, and helps implement communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders. The position also coordinates day-to-day communication workflows and ensures consistent, accurate, timely, and accessible messaging across district platforms, serving as a backup spokesperson. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the district.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field preferred.
• Five years of professional experience in communications, media relations, journalism, public affairs, public information, or related field
• Knowledge of media relations, strategic communications, crisis communication, public information practices, organizational messaging, and community engagement principles.
• Ability to assess sensitive situations, exercise sound professional judgment, and respond effectively under pressure in high-visibility environments.
• Excellent writing, proofreading, editing, verbal communication, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly to multiple audiences.
• Ability to support development, coordination, and implementation of communication strategies supporting district priorities, operational needs, public engagement efforts, and organizational communication goals.
• Knowledge of social media platforms, website content practices, digital communication tools, and audience engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across departments and support communication coordination during routine operations, emergency situations, and organizational change initiatives.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, composure, and credibility while managing sensitive or high-profile communications.
• Proficiency with communication technology, digital publishing tools, presentation software, media monitoring systems, and related communication platforms.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time?effectively,?and proven ability to?meet deadlines.?
• Maintain valid driver's license with a driving record that aligns with the district’s motor vehicle record requirement while employed.?
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of public education systems, governmental communication practices, public policy issues, and community engagement strategies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary district media contact and district spokesperson for routine and developing news stories, district initiatives, operational updates, emergencies, and public information requests.
• Assist in the development and implementation of districtwide communication strategies and organizational messaging, including executive communications, internal communications, and stakeholder engagement efforts aligned with district priorities.
• Manage the district’s school to home communication platform, serving as a primary point of contact for staff support.
• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, talking points, statements, newsletters, website content, speeches, correspondence, presentations, and other district communication materials.
• Coordinate communication responses related to district operations, enrollment initiatives, school programs, emergencies, community concerns, sensitive issues, and high-profile district matters.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with news media, school leaders, government agencies, community organizations, elected officials, and public stakeholders.
• Support internal communication efforts including employee communication strategies, leadership messaging, communication toolkits, and district information campaigns.
• Monitor media coverage, communication trends, social media activity, public feedback, legislative developments, and emerging issues that may impact district operations, strategic priorities, or public perception.
• Support implementation of district communication standards, accessibility expectations, audience engagement practices, and brand guidelines across communication platforms and materials.
• Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, course work, and collaboration.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Benefits

• All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check.
• Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level