Communications Specialist 2026-2027

University City School District•University City, MO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The School District of University City, a diverse and progressive district of 2,745 students in seven schools, is seeking a dynamic Communications Specialist to join a small, fast-paced and highly-creative Communications Team. The Communications Specialist reports to the Director of Communications and will serve as one of the district’s storytellers, responsible for building relationships with stakeholders and media. The successful candidate must be a skilled writer, passionate about creating dynamic content for internal and external communications platforms, including social media. This person would ideally have experience in producing community engagement and special events, managing social media, updating web content, and graphic design. In partnership with the Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist will have responsibility for office management and related functions. The Communications Specialist will be trained in all areas of Communications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or experience in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or related field
Efficient and responsive, possessing a strong work ethic with attention to detail
Skilled in social media or interested in building skills and increasing engagement
Graphic design skills and an eye for aesthetics
Knowledge and utilization of AP Style and standards
Exceptional customer service and people skills
Ability to work some evenings and weekends at District events
Event planning and execution skills
Self-starter with strong organizational skills and willingness to multi-task
Strong communications technology skills or interest in learning to use a variety of school communications platforms (i.e., Google Suite; Adobe Suite especially In-Design, Photoshop and Illustrator; Parent Square; Canva; Diligent, Zoom, Finalsite and others).
Ability to work well with numerous stakeholders and leaders using strong interpersonal skills and confidentiality
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student voice
Candidates must provide three to five samples of their writing and design work for consideration. Samples should demonstrate a variety of capabilities and could include publicity campaigns, news articles, social media posts, graphic design, reports, etc.

Nice To Haves

Public education-setting experience preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Build relationships with school leaders and teams to learn about their unique offerings and gather facts to create news stories.
Work with Communications Director to serve as liaison and provide agreed-upon support to University City Education Foundation, One U City, Alumni Association and other affiliated organizations as needed.
Work with the Communications Director to serve as liaison for school/administrator requests through the work order system.
In conjunction with the Communications Director, produce story pitches, press releases, news briefs and stories for both the website, superintendent’s blog (monthly) and the District’s PRIDE newspaper.
Produce content for the District Website (Finalsite) including written and photographic content and regular upgrades in keeping with the District’s branding and design standards.
Update Department and Building Webpages as needed.
Demonstrate excellent writing, editing and social media skills in developing strategic and informational social media content and schedule.
Manage a master social media calendar of posts to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Monitor analytics and make necessary adjustments.
Expected to learn and operate SchoolMessenger and Parent Square (beginning November 1st) broadcast system for email, voice and SMS notifications.
Work with the Communications team to coordinate and manage District-wide events and provide support to school events.
Manage all office duties such as ordering supplies, overseeing payments/requisitions/invoices, etc.
Coordinate color copier supplies, service and manage school requests for fliers/programs, etc.
In conjunction with the Communications Director, maintain team and District calendars.
Support special projects as assigned by the Superintendent, District Chief of Staff, and Director of Communications.