2026-27 Communications Specialist (PIO) - Marketing & Communications

Paradise Valley USD 69•Phoenix, AZ

10d

About The Position

The Communications Specialist and Public Information Officer leads and manages district communication and community outreach efforts. The role participates in identifying, planning, and executing effective, consistent communication strategies on behalf of the district; plans and executes public events; develops comprehensive communication plans; and identifies strategic messages, creates and edits content, and analyzes communication gaps. The position also oversees and fulfills public records requests in accordance with state law and FERPA. It uses a range of communication methods and tools to share messages with internal and external audiences and supports the collection, analysis, and presentation of data to promote the district as a leader in Pre-K through 12 education. The role develops and disseminates content for web, social media, blogs, press releases, electronic newsletters, marketing materials, superintendent comments, community communications, and crisis messaging. It works with schools, departments, administrators, staff, media, businesses, and community partners to coordinate district communications, promote the district brand, support school-based communications, and organize marketing for events. The Communications Specialist serves as the district’s Public Information Officer, fulfills public records requests, and serves on the District Emergency Response Team, including supporting the Marketing and Communications office and managing the mass messaging system. The position requires strong writing, verbal communication, strategic planning, project coordination, data analysis, collaboration, discretion, and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Office Suite, email marketing, social media tools, and related software. It reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications. The usual work environment involves minimal temperature variations and a clean atmosphere; job duties generally involve 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing, with some lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling and significant fine finger dexterity. Attendance at monthly Board meetings may be required as needed, along with extensive off-hours support for emergency communications.

Requirements

Minimum of 3–5 years of professional work experience; educational or public information officer experience is preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strategic planning and simultaneous multi-project management skills.
Leadership and effective collaboration with stakeholder groups.
Understanding of emergency response planning.
Ability to collect, analyze, and present complex data and establish effective community partnerships.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy; self-motivation; ability to work independently and collaboratively; discretion with confidential information; and professional demeanor.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Office Suite, email marketing, social media tools, and related software applications.
Knowledge of pertinent codes, policies, regulations, and laws; records retention laws; current and developing technology and management; organizational and time management; emergency response planning; Public Information Officer responsibilities; and marketing and communications best practices, including public relations, branding, and social media.
Ability to schedule activities, meetings, and events; gather, collate, and classify data; and use job-related equipment and technology.
Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups, communicate across differing positions, meet deadlines, set priorities, adapt to changing conditions, make timely and accurate decisions, manage multiple projects and interruptions, maintain confidentiality, and resolve problems using sound judgment.
Previous experience in a public relations or communications role working with local and national media representatives and public officials is very desirable.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an educational setting or as a public information officer.
Previous experience in public relations or communications working with local and national media representatives and public officials.
Knowledge of the Pre-K–12 educational system.

Responsibilities

Develop and distribute content consistent with AP style for websites, social media, blogs, press releases, electronic newsletters, print and online marketing collateral, superintendent comments, community communications, and crisis messaging.
Identify and develop engaging content from the district’s schools and topics relevant to the community, including education, technology, and district success stories.
Develop community partnerships to raise awareness of the district and expand its advertising programs.
Assist in creating and managing an editorial calendar, including social media posts, aligned with short- and long-term department strategies.
Collaborate with the marketing team to promote the district brand among internal stakeholders.
Develop, lead, and implement district-wide protocols and structures for information publication and site-specific promotions for prospective parent tours, contacts, inquiries, shadowing, and observations.
Establish positive relationships with print and broadcast media and the business community.
Serve as the district Public Information Officer, provide information to the media and public as required by law, and fulfill public records requests.
Serve on the District Emergency Response Team and support the Marketing and Communications office, including managing the mass messaging system.
Collect, monitor, and analyze campaign effectiveness benchmarks; report insights and data concerning academic standards, specialty programs, teaching and learning, and community impact.
Develop expertise in Pre-K–12 specialty programs and communicate information to internal and external stakeholders.
Partner with school and central office administrators to support site-based communications.
Collaborate with administrators and staff to create, manage, and implement integrated business and communication strategies.
Coordinate marketing efforts between the Marketing and Communications Office and schools or departments hosting events, using tiered marketing protocols and structures.
Attend monthly Board meetings as needed and provide extensive off-hours support for emergency communications.
Perform other related duties as assigned.