Public Information (PI) Coordinator

Plaquemines Parish School Board•Belle Chasse, LA

47d•$83,684 - $122,435

About The Position

To lead and coordinate the district's public information, communication and engagement programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements, alignment with district priorities and the effective delivery of clear, consistent, and timely messaging to all stakeholders. This includes managing internal and external communication resources, fostering collaboration with schools, departments and community partners, and promoting transparency and trust through professional media relations, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement of communication strategies that support the district's mission and goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field, from an accredited institution.
Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, media relations, or a related field, demonstrating expertise in the role.
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
Understanding of crisis communication principles and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Ability to support, mentor and develop staff within a communications environment.
Experience in engaging families and community stakeholders to support departmental and district goals
Commitment to upholding confidentiality and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
Must meet the requirements of a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, as outlined in Louisiana Revised Statute 17:15 and Bulletin 746.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and communication management platforms.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Communications, Public Administration, Education Leadership (EDL), or a related field, from an accredited institution.
Prior experience in public-sector communications or educational settings.
Proficiency with web-based content management systems and social media platforms.
Experience developing and implementing strategic communication plans and initiatives.
Familiarity with state and federal regulations pertaining to public information, records and communications.
Expertise in data-driven decision-making to improve communication effectiveness and align with organizational goals.
Advanced communication skills for interacting with diverse stakeholders, including parents, staff and community members.
Working knowledge of Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

Leads and coordinates the district's public information and communication programs in collaboration with staff and supervisors, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and consistent, transparent messaging across the district.
Guides the development, implementation and continuous improvement of district-wide communication plans, workflows, policies and strategies that enhance efficiency, compliance and stakeholder engagement.
Coordinates communication initiatives with district departments, schools and community partners to ensure cohesive, accurate and timely messaging.
Monitors and reports on communication project performance, resource utilization and outcomes, identifying challenges and recommending solutions.
Prepares and maintains operational documentation and records according to department standards.
Serves as the district spokesperson, managing media relations, responding to public inquiries and overseeing press releases, newsletters, social media, external-facing platforms (e.g., Indeed) and district and school websites in compliance with LDOE requirements.
Maintains the district's official social media accounts and website, ensuring content is accurate, current,accessible and aligned with district communication policies and branding standards.
Promotes a culture of innovation, accountability and collaboration that fosters engagement and high performance across communication initiatives.
Coordinates the district's participation in state recognition programs, including New Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year and Student of the Year, ensuring alignment with state guidelines, state and district priorities.
Directs the administration of district-wide student awards and scholarships, collaborating with schools, community organizations and external partners.
Plans and executes appreciation and recognition events such as cultural celebrations, appreciation campaigns and observances (e.g., Black History Month), ensuring activities are inclusive and culturally responsive.
Aids in facilitating the Plaquemines Parish New Teacher Induction Program in collaboration and coordination with the Human Resources team and the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), providing ongoing support for new teachers.
Manages and oversees the state-funded residency-based teacher preparation program, coordinating partnerships with universities, mentor support, credentialing and compliance with LDOE guidelines.
Develops and implements innovative teacher retention strategies in collaboration and coordination with the Human Resources team, equipping school and division leaders with communication tools and campaigns that improve engagement and retention.
Aids in executing strategic plans for the district by developing and supporting communication strategies that promote awareness, understanding and engagement around district priorities, initiatives and progress.
Contributes to continuous improvement by recommending new tools, platforms and methods forengaging stakeholders.
Manages departmental resources and projects effectively, ensuring efficient use of time and alignment with district priorities.
Builds collaborative relationships with district leadership, school administrators and external stakeholders to align departmental and organizational goals with district priorities.
Represents the department in district meetings and public forums, communicating updates, challenges and accomplishments clearly and professionally.
Engages with educational leaders at state, regional, and national levels to gather insights, exchange information and share district perspectives, supporting alignment with state and federal initiatives and continuous district improvement.
Partners with community organizations and universities to support educator development and student success, including recruitment and outreach campaigns.
Coordinates vendor relationships and service providers as needed for communication and media-related work.
Manages external grant partnerships to ensure effective implementation, compliance and alignment with district priorities.
Administers the Plaquemines Parish Driver's Education Program, overseeing expenses, personnel coordination and operations to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Oversees production schedules, publication timelines and content deliverables to maintain quality, consistency and timeliness.
Identifies opportunities to enhance resource utilization and recommends improvements for cost- effectiveness and efficiency.
Evaluates and refines departmental operating procedures to improve communication efficiency, coordination and compliance across departments.
Collects, analyzes and utilizes data on district needs, challenges and operations to inform communication strategies and support strategic planning.
Ensures compliance with federal, state and district policies regarding public information, digital accessibility and records management.
Maintains confidentiality and accuracy in the handling of sensitive information and communications.
Oversees communication protocols and publication standards to ensure information released to the public is accurate, compliant and reflective of district priorities.
Monitors and coordinates compliance with LDOE guidelines for communication, reporting and program documentation.
Collaborates with district and school leaders, directors, chiefs and the Superintendent to maintain awareness of initiatives, achievements and emerging issues, ensuring consistent and informed messaging.
Mentors and supports school-based and district personnel responsible for communication and digital presence and provides professional development to enhance skills in effective communication, digital engagement and positive public representation.
Participates in professional development to enhance personal and departmental capacity in communication, leadership and technical skills.
Represents the district at meetings, community events and external partnerships to promote a positive public image and strengthen relationships.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned by district leadership to support organizational needs and initiatives.
Contributes to district-wide projects and collaborates with other departments on cross-functional goals.
Maintains a valid driver's license and a clear driving record, follows all district policies and state regulations for safe vehicle operation, reports any incidents affecting their ability to drive immediately to their supervisor and ensures proper care, maintenance and responsible use of district vehicles if required to use a district vehicle for assigned duties.
Fulfill duties traditionally expected of those in supervisory positions.
Collaborate with those providing and overseeing school-based instruction as well as professionals providing ancillary services.
Conduct school / class walk throughs.
Attend an Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) meeting.
Supervise employees for whose supervision employee is responsible.
Complete and/or assist in the preparation / implementation of employee pre- and post-observations, evaluations, Intensive Assistance Plans (IAPs) and other associated tasks and monitoring.
Plan and strategize for future school improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with community organizations or partners to support district and school programs.
Develop and support positive district, school and community relationships.
Attend faculty, staff and department meetings.
Schedule and/or attend training sessions.
Attend job fairs and related events.
Schedule and/or attend Central Office and department meetings.
Interview, employ and complete necessary hires.
Attend School Board / committee meetings upon request.
Participate in the preparation of necessary disciplinary meetings / hearings.
Support extracurricular activities or athletic events that take place after school hours.
Meet with teachers / staff to discuss school operations or upcoming events.
Respond to any and all emergency meetings.