2026-2027 SY: Public Relations Specialist

Santa Fe Public Schools • SANTA FE, NM

2d

About The Position

The Public Relations Specialist supports Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) in building and maintaining positive relationships with students, families, employees, news media, community partners, and the public. As a member of the Communications team, the specialist develops and coordinates strategic communications to inform and engage audiences and strengthen confidence in SFPS and its schools. The role supports media relations, public information, community engagement, special events, storytelling, social media, and crisis and emergency communications in a fast-paced public education environment.

The specialist helps create accurate, timely, and culturally responsive communications; represents the district professionally; protects confidential information; and works with schools, district departments, leadership, families, and community stakeholders. Work is performed in office and school environments, with regular travel to district schools and events. Some evening or weekend work, travel, and response outside normal working hours during emergencies may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, education, or a related field.
• Three or more years of professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism, media relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, accurate, and compelling communications for a variety of audiences.
• Experience working with news media and responding to media inquiries.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong news judgment and storytelling ability.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of public relations principles and media practices.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during high-pressure situations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to anticipate communications needs and proactively identify solutions.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and private automobile.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical and cognitive requirements, including occasional heavy lifting up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a public school district, government agency, nonprofit organization, or public-sector environment.
• Experience with crisis or emergency communications.
• Experience producing video, photography, graphics, or other multimedia content.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of New Mexico public education, community issues, and local media.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a point of contact for news media and assist with responding to media inquiries.
• Draft press releases, media advisories, talking points, statements, fact sheets, and other public information materials.
• Coordinate interviews and media opportunities involving district leadership, staff, students, and school communities.
• Monitor local, regional, and social media coverage related to SFPS and public education.
• Develop positive news stories about student achievement, programs, employees, schools, and community partnerships and pitch them to media outlets.
• Maintain professional relationships with media outlets and community organizations.
• Identify, research, and write stories from the SFPS community for the Communications Department’s quarterly publication.
• Develop written, photographic, video, and multimedia content highlighting students, staff, schools, and district initiatives.
• Assist with developing and implementing district communication plans and campaigns.
• Translate complex educational, operational, and policy information into accessible public messaging.
• Ensure communications reflect the mission, values, goals, and priorities of SFPS.
• Support communications for district initiatives, programs, bond projects, elections, celebrations, and special events.
• Assist with consistent district branding, messaging, and voice across digital platforms.
• Assist with timely communications during emergencies, school closures, safety incidents, weather events, and other critical situations.
• Prepare emergency notifications and updates for families, employees, media, and community stakeholders.
• Coordinate with SFPS Safety and Security, school administrators, district leadership, and other departments to ensure information is accurate and consistent.
• Help monitor public and media response during significant incidents and provide communications support as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Monitor social media conversations and identify emerging issues or opportunities for engagement.
• Support efforts to strengthen relationships between SFPS and the Santa Fe community.
• Collaborate with schools, families, community organizations, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Perform duties in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, and facility and computer security policies and procedures.
• Represent SFPS professionally and positively, meet established deadlines, and provide timely, accurate, and culturally responsive communication.
• Use district resources and equipment appropriately and reliably.

Benefits

• Medical benefits are available to full- and part-time employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Dental benefits are available to full- and part-time employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Vision benefits are available to full- and part-time employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

What This Job Offers

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