TITLE: Communications and Public Relations Specialist
CLASSIFICATION: Specialist
Minimum Qualifications:
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field preferred.
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Work Experience: Five years of professional experience in communications, media relations, journalism, public affairs, public information, or related field
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Licensure or Certification: N/A
JOB SUMMARY:
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.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
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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.
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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.
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Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, talking points, statements, newsletters, website content, speeches, correspondence, presentations, and other district communication materials.
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Coordinate communication responses related to district operations, enrollment initiatives, school programs, emergencies, community concerns, sensitive issues, and high-profile district matters.
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Develop and maintain positive working relationships with news media, school leaders, government agencies, community organizations, elected officials, and public stakeholders.
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Support internal communication efforts including employee communication strategies, leadership messaging, communication toolkits, and district information campaigns.
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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.
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Support implementation of district communication standards, accessibility expectations, audience engagement practices, and brand guidelines across communication platforms and materials.
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Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, course work, and collaboration.
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Other duties, as assigned.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
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Knowledge of media relations, strategic communications, crisis communication, public information practices, organizational messaging, and community engagement principles.
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Ability to assess sensitive situations, exercise sound professional judgment, and respond effectively under pressure in high-visibility environments.
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Excellent writing, proofreading, editing, verbal communication, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly to multiple audiences.
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Ability to support development, coordination, and implementation of communication strategies supporting district priorities, operational needs, public engagement efforts, and organizational communication goals.
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Knowledge of social media platforms, website content practices, digital communication tools, and audience engagement strategies.
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Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across departments and support communication coordination during routine operations, emergency situations, and organizational change initiatives.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, composure, and credibility while managing sensitive or high-profile communications.
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Knowledge of public education systems, governmental communication practices, public policy issues, and community engagement strategies preferred.
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Proficiency with communication technology, digital publishing tools, presentation software, media monitoring systems, and related communication platforms.
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Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively,and proven ability to meet deadlines.
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Maintain valid driver's license with a driving record that aligns with the district’s motor vehicle record requirement while employed.
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Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
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Maintain confidentiality.
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Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
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Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
Physical Requirements:
Frequent: Standing, Walking, Sitting. Telephone & Computer work.
Occasional: Bending/stooping, Reaching/Pushing/Pulling, Climbing Stairs, Driving, Lifting 20 lbs. carrying 20 feet.
Working conditions: Frequent Inside/Outside. Occasional extremes of temperature.
DEPARTMENT: Communications and Public Relations
REPORTS TO: Director of Communication, Marketing, and Public Affairs
HIGHEST LEVEL SUPERVISED: N/A
BARGAINING GROUP: N/A
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
CALENDAR: 12 month / 8 Hour Day
The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: [email protected]. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.
Employee Benefits Information
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.
Approved By: Josie Lewis
Date: July 10, 2026
