Job Summary: Serve as Springfield School District’s primary communications professional, responsible for developing and executing strategic communications that advance the District’s mission, promote student achievement, and strengthen community engagement across Springfield, Vermont. This role supports the Superintendent and District leadership by managing media relations, digital and print communications, social media, community outreach, and crisis communications, ensuring that students, families, staff, and the broader community have timely, accurate, and accessible information about District programs, initiatives, and events.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.
Develops and implements a comprehensive District communications plan aligned with District’s strategic goals and priorities.- Manages all District digital communications, including the District and school websites, social media accounts, email newsletters, and mobile notifications; ensures content is current, accurate, and accessible.
- Writes, edits, and distributes press releases, community announcements, newsletters, and other publications for internal and external audiences.
- Serves as the District’s primary media contact; responds to press inquiries, coordinates reporter access, and builds positive relationships with local and regional media.
- Manages District’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, YouTube, and others); creates engaging content, monitors engagement, and responds to community comments in alignment with District policy.
- Collaborates with the Superintendent to draft speeches, board presentations, official correspondence, and talking points for District leadership.
- Coordinates District-wide crisis and emergency communications in partnership with the Superintendent, principals, and the District’s emergency management team.
- Partners with building principals and department heads to support school-level communications and ensure consistency of messaging across all Springfield School District schools.
- Develops and maintains the District’s visual brand identity; ensures consistent use of logos, colors, and messaging standards in all District materials.
- Creates or coordinates production of visual content including photography, video, infographics, and graphic design assets for communications purposes.
- Coordinates and publicizes District events, community forums, school board meetings, and other public-facing activities.
- Supports student enrollment, recruitment, and retention efforts through targeted outreach campaigns.
- Assists with promotional publicity for interscholastic sports and extracurricular activities, including coordinating with the Athletic Department on press and social media releases.
- Maintains an organized archive of District communications, press coverage, photos, and media records.
- Translates complex policy, curriculum, and program information into accessible language for diverse community audiences.
- Monitors and reports on communications analytics (website traffic, social media engagement, email open rates) and makes data-informed recommendations for improvement.
- Represents the District at community and school events as directed by the Superintendent.
- Collaborates with town and community organizations to strengthen the District’s presence and partnerships in Springfield, Vermont.
- Follows all District purchasing and procurement procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received: Reports to, receives daily work assignments, and is evaluated by the Superintendent of Schools or designee.
Supervisory Responsibilities: May supervise communication interns, work-study students, or community volunteers as assigned.
Qualification Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job function in an efficient and compliant manner. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job functions.
1. Education: Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
2. Experience: 2-3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or marketing. Experience in an educational, municipal, or non-profit setting preferred.
3. Language Skills: Must be able to read, write, and speak English with proficiency. Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly for a variety of audiences and formats, are required.
4. Mathematical Skills: Basic mathematical skills required for budget tracking and understanding, vendor invoicing, and analytics reporting.
5. Reasoning Ability/Mental Requirements: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations in a safe, efficient manner. Must be able to multi-task to meet objectives on time and on budget.
6. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate courteously, efficiently and effectively with a variety of individuals, including students, staff, administrators, parents, elected officials, media representatives, and community members. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with peers, supervisors, and outside agencies. Ability to effectively manage sensitive situations and resolve conflicts diplomatically.
7. Other Skills and Abilities:
7.1. Proficiency with digital communications tools, website content management systems (CMS), and email marketing platforms (e.g., Constant Contact, Mailchimp).
7.2. Proficiency with social media platforms and social media management tools.
7.3. Proficiency with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) for creating visual content.
7.4. Basic photography and/or video production skills preferred.
7.5. Follow-through and seeing tasks and projects to completion is essential.
7.6. Willingness to adapt and assist others within changing conditions is essential.
7.7. Good verbal and interpersonal skills with staff, students, community members, and media.
Competencies: The individual in this position must possess the following:
1. Dependability – being reliable, punctual, responsible and fulfilling obligations.
2. Self-Control – maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in difficult situations.
3. Stress Tolerance – accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
4. Cooperation – being pleasant with others and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
5. Concern for Others – being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding.
6. Attention to Detail – being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks; particularly important for accurate public-facing communications.
7. Integrity – being honest and ethical; maintaining confidentiality of sensitive district information.
8. Adaptability/Flexibility – being open to change (positive or negative) and to variety in the workplace.
9. Independence – guiding oneself with little or no supervision, depending on oneself to get things done.
