Senior Communications Specialist
About the Employer
Job Summary
Assists the Chief Communications Officer and Executive Director, Communications & Community Engagement in a variety of professional level tasks relating to the functions and services of the Communications & Community Engagement Division of the School System. Develops and executes strategic communications initiatives that increase engagement with students, employees, families, schools, and the broader community.
Experience
Two (2) years relevant professional experience in Communications, Education, or other related areas required; project management experience preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Work Environment
Location: Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 of the time
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
• Identifies, researches, and develops compelling stories that showcase the accomplishments, innovation, and impact of AACPS students, employees, schools, programs, and community partnerships.
• Contacts and works closely with school-based and central office administrators, supervisors, faculty, and other staff members to obtain information on current events, activities, programs, and other topics of general interest to the public. Works proactively to identify newsworthy stories and emerging trends that reflect district priorities.
• Works with Communications Division Student Intern Program, providing comprehensive internship and apprenticeship opportunities to AACPS high school students that immerses them in media-related projects and activities.
• Assists the Chief Communications Officer and Executive Director, Communications & Community Engagement with the development of communications plans and engagement programs that highlight student and staff talents, achievement, and expression.
• Assists in the designing and maintenance of digital platforms dedicated to student voice and representation.
• Creates engaging content for district websites, social media platforms, newsletters, publications, video productions, podcasts, and emerging digital communication channels for internal and external communications purposes.
• Contributes to and supports public relations activities as necessitated by correspondence and telephone inquiries.
• In conjunction with Communications & Community Engagement Division colleagues, disseminates news and other information to targeted audiences through variety of online avenues, including social media.
• Provides technical assistance to school-based and central office administrators, supervisors, faculty and other staff members concerning communications efforts.
• Researches, drafts, edits, and contributes to the development of media inquiries, speeches, presentations, publications, and other communications materials as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.
Minimum Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English or related field of education from a regionally accredited college or university required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
• Demonstrated storytelling skills and ability to write and edit professional publications and news feature articles.
• Understanding of media relations, engagement strategies, and student-centered communication planning.
• Demonstrated proficiency with core social media platforms in a workplace setting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, seek support from team members, and take initiative with limited supervision.
• Ability to produce multimedia content including photography, videography, and social media content.
• Ability to effectively present program initiatives and information to a variety of audiences (i.e., board of education, directors, executive staff, school faculties, higher education, business & industry, parent/community groups, and the press).
• Knowledge of K-12 school organization and administration, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop authentic narratives that reflect diverse voices and experiences using thorough research and intuitive interview skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. video/web conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Copilot preferred).
Licenses and Certifications
Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.
Driving Requirements
N/A
Leadership Role
N/A
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Standing: under 1/3 of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Vision
The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• No special vision requirements
Noise Level
Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Weight & Force
Lifting and carrying requirements:
• Up to 10 pounds: under 1/3 of the time
Travel Requirements
N/A
Job Information
Approved Date: 8/1/2026 Established Date: 5/1/2013 Title Code: B05678 Title: Specialist: Communications Engagement Alternate Title: Specialist: Communications Engagement Reports to Generic: Executive Director Reports to Specific: Executive Director: Communications & Community Engagement Organization: Division: Communications Business Unit: Communications & Community Engagement Department: Negotiated Agreement: N/A HR Job Information: Unit: V Days Worked: 260 FSLA Exemption Status: Exempt Grade: PG05 Click here to view terms of employment, benefits and salary scale. Scroll down to locate (Unit 5 - Professional Staff) Essential Job: Months Worked: 12 Hours Worked: 8 Job Family: Communications and Media Services Sub-Function: Media Relations VR# 27039