Director of Communications & Public Relations
District-Wide
1.0 FTE, Provisional Position
Classification: Classified Competitive Administrative Position
Reports to: Superintendent of Schools
Work Year: 12 months
Compensation & Benefits: $95,000 - $110,000/yr, commensurate with experience
District Administrators (DLST) Benefits Booklet
Overview of Position
The Director of Communications & Public Relations serves as the district leader responsible for public information, communications, community engagement, and supports recruitment initiatives that are aligned with the district goals and the Profile of a Shen Employee. Works directly with the Superintendent and collaboratively with district leadership to strengthen communication systems, build positive school-community relationships, promote district initiatives, staff recruitment efforts, and ensure timely, accurate, and strategic communication with internal and external stakeholders. This position is primarily focused on public information, media relations, strategic communications, branding, and public-facing messaging. Community relations functions are supported through communications strategy and materials, in coordination with the district staff member responsible for community engagement.
Major Responsibilities and Duties
Public Information and Communications
- Coordinate the development and distribution of information regarding district activities, programs, services, current issues, policies, procedures, and initiatives.
- Serve as the district’s primary public information and media relations contact.
- Prepare and coordinate press releases, newsletters, district reports, public presentations, informational materials, and marketing publications.
- Write, edit, and review materials prepared for publication and presentation.
- Oversee public-facing district communications, including website content, digital communications, social media, and multimedia materials.
- Coordinate photography, videography, and promotional materials for district events and initiatives.
- Attend and support Board of Education meetings, public forums, budget presentations, and community events.
- Ensure consistent district branding and messaging across all communication platforms.
Public Relations and Partnership Support
- Support positive and productive communication pathways with parents, community organizations, businesses, local governments, and stakeholder groups through clear, timely, and strategic communications.
- Partner with the district staff member responsible for community engagement to align public messaging, outreach materials, and community-facing communications.
- Develop and coordinate communications that support community engagement initiatives, recognition programs, partnerships, and outreach activities.
- Support opportunities for public feedback and community involvement through communication planning, promotion, messaging, and follow-up materials.
- Provide communications support for district committees, advisory groups, collaborative initiatives, district-wide events, ceremonies, and outreach programs.
Recruitment and Organizational Support
- Works under the direction of the CHRO to support district recruitment initiatives through strategic communications, branding, digital marketing, community outreach, and promotion of employment opportunities.
- Collaborate with Human Resources to support recruitment events, onboarding communications, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Support districtwide strategic planning and organizational initiatives as assigned by the Superintendent.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain records, reports, and communication archives related to district initiatives.
- Provide communication guidance and support to administrators and departments.
- Coordinate special projects and initiatives as assigned.
- Perform other duties consistent with the goals and responsibilities of the position as directed by the Superintendent.
- Participate in strategic planning with the administrative team.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, marketing, education, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of five years of experience in communications, public relations, community engagement, recruitment, or educational administration preferred
- Demonstrated experience in public information, media relations, strategic communications, branding, marketing, and community outreach.
- Experience managing digital communications platforms, websites, and social media.
- Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills.
- Deep understanding of the Shenendehowa School Community and Towns.
Application Deadline: June 28, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: July 27, 2026
Application Procedure: *This will be a provisional appointment* In order to be appointed permanently to this competitive position the individual must take the Saratoga County civil service exam for the job classification of Public Information Officer and be reachable on the resulting Saratoga County civil service list.
External candidates: Apply through RecruitFront
Internal candidates: Apply through SchoolFront (Internal Job Board)
For more information, please visit our website at www.shenschools.org. If you need additional assistance in applying for this position through RecruitFront, please refer to the Applicant Training Videos or reach out to the Department of Human Resources at (518) 881-0650 for support.
Shenendehowa Central School District is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, creed or religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, gender, disability which can be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status or any other classification protected by law.