Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is hiring: Media Relations Officer in Charlotte

Non Instructional/Support Services - Position - Other

Job Number 4600315449

Start Date

Open Date 09/12/2025

Closing Date 11/21/2025

General Definition of Work

The Media Relations Officer, under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision-making discretion in developing, leading, and executing a comprehensive and strategic communications effort for multiple audiences that publicizes the district's educational programs, student-focused initiatives, strategic goals, and vision. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to district communications and public information under the direction of the Chief Officer of Strategic Communications and Engagement.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

PG 12/Full-time, 12 months

Reports To

Chief of Strategic Communications and Partnerships

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff/programs in the district
• Develop and manage annual communication and marketing plan that supports the district's vision, goals, objectives, and accomplishments
• Create/manage crisis communication and assist with reunification, and emergency drills
• Provide support and direction to district departments and schools in the planning, preparing, formatting, publishing and dissemination of reports and other communications
• Oversee and facilitate special projects internally and externally as needed/required
• Oversee and facilitate employee recognition efforts as needed/required
• Serve as a district spokesperson, fostering cooperative, professional relationships with media while building opportunities for engagement
• Develop and sustain cooperative relationships with community, employee, and public interest groups, seeking new ways to work collaboratively toward district goals/vision
• Craft and manage the district's communication messages through various traditional and digital means for both internal and external audiences, including social media, video content, written communications, and mass notification technology
• Monitor and respond to emails sent to the district's public media inbox, direct inquiries to appropriate departments
• Draft, edit, and distribute routine communications including, but not limited to press releases, alerts, newsletters, and statements
• Manage the district's mass notification system for communications to families and staff
• Operate and post content to official district social media accounts
• Respond to media inquiries and provide approved messaging to support transparency and accuracy
• Coordinate distribution of emergency communications, such as weather delays or crisis notifications
• Collaborate with district leaders and school staff to share approved updates and information with families and the public
• Maintain a basic awareness calendar (e.g., public education weeks, holidays) and assist in light campaign coordination and outreach activities as assigned
• Monitor public feedback and sentiment through digital platforms and escalate concerns
• Contribute to the district's overall communications and branding efforts by ensuring continuity, consistency, and professionalism in all district publications/communications
• Attend regular and called meetings of the Board of Education as needed/required
• Facilitate staff meetings and attend other related meetings as needed/required
• Participate in professional development workshops and leadership training
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
• Perform related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public schools
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to public school systems
• Comprehensive knowledge of communications, marketing, graphic design, and webpage management
• Skilled in communications planning and project management
• Skilled in writing, editing, and proofreading
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with a focus on results
• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress
• Ability to reflect appropriate responses to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related area required
• Seven (7) years' experience in community relations and/or engagement, corporate social responsibility, educational advancement, communications, or public policy preferred
• Prior supervisory experience preferred
• Equivalent combination of experience and education

Special Requirements

• Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License or ability to provide own transportation
• Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings

# of Jobs 1.00

Teacher Scale N

Minimum Educational Requirements Bachelors

Term 12 Month

Additional Job Information

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Work requires the occasional exertion of up to ten pounds of force
• Work regularly requires exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communication
• Constantly operates a computer and other office business equipment
• Ability to remain in stationary position for required meetings/work
• Ability to move to other work locations
• Visual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, and the use of advanced technology
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic)
• Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions
• Must be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stress
• Must be on-call as a regular part of the job

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job. Job description is sourced from employee interviews, internal documents, representative job descriptions in similar districts, and other state/federal agencies.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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