26-27 Public Relations Director Job at Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School Dis

2026-2027 District Public Relations (PR) Director

Job Description: Senior communications professional responsible for developing, implementing, and directing a comprehensive communication strategy to promote a positive image of the district and foster strong relationships with all stakeholders, including students, staff, parents, community members, and the media. Reports directly to the Superintendent.

Key Responsibilities:

The duties of a school district PR director include:

• Strategic Communications & Planning: Developing and executing a strategic, comprehensive communications and marketing plan aligned with the district's goals and vision. This includes identifying key themes and developing targeted strategies for diverse audiences.
• Media Relations: Serving as the primary point of contact and official spokesperson for the media. Responsibilities include writing and distributing press releases, coordinating interviews, and proactively pitching news stories to local and national outlets.
• Crisis Communications: Developing and implementing crisis communication plans to manage news events or emergencies, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent information is provided to all stakeholders.
• Content Creation & Management: Overseeing the creation and production of a wide range of materials, including website content, social media posts, e-newsletters, annual reports, speeches, and presentations for the Superintendent and Board of Education. This often involves photography, videography, and graphic design.
• Internal Communications: Ensuring staff are informed and engaged in district issues and news through various internal channels, providing communication support and training to staff as needed.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining positive relationships with parents, community groups, local businesses, and government agencies. This may involve organizing events (e.g., press conferences, dedications, community forums), conducting surveys or focus groups to gather feedback, and managing volunteer initiatives.
• Brand Management: Serving as the district's brand ambassador, ensuring consistency in messaging and visual identity across all platforms and materials.
• Administration & Compliance: Managing the communications budget and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and policies, such as public information or open records requests.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field required, with a Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of five to ten years of experience in public relations or communications, including some managerial or supervisory experience is desired. Prior experience within a school system or public sector environment is a plus.
• Skills: Essential skills include excellent written and verbal communication, strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple projects under pressure. Familiarity with digital media platforms, website management, and design software is also necessary.

The Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District does not discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, religion, veteran status, or age in the admission to and provision of educational programs, activities, and services or employment opportunities and benefits.

The Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.