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Public Relations Specialist

Young World Physical Education, Westover, MD, United States


Public Relations Specialist Somerset County Public Schools CENTRAL OFFICE - Westover, Maryland

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Job Details

Job ID:

5661698

Application Deadline:

May 06, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Posted:

Apr 22, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date:

To Be Determined

This job posting is closed

Job Description Position Summary The Public Relations & Communications Specialist is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive public relations, communications, and marketing initiatives for the school district. This role ensures accurate, timely, and consistent communication with stakeholders while maintaining compliance with district policies, legal requirements, and best practices in public information.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administers a variety of public relations/information policies and programs for the purpose of conforming to district policies, relevant laws, contracts and agreements.

Acts as an advisor to administrators, directors, supervisors, coordinators and managers on issues related to public relations for the purpose of ensuring consistent application of policy.

Communicates with other employees, departments, administrators and the public for the purpose of providing information and assistance concerning public information and related legal requirements.

Assists with dissemination of information to the general public.

Collaborates with other district administrative personnel for the purpose of implementing and or maintaining services and programs and lends support by providing research and input as requested.

Develops, plan and evaluate public relations procedures and policies for the purpose of ensuring the division is operating effectively and efficiently.

Assists with staff recruitment functions for the purpose of ensuring that selection procedures comply with applicable federal and state regulations. Ensures that recruitment brochures and information are available.

Interprets Board policies, state and federal regulations for the purpose of ensuring SCPS is in compliance with overall public informational practices. Collaborates with legal advisor on areas that require legal interpretation.

Recommends policies, procedures and/or actions for the purpose of providing direction for meeting the school system’s goals and objectives.

Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars for the purpose of conveying and/or getting information required to perform functions.

Administers the development of manuals, handbooks, and other materials for publication.

Assists with New Teacher Orientation, staff new hires and transfers by ensuring that press releases are prepared as required.

Develop and plan the Marketing Plan for the school district. This includes Social Media marketing.

Plans and directs the opening day of school meeting and the end of year staff appreciation meeting as requested.

Coordinates all Teacher of Year activities and assists with the County Parent Advisory Council Meetings.

Works with the PR representative at each school by providing direction, procedures and training.

Provides housing information and civic and recreational activities to new hires that move to the area.

Coordinates the website revision regarding recruitment to ensure on-going efficient Somerset County Public Schools Exposure.

Develops a Standard Operating Procedure Handbook for Public Relations and reviews the manual annually.

Coordinates the Public Relations Advisory Board and ensures that meetings are held at least two times per year.

Maintains the County website and serves as the Connect Ed communications contact.

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, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (preferred in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or related field).

Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience required.

Prior experience in school or district-level public relations is highly desirable.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations Valid driver’s license required.

Knowledge and Skills Language Skills

Ability to interpret laws, policies, and procedures.

Ability to stay current with trends and best practices in communications and public relations.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to analyze data and interpret metrics related to communications and program effectiveness.

Reasoning Ability

Strong project management skills.

Ability to maintain accurate records and apply critical thinking to complex tasks.

Computer Skills

Proficiency in:

Internet and digital communication platforms

Project management tools

Spreadsheet and word processing software

Commitment to ongoing professional development and skill enhancement.

Other Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership and supervisory skills.

Ability to motivate staff and provide constructive performance feedback.

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Other Requirements

Ability to travel regularly to schools across the county.

Availability for occasional out-of-town meetings and training sessions.

Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and accountability.

Ensures continuity of responsibilities during absences.

Actively participates in professional organizations and remains current in the field.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to talk and hear.

Frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands.

Occasionally required to sit, reach, and lift/move up to 50 pounds.

Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.

Moderate noise level typical of a school or office environment.

Position Type:

Full-Time

Salary:

$53,203 to $85,446 Per Year

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