Public Relations Assistant

Public Relations Assistant

Under the general supervision of District leadership, the Public Relations Assistant supports the planning, development, and execution of communications, publicity, and informational services for the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. This position plays a central role in telling the District's story by highlighting student achievement, school events, athletics, and community partnerships across all three schools Todd Elementary School, Briarcliff Middle School, and Briarcliff High School. The Public Relations Assistant supports districtwide communications initiatives, including the Superintendent's newsletter Briarcliff Buzz, the Superintendent's podcast SuperKast, and public-facing communications related to district programs. The position contributes to strengthening relationships with families, staff, students, and community partners, including the Briarcliff Parent Teachers Association (BPTA).
Key Responsibilities:
District Communications: Collaborate with the superintendent on content for Briarcliff Buzz, SuperKast, press releases, newsletters, brochures, flyers, and internal and external district communications. Highlight district events and initiatives, including Pocantico Night, athletic competitions, school awards, student recognitions, concerts, performances, and special programs. Prepare communications related to Board of Education meetings, including announcements, summaries, and multimedia content.
Media & Community Relations: Maintain strong working relationships with local and regional media outlets to promote district news, events, and accomplishments. Assist with arranging press conferences and responding to media inquiries, as appropriate. Serve as a liaison with community partners and parent organizations to support positive school-community relations. Represent the District at community events and public forums, as assigned.
Website, Digital Media & Multimedia: Maintain and update the District website to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and consistency of information across all schools and departments. Work with administrators, building leaders, and staff to develop and refresh website and digital content. Convert documents and materials into web-ready formats and manage posting schedules. Oversee graphic and visual elements of district communications to ensure consistent branding. Support the recording, editing, and production of video and audio content, including Board of Education meetings, concerts, performances, and Superintendent communications.
Collaboration & Support: Work collaboratively with administrators, teachers, coaches, and staff to promote achievements in academics, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs. Support communications that recognize student accomplishments, staff achievements, and district milestones. Utilize computer applications and digital tools (word processing, spreadsheets, email, calendars, databases, and media platforms) to manage communications efficiently.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong knowledge of public relations, communications, and media outreach practices, particularly in a school district or public-sector environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for varied audiences.
Strong layout, design, and visual storytelling skills.
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of communications and public information efforts.
Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, staff, media representatives, and community partners.
Effective public speaking and presentation skills.
Proficiency with digital communication platforms and common computer applications.
Creativity, initiative, integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the position.
Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor's Degree and three (3) years of work experience in which the primary function of the position was copywriting or news writing for radio, TV, newspapers, publications, advertising agencies or writing relating directly to the community/public relations field. A Bachelor's Degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, or Public Relations or a Master's Degree may be substituted for one year of the work experience specified above. Education beyond the secondary level must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. In accordance with the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) legislation, candidates for appointment in school districts must obtain clearance for employment from the State Education Department prior to employment based upon a fingerprint and criminal history background check.