DIRECTOR MEDIA RELATIONS

POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Media Relations serves as the district's lead media strategist and primary spokesperson,overseeingallmediarelationseffortsforAtlantaPublicSchools.Thispositiondevelops and executes proactive and responsive communications strategies that enhancethedistrict's reputation,elevatestudentandstaffachievements,andadvancetheprioritiesofthe Superintendent,Atlanta BoardofEducation,andAtlantaPublicSchools.

Thisroleservesastheprimaryliaisontolocal,state,andnationalmediaoutletsandisresponsiblefor building and sustaining strategic relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and other media stakeholders. The Director provides counsel to senior leadership on media engagement, issues management, crisis communications, and public messaging while ensuring communication is timely, accurate, transparent, and aligned with district priorities.

Working collaboratively with district leadership, the Director of Media Relations shapes external narratives,increasespositivemediavisibility,andstrengthenspublicconfidenceandtrustinAtlanta Public Schools.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education:

Bachelor'sdegreeincommunications,publicrelations,marketing,orjournalismrequired.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver's license and availability of private transportation, or the ability to attend off-site events.

Experience:

5 years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, journalism,communications,orpublicaffairs

8yearsofexperiencepreferred

Experienceservingasaspokespersonoradvisingexecutiveleadershippreferred

ExperienceinK–12educationorpublicsectorpreferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Servesasthedistrict'sprimarymediacontactandofficialspokesperson,managingmedia inquires and coordinating interviews on behalf of Atlanta Public Schools

Develops and executes comprehensive media relations strategies that advance district priorities andelevate awareness of APS students, staff, schools, andprograms

Buildsand maintainsstrategicrelationshipswith local,regional,and national mediato expandearnedmediaopportunitiesandstrengthendistrictvisibility

Identifies,develops,andpitchescompellingstoriesthatshowcasestudentachievement,academic excellence, innovation, workforce development, athletics, fine arts, and community partnerships

AdvisestheSuperintendent,BoardofEducation,ChiefCommunicationsOfficer,andsenior leadershiponmediaengagement,messaging,reputationmanagement,andissuesresponse

Developsandreviewskeymessages,talkingpoints,pressreleases,mediastatements, executivecommunications,briefingmaterials,andthoughtleadershipcontent

Designsanddeliversmediapreparednessandspokespersontrainingfordistrictleadership and designated representatives

Leadsmediacommunicationsduringemergencies,crises,andsensitiveissuestoensure timely,accurate,coordinated,andtransparentmessaging

Monitorsmediacoverage,publicsentiment,and emergingissues;providesstrategiccounselandrecommendsresponseapproachesasappropriate

Oversees the district's online newsroom and evaluates earned media performance through reportingandanalysisofreach,engagement,andimpact

Partners with Communications, Marketing, Digital Communications, Community Engagement, HumanResources, Athletics, andAcademic divisions to identifyandamplify stories aligned to district priorities

SupportsBoardofEducationmeetings,districtwideinitiatives,majorannouncements, communityevents,andmediaopportunitiesinvolvingdistrictleadership

Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on-site during regular business hours and as needed

Performsotherdutiesasassignedbytheappropriateadministratorortheirrepresentative

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Extensive knowledgeofmediarelations, public relations, strategic communications, andreputation management

Demonstratedrelationshipswithlocal,regional,andnationalmediaoutlets,includingprint, broadcast, digital, and emerging media platforms

Exceptionalwrittenandverbalcommunicationskills,includingspeechwriting,message development,mediapitching,andexecutivecommunications

Strongunderstandingofpubliceducationissues,governmentrelations,andtheevolving media landscape

Experienceservingasa spokespersonandadvisingexecutive leadersin high-profileand sensitivesituations

Ability to develop proactive earned media strategies that increase positive visibility and supportorganizationalgoals

Skilledincrisiscommunications,issuesmanagement,andrapidresponsemessaging.

Ability to provide media training and executive coaching to senior leaders, board members, and district spokespersons

Strongorganizational,projectmanagement,andrelationship-buildingskills.

Ability to analyze media coverage, identify emerging issues, and recommend strategic communications responses

SALARY INFORMATION
Work Days: Annual Pay Grade: 137

POSITION INFORMATION
FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Category: At-Will

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods

Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions

Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer

Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict

Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.

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