COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

Communication Specialist

Position Title: Communication Specialist
Reports To: Director of Communications
Supervises: None
Terms of Employment: 12-Month Position
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Schedule: Admin I

Starting Salary: $55,000. Final salary placement will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and district salary guidelines.

Job Summary

The Communication Specialist supports the district’s strategic communication efforts through content development, media relations, district messaging, digital communications, and community engagement initiatives. This position plays a key role in promoting the achievements of Franklin County Schools’ students, staff, schools, and programs while strengthening public trust, increasing community awareness, and supporting district enrollment and engagement efforts. The Communications Specialist helps ensure consistent messaging aligned with the district’s mission, strategic
priorities, and brand standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Media Relations

• Develop press releases, media advisories, official statements, and other communication materials for local, regional, and state media outlets.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with media representatives to support accurate and timely coverage of district initiatives, programs, and events.
• Coordinate and support media coverage for district programs, recognitions, announcements, special events, and district initiatives.
• Monitor media coverage and respond to media inquiries as directed.

Content Development & Digital Communications

• Write feature stories, newsletters, website content, announcements, speeches, scripts, and district publications highlighting student achievement, instructional programs, staff accomplishments, and school initiatives.
• Create and manage engaging content for the district website, social media platforms, newsletters, and other communication channels.
• Capture and develop photography, videography, and multimedia content to support district communication goals.
• Ensure written and digital content reflects district priorities, brand standards, and professional communication practices.

District Messaging & Community Engagement

• Support consistent messaging across schools and departments to ensure communication aligns with district goals and strategic priorities.
• Promote positive stories and achievements across the district to strengthen public confidence, stakeholder engagement, and community awareness.
• Collaborate with schools and departments to identify and share programs, events, recognitions, and accomplishments.
• Support communication and marketing efforts that promote enrollment, family engagement, and community awareness.

Board of Education & Administrative Support

• Prepare or assist with recognition materials, announcements, presentations, and communications related to Board of Education meetings and district recognitions.
• Support communication efforts related to district initiatives, administrative projects, and special events.
• Assist with developing talking points, presentations, and communication materials for district leadership as needed.

Strategic Communications Support

• Support the Director of Communications with strategic communication initiatives, marketing campaigns, public information requests, and special projects.
• Assist with crisis communication efforts and support timely and accurate communication during emergency situations, urgent matters, or high-profile events.
• Maintain communication practices that support transparency, stakeholder engagement, and community trust.
• Stay informed about communication trends, tools, and best practices that support innovation and continuous improvement in district communications.

Minimum Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required.

Licenses/Certifications

Valid North Carolina driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in education, government, nonprofit, or public sector communications preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Knowledge of communication platforms, social media management, media relations, and public engagement strategies.
• Experience with photography, graphic design, video production, or digital content creation preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing administrative duties.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel between schools and district locations as needed.
• Manual dexterity to use computers, cameras, and other standard office and multimedia equipment.

Working Conditions

Typical work hours follow a standard administrative schedule but may occasionally require evening or weekend work to attend district events, meetings, athletic events, community programs, or respond to communication needs and emergency situations.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Board policy and administrative
procedures.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The district reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.