What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2026-27 Communications Specialist (PIO) - Marketing & Communications position at Paradise Valley Unified School District?
Communications Specialist (PIO)
Location: DAC - Marketing & Communications
12 months
ESP Exempt
Salary: $72,700.00
Start Date: 10/26/2026
Required: Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
www.azdps.gov/services/public/
Purpose Statement
The job of Communications Specialist and Public Information Officer is to lead and manage all communication and district-level community outreach efforts; actively participate in the identification, planning, and execution of highly effective and consistent communication strategies and plans on behalf of the district; plan and execute public events; serve as the district’s public information officer; develop comprehensive communication plans – understanding strategic messages, creating and editing content, and analyzing communication gaps. This position also oversees and fulfills public records requests in accordance with state law and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This individual will select and utilize a variety of communication methods and tools to effectively share messages internally and externally; assist in the collection, analysis, and presentation of relevant data to promote PV as the district of choice that is recognized as a leader in Pre-K through 12 education.
This job reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications.
Essential Functions
Develop and disseminate a wide range of content consistent with AP style for a variety of different mediums (web, social media, blogs, press releases, electronic newsletters, marketing collateral (print and online), superintendent comments, community communications, crisis messaging, etc.) to encourage stakeholder engagement, convey information, meet compliance requirements, and promote PV as the district of choice;
Strong ability to identify and develop interesting content from within the district’s network of 44 plus schools, as well as topics deemed relevant to our community members such as education, technology, district success stories, etc.
Develop partnerships with the community to raise awareness of PVSchools and grow the district’s advertising programs;
Assist in the creation and management of an editorial calendar (including social media postings) based upon the short and long-term strategies of the Marketing & Communications Department.
Working in collaboration with the marketing team, participate promoting the PV brand among all internal stakeholders;
Collaboratively develop, lead and implement consistent district-wide protocols and structures for information publication, including independent site-specific promotions for prospective parent tours, contacts, inquiries, shadowing, and observations, based on scope, urgency, marketing goals, topic, and target audience;
Establish positive relationships with media (including print and broadcast) and business community;
Serve as the district’s public information officer providing information to the media and public as required by law and according to the standards of public information officers and fulfill all public record requests;
Serve on the District Emergency Response Team, providing key support to the Marketing and Communications office including managing the mass messaging system;
Collect, monitor, analyze, effective benchmarks for measuring the impact and effectiveness of campaigns and provide data on awareness of high academic standards, student-centered specialty programs, innovative teaching and learning, and positive community impact from internal and external stakeholders. Regularly report on insights gained;
Develop expertise of PreK-12 specialty programs and effectively communicate information to internal and external stakeholders;
Partner with school and central office administrators for the purpose of supporting site-based communications;
Work collaboratively with a diverse administrator and staff team for the purpose of creating, managing and implementing integrated business and communication strategies.
Organize marketing efforts between the Marketing and Communications Office and schools/departments hosting events, applying tiered marketing protocols and structures.
Contributes to team effort by performing other related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS:
Strong mastery of written and verbal communication; strategic planning; simultaneous multi-project management; leadership and effective collaboration with all stakeholder groups; understanding of emergency response planning; strong mastery of written and verbal communication; collection, analysis, and presentation of complex data; and establishing effective community partnerships; building positive and productive relationships with all stakeholders, including business and community stakeholders; strong attention to detail and the highest degree of accuracy; self motivated, work independently, as well as part of a team and practice great discretion with confidential information; maintain professional demeanor at all times; enthusiastic and positive team player who is willing to tackle the unexpected, embrace change, take initiative and work cooperatively in diverse group situations; demonstrates the technical competence required to perform the job effectively; proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, Google Office Suite, email marketing, social media tools and other related software applications.
KNOWLEDGE:
Pre-K-12 educational system a plus; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; records retention laws, current and developing technology and management; organizational and time management; emergency response planning; public information officer responsibilities, strong understanding of marketing and communication best practices with a focus on public relations, branding, communications, social media, etc.
ABILITIES:
Schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment and technology. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Identifies problems, determines possible solutions, and actively works to resolve issues. Uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate problems, make recommendations and create effective action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; flexible to changing conditions; making quick and accurate decisions; working with multiple projects; dealing with frequent interruptions and changing priorities; maintaining confidentiality; and facilitating communication between persons with frequently divergent positions. Attending monthly Board meetings on an as needed basis, and extensive off hours support to Emergency Communications.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working independently under broad organizational guidelines to achieve unit objectives; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; utilization of significant resources from other work units is routinely required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a clean atmosphere.
Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of professional work experience preferably in an educational or public information officer setting. Previous experience working in a Public Relations/Communications role with local and national media representatives and public officials is very desirable.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications or other related field, or equivalent work experience.
Equivalency:
Required Testing Certificates and Licenses
Continued Educ./Training
Clearances
Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
www.azdps.gov/services/public/
FLSA Status
Exempt
Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information NonDiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.