Digital Communications Specialist

Position Title: Digital Communications Specialist

Department: Communications Reports To: Chief Communications Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Scale: Specialist Pay Band – 230 Day

SUMMARY: The Digital Communications Specialist serves as the lead for website management, digital accessibility, and visual communications for the School District of Pickens County. This role operates within a collaborative Communications team structure, where responsibilities are shared and coordinated to ensure consistent, high-quality support across the district. This position is responsible for ensuring that all district and school websites, digital content, and online communications meet federal accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while maintaining a high-quality, consistent, and engaging user experience. In addition, this position provides essential creative and design execution for the Upstate Education & Opportunity Foundation, producing donor-facing materials, impact storytelling assets, and professional publications that strengthen external engagement and community investment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Website Leadership & Digital Presence

• Serve as the district lead for SDPC websites and support digital communication platforms, including district, school, and department sites.

• Manage and support the district’s content management system (CMS).

• Provide guidance and support to school and department staff on maintaining high-quality, user-friendly web content.

• Ensure consistency in structure, navigation, and visual presentation across all district websites.

• Lead ongoing improvements to website usability, layout, and user experience.

• Collaborate on district-wide web initiatives, including redesigns, landing pages, and campaign pages.

• Collaborate with Communications leadership and departments to ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality updates to web content.

ADA Compliance & Digital Accessibility

• Serve as the district lead for ADA compliance related to digital communications, websites, and online content.

• Ensure district websites and digital materials meet federal accessibility standards (WCAG guidelines).

• Proactively monitor and stay informed on evolving federal and state accessibility requirements and best practices.

• Provide training, guidance, and support to school and department staff on accessibility best practices.

• Review and audit digital content for accessibility compliance, including:

• Images and alt text
• Document accessibility (PDFs, Word, etc.)
• Color contrast and readability
• Website structure and navigation

• Collaborate with Communications leadership and district leaders to prepare for and maintain compliance with federal requirements.

• Develop tools, templates, and resources in collaboration with Communications leadership to support accessible communication across the district.

Foundation Design & Donor Communications Support

• Collaborate with Communications leadership to lead design and production of materials for the Upstate Education & Opportunity Foundation, including:

• Donor proposals and presentations
• Impact reports and stewardship updates
• Event branding and materials
• Annual Report design and production

• Support storytelling efforts that connect donors and partners to district priorities and student outcomes.

• Collaborate with Communications leadership to ensure all Foundation materials reflect a high level of professionalism and alignment with district branding.

District Branding & Graphic Design

• Collaborate with Communications leadership to provide graphic design support for district initiatives and communications.

• Support the design and execution of district-wide marketing campaigns, including:

• Student enrollment and engagement initiatives
• Teacher recruitment and retention efforts o Community trust-building campaigns
• Strategic plan communication and progress reporting

• Provide creative support for district publications, annual reports, and leadership messaging.

• Design materials such as:

• Flyers, brochures, posters, and signage
• Event programs and invitations
• Presentations, infographics, and reports

• Maintain brand consistency across district communications.

• Collaborate with Communications leadership to develop templates and tools for schools and departments to support consistent design.

Digital Media & Visual Content

• Create digital graphics and content for district communication platforms.

• Support storytelling efforts that highlight:

• Student achievement
• Staff excellence
• School innovation
• Strategic plan progress

• Collaborate with Communications leadership to maintain a consistent visual identity across platforms.

Collaboration & District-Wide Support

• Provide communications and digital support to schools, departments, and district leaders.

• Collaborate closely with:

• Chief Communications Officer
• Coordinator of Communications
• Foundation partners and initiatives

• Support major district events through visual production, branding, and creative coordination.

Project Management & Workflow

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards for quality, accuracy, and deadlines.

• Communicate clearly with schools, departments, and Communications leadership regarding timelines and expectations.

• Maintain organized digital files, templates, and content archives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Visual Arts, Education, or an advanced degree in Educational Leadership, or related field (or equivalent professional experience demonstrating relevant skills).

• Demonstrated experience working with websites, digital content platforms, or online communication systems.

• Understanding of digital accessibility principles and ADA compliance requirements.

• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting public-sector or education organizations.

• Understanding of public school district processes, structures, and communication needs. Experience leading or supporting communication efforts within a school or district setting is highly valued.

• Knowledge of web content management systems.

• Experience with web content management systems (Apptegy or similar platforms preferred).

• Graphic design experience (Adobe Creative Suite or comparable tools).