What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist position at San Marcos CISD?
Job Title: Communications Specialist Exemption Status: Exempt
Reports to: Chief Communications & Information Date Revised: January 2026
Technology Officer
Dept./School: Public Information Office
Primary Purpose:
Promote positive public relations between the school district and community in cooperation with the Chief of Communications. Prepare and provide information to the public about the activities, goals, and policies of the school district. Distribute pertinent information about the district and its activities to employees.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field, preferred.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Excellent public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees, parents, or the public
Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district
Thorough knowledge of media relations and public relations functions
Ability to use software to develop spreadsheets, perform data analysis, and do word processing
Familiar with Adobe Suite, Microsoft applications; plus able to adapt and learn new software, required
Ability to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform repairs to audio and video equipment
Experience/Other Requirements:
Experience in communications includes digital photography, audio-visual equipment, computers, writing, desktop publishing, and public relations.
Personal cell phones and vehicles are required to handle district-related business, including after-hours.
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Assist with production, publication, and distribution of district publications and news releases.
2. Ensure that public information activities contribute to the attainment of district goals and objectives.
3. Take photographs/video for district publications, presentations, and displays. Record meetings or programs (both video
and audio) throughout the district.
4. Design, prepare, and edit district publications including newsletters, recruitment brochures, programs for special events, and other publications.
5. Acts as writer and editors of stories for newsletter, website, external publications, social media, and more.
6. Provides administrative assistance to the Chief of Communications and Technology
7. Contributes to the District website.
8. Must be able to attend events and meetings outside of normal works hours, such as Board Meetings, public hearings, school and District events with reliable transportation.
9. Assists in the coordination of District events.
10. Performs additional duties and accepts other responsibilities as may be assigned including special events.
11. Present, educate and schedule information sessions to assist and support parents and/ or community.
Policies, Reports, and Law
12. Develop and publicize reports related to the performance of the district and articulate district goals and objectives.
13. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
14. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.
15. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
EQUIPMENT USED:
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; video camera, digital camera, video software
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); ability to prioritize and handle a variety of duties simultaneously; ability to maintain emotional control under stress: occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Repetitive hand motions; prolonged sitting and computer use; moderate lifting; work with frequent interruptions; may work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district-wide and statewide travel.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.