Communications & Community Engagement Coordinator

Union County Schools

Job Description

Communications & Community Engagement Coordinator

Reports To:

Superintendent and/or Designee

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Terms of Employment:

240 Days 

Position Purpose

The Communications & Community Engagement Coordinator serves as the district's lead coordinator for strategic communications, public relations, community engagement, and district branding. Reporting directly to the Superintendent, this position develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies that strengthen public trust, promote transparency, celebrate student and staff success, and ensure consistent, timely, and accurate communication with all stakeholders.

The Coordinator serves as the district's primary communications resource and works collaboratively with district leaders, principals, employees, families, community organizations, media representatives, and governmental agencies to enhance public understanding of Union County Schools' mission, priorities, accomplishments, and strategic initiatives.

Mission of the Position

To strengthen trust, transparency, and community confidence in Union County Schools through intentional communication, meaningful engagement, and consistent storytelling.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Communications

Develop and implement a comprehensive district communications plan aligned with the Superintendent's vision and Board priorities.

Coordinate internal and external communications to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent messaging.

Develop annual and monthly communication calendars.

Coordinate districtwide messaging across departments and schools.

Assist in developing communication strategies for district initiatives, programs, and organizational priorities.

Evaluate communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.

1. Superintendent Communications

Serve as the Superintendent's communications coordinator.

Assists senior leadership team members with speeches, presentations, correspondence, talking points, newsletters, reports, and public statements.

Assist with Board presentations and supporting materials.

Coordinate the Superintendent's communications with staff, families, Board members, and community stakeholders.

Support development of the Annual Report, Opening Day Convocation, and other district publications/events.

Assist with communication related to strategic initiatives and special projects assigned by the Superintendent.

III. Public Relations & Media Relations

Assists with media inquiries (as deemed appropriate by the superintendent).

Develop press releases, feature stories, news articles, and media advisories.

Coordinate interviews and media events.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with local and regional media outlets.

Monitor media coverage involving the district.

Assist with crisis communication planning and implementation.

Direct contact for all FOIA requests and collection/dissemination of information.

Coordinate district recognition efforts highlighting students, employees, schools, and community partners.

1. Community Engagement

Develop strategies that strengthen relationships between Union County Schools and the community.

Coordinate community outreach efforts and stakeholder engagement activities.

Support community listening sessions, advisory groups, and public meetings.

Build partnerships with businesses, civic organizations, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Coordinate volunteer and partnership recognition efforts.

Promote opportunities for family engagement throughout the district.

1. Digital Communications & District Branding

Manage the district website to ensure accurate, current, and engaging information.

Coordinate the district's social media platforms.

Create and publish digital content including graphics, photography, videos, newsletters, and promotional materials.

Develop communication materials supporting recruitment, employee recognition, student achievement, and district initiatives.

Maintain district branding standards, templates, logos, and communication guidelines.

Coordinate photography and videography for district events.

1. Event Communications

Coordinate communication and promotional efforts for district events.

Assist with planning and communication for Board meetings, ceremonies, recognitions, community forums, ribbon cuttings, and special events.

Prepare event communication plans and promotional materials.

Coordinate media coverage for major district events.

VII. Crisis & Emergency Communications

Assist in developing and maintaining district crisis communication protocols.

Coordinate emergency communications in collaboration with district leadership.

Ensure timely communication during emergency situations.

Maintain communication templates for emergency response.

VIII. Other Duties

Collaborate with all district departments to communicate programs, services, and accomplishments.

Maintain confidentiality while exercising sound professional judgment.

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Superintendent.

Qualifications

Education

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

Master's degree preferred.

Experience

Preferred experience includes:

Public relations

Communications

Marketing

Journalism

School public relations

Community engagement

Government communications

Graphic design

Social media management

Website management

Experience working in a public-school setting is preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to:

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Build positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Write for a variety of audiences.

Exercise sound judgment under pressure.

Maintain confidentiality.

Think strategically while executing day-to-day responsibilities.

Produce high-quality written and visual communication products.

Collaborate effectively across departments.

Represent the district with professionalism and integrity.

Technology Skills

Preferred experience with:

Website content management systems

Social media management platforms

Microsoft Office Suite

Canva or Adobe Creative Suite

Photography and videography

Graphic design software

Email marketing platforms

Google Workspace

Evaluation

Performance shall be evaluated annually by the Superintendent in accordance with Board policy and district procedures.