Specialist: Communications Engagement

TrulyHired; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) seeks a Specialist: Communications Engagement to assist senior leaders in developing strategic communications and engagement programs. You will help identify compelling stories and collaborate with schools and Central Office to produce high-quality multimedia content for internal and external channels.

The role requires strong writing, newsroom-style storytelling, and proficiency with digital platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English or related field required.
• Two years of professional experience in communications or related areas.
• Ability to develop authentic narratives reflecting diverse voices.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop compelling stories about district students, staff, and programs.
• Coordinate with schools and Central Office to gather information on events and topics.
• Create and distribute multimedia content for websites, newsletters, and social media.
• Support public relations activities and engage diverse audiences.
• Assist in designing engagement programs and maintain digital platforms for student voice.

Skills

Storytelling

Media relations

Engagement strategies

Multimedia content creation

Social media

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, English or related field

Tools

Video Conferencing

Social media management tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

Title Code:

Specialist: Communications Engagement

JOB SUMMARY

Assists the Chief Communications Officer and Executive Director, Communications & Community Engagement in a variety of professional level tasks relating to the functions and services of the Communications & Community Engagement Division of the school system. Develops and executes strategic communications initiatives that increase engagement with students, employees, families, schools, and the broader community. Serves as a district storyteller by identifying, developing, and sharing compelling stories that highlight the people, programs, achievements, and opportunities that define Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Works collaboratively with schools and Central Office departments to produce both internal and external high-quality multimedia content that strengthens public trust, celebrates student and staff success, and advances the district's strategic priorities.

Additional Work Days/Hours

Based on the assignment, the following additional work days and/or hours may be required as needed:

• Ability to work flexible schedules

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identifies, researches, and develops compelling stories that showcase the accomplishments, innovation, and impact of AACPS students, employees, schools, programs, and community partnerships.
  
• Contacts and works closely with school-based and Central Office administrators, supervisors, faculty, and other staff members to obtain information on current events, activities, programs, and other topics of general interest to the public. Works proactively to identify newsworthy stories and emerging trends that reflect district priorities.
  
• Works with Communications Division Student Intern Program, providing comprehensive internship and apprenticeship opportunities to AACPS high school students that immerses them in media-related projects and activities.
  
• Assists the Chief Communications Officer and Executive Director, Communications & Community Engagement with the development of communications plans and engagement programs that highlight student and staff talents, achievement, and expression.
  
• Assists in the designing and maintenance of digital platforms dedicated to student voice and representation.
  
• Creates engaging content for district websites, social media platforms, newsletters, publications, video productions, podcasts, and emerging digital communication channels for internal and external communications purposes.
  
• Contributes to and supports public relations activities as necessitated by correspondence and telephone inquiries.
  
• In conjunction with Communications & Community Engagement Division colleagues, disseminates news and other information to targeted audiences through variety of online avenues, including social media.
  
• Provides technical assistance to school-based and Central Office administrators, supervisors, faculty and other staff members concerning communications efforts.
  
• Researches, drafts, edits, and contributes to the development of media inquiries, speeches, presentations, publications, and other communications materials as assigned.
  
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, English or related field of education from a regionally accredited college or university required;
  
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Experience

• Two (2) years relevant professional experience in communications, education, or other related areas required;
  
• Project management experience preferred;
  
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the employee to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Demonstrated storytelling skills and ability to write and edit professional publications and news feature articles.
  
• Understanding of media relations, engagement strategies, and student-centered communication planning.
  
• Demonstrated proficiency with core social media platforms in a workplace setting.
  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, seek support from team members, and take initiative with limited supervision.
  
• Ability to produce multimedia content including photography, videography, and social media content.
  
• Ability to effectively present program initiatives and information to a variety of audiences (i.e., Board of Education, directors, executive staff, school faculties, higher education, business & industry, parent/community groups, and the Press).
  
• Knowledge of K-12 school organization and administration, preferred.
  
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
  
• Ability to develop authentic narratives that reflect diverse voices and experiences using thorough research and intuitive interview skills.
  
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Copilot preferred).

Licenses and Certifications

Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.

• N/A

Driving Requirements

• N/A

LEADERSHIP ROLE

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Standing: under 1/3 of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision

The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• No special vision requirements

Work Environment

Location

• Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 of the time

Noise Level

• Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Weight & Force

Lifting and carrying requirements

• Up to 10 pounds: under 1/3 of the time

Travel Requirements

• N/A

JOB INFORMATION

Approved Date:

8/1/2026

Established Date:

5/1/2013

Title Code:

B05678

Title:

SPECIALIST: COMMUNICATIONS ENGAGEMENT

Alternate Title:

Specialist: Communications Engagement

Reports to Generic:

Executive Director

Reports to Specific:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

ORGANIZATION

Division:

Communications

Business Unit:

Communications & Community Engagement

Department:

Negotiated Agreement:

N/A

HR JOB INFORMATION

Unit:

V

Days Worked:

260

FLSA Exemption Status:

Exempt

Grade:

PG05

Essential Job:

Months Worked:

12

Hours Worked:

8

Job Family:

Communications and Media Services

Sub-Function:

Media Relations

VR# 27039

Welcome to ATX Learning

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) provides a challenging and rewarding educational experience for every child. We offer a comprehensive system-wide multicultural curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade. At every level, the focus is on success for every student. Quality instruction, combined with teacher commitment, provides excellence in our instructional programs. Explore career opportunities with a progressive school system dedicated to providing the very best services to our students, our educators, and our community.

Located on the magnificent Chesapeake Bay, Anne Arundel County is conveniently located near the cities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and is home to the state capitol, Annapolis, which has a rich historical past. Notable landmarks include the United State Naval Academy, Fort George G. Meade, the National Security Agency, and Baltimore Washington International Airport. The county encompasses urban, suburban, and rural areas, with 432 miles of tidal shoreline. Fine dining, state parks, major cultural attractions, the best in entertainment and professional sports are within easy access to our central location.