Strategic Communications & Media Relations Lead

Santa Fe Public Schools; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Job summary

Santa Fe Public Schools is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to build positive relationships with students, families, staff, media, and the community. The role develops strategic communications to inform, engage, and strengthen confidence in SFPS and its schools.

The position supports media relations, public information, community engagement, events, storytelling, social media, and crisis communications, demanding excellent writing and the ability to work in a fast-paced public education

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, education, or a related field.
• Three or more years of professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism, media relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, accurate, and compelling communications for a variety of audiences.
• Experience working with news media and responding to media inquiries.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a point of contact for members of the news media and assist with responding to media inquiries.
• Draft press releases, media advisories, talking points, statements, fact sheets, and other public information materials.
• Coordinate interviews and media opportunities with district leadership, staff, students, and school communities.
• Monitor local, regional, and social media coverage related to SFPS and public education.
• Develop positive news stories highlighting student achievement, innovative programs, employees, schools, and community partnerships to pitch to the media.
• Maintain professional relationships with media outlets and community organizations.
• Identify, research, and write stories within the SFPS community for the Communications Department's quarterly publication.
• Develop written, photographic, video, and multimedia content that highlights students, staff, schools, and district initiatives.
• Assist with the development and implementation of district communication plans and campaigns.
• Translate complex educational, operational, and policy information into accessible public messaging.
• Ensure communications reflect the mission, values, goals, and priorities of SFPS.
• Support communications for district initiatives, programs, bond projects, elections, celebrations, and special events.
• Assist with maintaining consistent district branding, messaging, and voice across digital platforms.
• Assist the Communications team with timely communication during emergencies, school closures, safety incidents, weather events, and other critical situations.
• Prepare emergency notifications and updates for families, employees, media, and community stakeholders.
• Coordinate with SFPS Safety and Security, school administrators, district leadership, and other departments to ensure accurate and consistent information.
• Help monitor public and media response during significant incidents and provide communications support as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Skills

Writing

Media relations

Storytelling

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Deadline-driven

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, education, or a related field

Three or more years of professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism, media relations, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Santa Fe Public Schools is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to build positive relationships with students, families, staff, media, and the community. The role develops strategic communications to inform, engage, and strengthen confidence in SFPS and its schools.

The position supports media relations, public information, community engagement, events, storytelling, social media, and crisis communications, demanding excellent writing and the ability to work in a fast-paced public education