Temporary, Communications Specialist

Rochester Public Schools ISD #535; Rochester, Austin (MN, MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Rochester Public Schools is seeking a Communications Specialist for a seven-month, part-time assignment. The role focuses on maintaining and growing the district’s digital presence through external communications, with strong writing and social media skills.

The position requires independence, collaboration, and meticulous attention to detail, and may involve attendance at district events as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field or an Associate's degree with 1-3 years of experience
• Experienced writer with copywriting, editing, and proofreading
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, able to drive multiple projects
• Experience in social media management across Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram)
• Proficiency in Canva, Adobe, Meta Suite, and Google Suite
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling content for digital platforms (social, web, email)
• Create and maintain monthly content calendars and deliverables
• Collaborate with the district graphic designer on major projects/campaigns
• Serve as a backup to take photos and videos of students and staff
• Create short-form videos for social media; use DJI mics and Nikon cameras if available
• Maintain district and school social media accounts and drive growth
• Create engaging web stories cross-promoted via social media
• Collaborate with communications team on various projects directed by supervisor
• Attend evening or weekend meetings/events as needed (approx. 10%)
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously

Skills

Copywriting

Editing

Content creation

Social media management

Canva

Adobe

Meta Suite

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Associate degree + 1-3 years experience

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Canva

Adobe

Meta Suite

Google Workspace

DJI microphones

Nikon cameras

Job description

POSITION: Temporary, Part-time, Communications Specialist, available August 31, 2026 through March 12, 2027.

WORK SCHEDULE: 25 hours per week; In-person, hours between 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; flexibility offered for attendance at school or district events, etc.

WORK CALENDAR: View the 2026-2027 Work Calendar

CLASSIFICATION: ROPE; Non-Exempt, Temporary

SALARY: $21-$23 per hour

Hiring Manager: Mamisoa Knutson, Director of Communications

JOB SUMMARY:

Rochester Public Schools is seeking a communications specialist to join the Communications department for a seven-month position. This individual will play a critical role in maintaining and growing the district’s digital presence through external communications. The ideal candidate has excellent skills in written, digital, and social communications, exceptional interpersonal skills, and great attention to detail. They will be self-motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively, and to execute multiple projects at the same time.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop compelling content for a variety of digital platforms, including social media, web, and email.
• Create and maintain monthly content calendars and deliverables.
• Collaborate with the District graphic designer on major projects/social media campaigns, and utilize tools like Canva or Adobe for additional content creation.
• Serve as a backup to take photos and videos of students and staff for content creation.
• Ability to create short-form videos for social media promotion; experience with DJI microphones and Nikon cameras preferred but not required.
• Maintain both District and Schools social media accounts, driving growth and engagement across Meta platforms.
• Create engaging web stories that can be cross-promoted through social media to highlight the District Strategic Plan.
• Collaborate with members of the communications team on various projects, as directed by the supervisor.
• May require attendance at evening or weekend meetings or events (10%)
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field OR an Associate's degree with 1-3 years of experience related to the position OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experienced writer with experience and knowledge in copywriting, editing, and proofreading.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, working independently and collaboratively to drive forward multiple projects
• Experience in social media management, specifically across Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram)
• High personal motivation supporting a strong work ethic, flexibility, and creativity
• Proficiency in Canva, Adobe, Meta Suite, and Google Suite
• Ability to work both independently and collaborate with a team

Commitment to Equity:

Rochester Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve. We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community.

Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions

Employees of the Rochester Public School District #535 are expected to support the goals, model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees.

District Information: To learn more about Rochester Public Schools, visit www.rochesterschools.org.

• All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.