Atlanta Public Schools

Position Type:

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP/MANAGER

Date Posted:

11/17/2025

Location:

Communications Division

POSITION SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to provide direction for public relations and marketing programs, community engagement, media relations, internal and external communications, and corporate and governmental relations on a local, state, and national basis. Serves as public relations counsel to the Superintendent and Leadership staff. Communicates the vision, mission, goals, objectives, results, and challenges to parents, staff, and the community.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing or related discipline.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

WORK EXPEREINCE:

• Four (4) years of public relations, marketing or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Communicates and represents the APS office vision, mission and goals, internally and externally, as designated by the Superintendent.
• Builds and maintains public support for public education and the school system in collaboration with the Superintendent and administration.
• Develops, directs, and evaluates the public relations, marketing, communications, and community engagement strategy; execute effective campaigns/programs on a local, state, and national basis, with major emphasis on employee communications and communications between the county office and the community.
• Serves as public relations counsel and advisor to the Superintendent.
• Provides professional public relations counsel and assistance to administration.
• Identifies community issues and concerns and develops strategies for dealing effectively and proactively with community issues and concerns; interact with diverse stakeholder groups, and represent the Superintendent as needed.
• Serves as the Superintendent’s representative and liaison to community leaders and groups when directed.
• Develop and monitor program’s annual objectives, performance measures, and budgets.
• Develop communication strategies, tactics, and action plans for all major citywide initiatives, and serve as a public relations consultant to districts, key committees and task forces.
• Works collaboratively with administrators, staff members, and community volunteers in planning/developing public relations programs and strategies for both one-way and two-way communications with diverse constituents.
• Serves as a liaison between the county office and the media and serve as the county office public information officer.
• Develops, coordinates, and monitors the crisis communication plan and implementation.
• Organize press conferences and the release of news and information to the media and the public.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with community leaders, organizations, and members of the media.
• Develop processes and systems for garnering public input, feedback and support on key initiatives and issues.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Work with Chief Communications Officer to develop and implement media relations strategies; develop and maintain relationships with public information officers at key organizations and disseminate special interest stories.
• Work with local and national media to place stories about APS’ initiatives by utilizing key message platforms.
• Serve as APS spokesperson for print and broadcast media.
• Serve as point person to manage media interviews between schools, the district and reporters.
• Develop, implement and monitor effectiveness of APS Crisis Communications Plan including maintaining relations with key external parties (i.e. police, fire, Georgia Department of Education).
• Write and disseminate news releases, media advisories and other collateral material for reporters. Arrange for dissemination of appropriate still and video photography.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students.

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.

Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions

Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.

Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 15 or more pounds on a frequent basis.

Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress

Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Will require travel to multiple sites.

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.

COMPENSATION

Salary Grade: 133

Salary Range: APS Salary Schedules

Work Days: 252

Email To A Friend

Print Version

Read Full Description