Public Information Officer (PIO) and Marketing & Media Relations Director

Reports To: Superintendent

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Terms of Employment: 

Twelve months/240 days; salary paid on the administrator pay scale and work year to be established by the Board 

Job Summary:

The Public Information Officer (PIO) and Marketing & Media Relations Director serves as the district’s primary spokesperson and communications leader, responsible for fostering community trust and promoting the district’s mission, services, and achievements. This role ensures clear, consistent, and transparent communication across all internal and external channels, including media relations, crisis communication, and digital platforms such as websites and social media. Supporting the Superintendent and executive leadership, the position plays a key role in stakeholder engagement through forums, town halls, and events, while also planning and executing district meetings and campaigns. Additionally, the role involves storytelling, building external partnerships, seeking sponsorships, and coordinating marketing strategies to advance the district’s goals.

Qualifications:

• Strong collaborator with the ability to work effectively across departments and with diverse teams.
• Bachelor’s degree required in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of five years of experience in public relations, communications, or a related field, preferably in an educational or governmental setting.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage media relations and crisis communication effectively.
• Experience with social media management and content creation.
• Knowledge of FOIA regulations and requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrates a high level of confidentiality, exercising discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive information.

Essential Duties:

• Serve as the district’s spokesperson and primary media contact, managing press releases, media advisories, interviews, and relationships with media outlets.
• Lead crisis communication planning and response, collaborating with leadership to ensure timely, transparent messaging during critical incidents.
• Act as liaison between the Superintendent and community, cultivating trust through engagement with local leaders, residents, and organizations.
• Develop and implement strategic communication plans using data-driven insights, stakeholder feedback, and communication analytics.
• Create and oversee digital and print content, including newsletters, websites, videos, social media, graphics, and promotional materials.
• Ensure consistency in branding, messaging, and tone across all communication platforms.
• Manage the district’s response to FOIA requests, maintaining legal compliance and coordinating with legal teams as needed.
• Support internal departments and school sites with tailored communication strategies, campaigns, and tools that enhance outreach and engagement.
• Coordinate district-wide marketing, media coverage, and event planning to amplify key initiatives and celebrations.
• Maintain and improve the district’s web presence, support staff with content updates, and ensure usability and compliance with guidelines.
• Build partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, faith community, and foundations to support district initiatives and secure funding or sponsorships.
• Monitor and adapt communication practices to stay current with emerging technologies, trends, and community expectations.
• Assist in preparing performance reports, district goals, and community-facing documents that reflect the district’s progress and priorities.
• Represent the district at public events, workshops, and meetings to gather input and promote district objectives.
• Ensure that all public information activities contribute to the district’s strategic priorities and reflect a commitment to continuous improvement.

Specific Job Requirements: 

• Possess and utilize excellent team-building skills 
• Accept delegated responsibilities willingly 
• Maintain confidentiality 
• Demonstrate a high level of initiative in job performance 

Physical Requirements:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing.  This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Working Conditions:

• The PIO role may require evening and weekend availability to respond to urgent issues or attend district events.
• Ability to travel within the district and to off-site events as necessary.
• Must regularly lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.  
• May experience constant interruptions, inflexible deadlines, and changes to normal routines. 
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet special project deadlines

Evaluation: 

The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Support Service Personnel. 

Non-Discriminatory Statement:

York School District One is an equal-opportunity employer.?York School District One does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, handicap, sex, age, alienage, or national origin as required by applicable state and federal laws.? 

Disclaimer Statement: 

This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties.  The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required. 

About YORK DISTRICT 1

York One is working to become a true learning organization and by doing so our focus is centered on the system’s clear purpose: to ensure our children have the opportunity to reach their highest potential by finding the intersection of what they are passionate about and what they do well. Therefore, Principals within York One are responsible for creating strong school cultures and academic programs clearly focused on improving teaching practice and improving student achievement.

Connections working at YORK DISTRICT 1