Job Description

    Communications Manager JobID: 22453
  • Position Type:
    District Support/Manager

  • Date Posted:
    6/4/2025

  • Location:
    District Administration Center - Glendale, AZ

  • Date Available:
    07/28/2025

  • Closing Date:
    06/25/2025

    •   Additional Information:
    Position Title: Communications Manager
    Supervisor: Chief Communications Officer
    Term of Employment:12 Months
    Salary Classification: Classified Exempt: Grade 10

    Job Summary: Plans and coordinates a variety of strategic, integrated marketing communications projects to promote Peoria Unified School District within the community, as well as supporting the school district in all public relations and crisis communication functions.

    Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
    The following responsibilities tie into our strategic plan to include Student Success, Safety and Wellbeing, Stewardship of Community Resources and Community Connection. We believe these four areas help us remain focused on Peoria Unified’s Vision: Every Student, Every Day, Prepared to Shape Tomorrow.
    • Serves as a liaison between the District and news media by preparing and distributing news releases, securing earned media coverage through proactive media relations strategies and serving as spokesperson, when needed.
    • Directs strategy for public facing website, public relations section of District employee portal, mass communications systems and provides training for site webmasters and support as needed for school and department websites.
    • Oversees implementation of social media strategies and initiatives and supports site webmasters in overall training and communication for their schools.
    • Supports crisis communication and emergency response plans by updating materials, conducting trainings and serving as lead on communication to staff and the public. Directs communication strategy for Emergency Communications Center.
    • Provides ongoing training and assistance to staff on conducting media interviews, utilizing social media in a professional setting and updating content on the website.
    • Serves as information liaison between the District and community including responding to public inquiries and presenting relevant information related to the district’s current initiatives and strategic plan.
    • Determines how images can best represent the district with the community, media and parents in promotional opportunities and provides direction to the district’s graphic designer.
    • Plans, coordinates and/or assists in a wide variety of special events and campaigns such as enrollment and family engagement meetings.
    • Prepares and writes speeches, presentations, letters, newsletters, award nominations, Governing Board recognitions and articles for general public information and staff.
    • Research attitudes, opinions and perceptions of selected internal and external groups and reports that information to the Chief Communications Officer. Provides ongoing buzz monitoring to get pulse on the feeling tone in the community and inform decisions regarding communication strategy.
    • Serves as liaison to the Peoria Education Foundation and supports their communication and outreach efforts as needed.
    • Assists the Chief Communications Officer on special projects and issues as assigned, including serving as Interim Chief Communications Officer as needed.
    • Serve as a direct supervisor to the Public Relations Coordinator and department interns.
    • May be required to be on-call during evenings, weekends or holiday as needed and previously coordinated with the Chief Communications Officer based on the needs of the district.
    • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

    Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or closely related field and four (4) years’ experience in communications, writing and editing public relations materials or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Previous supervisory experience and Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) preferred. Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
    • Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
    • Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.
    • Knowledge of modern and complex principles and practices of public relations and public information.
    • Knowledge of principles, techniques and methods used in preparing news releases and publications.
    • Skill in AP Style in written communications.
    • Skill in planning, organizing, coordinating, implementing, overseeing and documenting special events, media relations and publications.
    • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.
    • Skill in the maintenance of a public website.
    • Skill in developing and delivering effective oral presentations.
    • Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
    • Skill in supervising/leading a team.
    Other Requirements:
    • Must be able to pass a fingerprint and background clearance check.
    • Must have at the time of application and must maintain a valid Arizona Drivers license.
    • May be required to lift and/or carry heavy, bulky supplies, materials and equipment weighing up to 65 pounds.
    • Must be able to read, write and speak English.
    • May be required to work outside normal working hours.
    • May be required to travel to perform work functions.
    What We Offer: Peoria Unified School District offers a robust benefits package that can help increase your financial security, advance professionally, and promote a healthy, fulfilling life. We also participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Some of the benefits offered include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, a Wellness Program, Paid Time Off, and discounts on many other services.
    Already Applied? Once you have applied to one of our openings, your information is shared with the site administrator or supervisor. Should they wish to discuss your qualifications further, they will contact you directly and schedule an interview. All job postings remain posted until filled.
    To apply for any Peoria Unified School District job, please visit our jobs page: https://www.applitrack.com/peoriaud/onlineapp/default.aspx
    The Peoria Unified School District recognizes that academic excellence is enhanced when students are exposed to a broad range of ideas, individuals and experiences. We are therefore committed to celebrating diversity and devoted to an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, national origin, military service, or other non-merit factors.
    Peoria Unified School District #11
    6330 W. Thunderbird Road
    Glendale, AZ 85306
    www.peoriaunified.org


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