Communication Specialist

Job title Communications Specialist Reports to Communications Director Start date November 30, 2026 Salary Schedule G1 or G2 (placement based upon education and experience) Work Calendar 210-Day Calendar Status Nonexempt Apply at www.wcsga.net/careers , Job ID: 2067 Job purpose The Communications Specialist serves in a dual role, providing support to the Whitfield County Schools Communications and School Nutrition departments. This position assists in developing and delivering clear, accurate and engaging communications that inform families, employees and the community while promoting district initiatives, programs and achievements. The position supports both internal and external communication efforts, with approximately 75% of responsibilities dedicated to district communications and 25% to School Nutrition. Duties and responsibilities Promote Whitfield County Schools by sharing student, school and district achievements, news and initiatives through social media, the district website and other communication channels. Manage School Nutrition social media and develop content promoting school meals, department programs, student engagement and special initiatives. Assist with writing, editing and distributing website content, social media posts, press releases, newsletters and other district communications. Provide photography and videography for district events, Board of Education meetings, school activities and special initiatives. Create graphics, flyers, presentations, newsletters and other materials to support district communications and branding. Coordinate district programs and initiatives, and provide support to school Webmasters and Social Media Managers. Assist with district events, special projects and emergency communications; serve as backup Public Information Officer (PIO) and assist with Open Records Requests and the Emergency Call Center as needed. Manage the Communications Department budget, track expenditures, prepare and process purchase orders and coordinate departmental purchases. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Preferred Qualifications and Requirements A college degree in marketing, communications or a related field is preferred. Demonstrate a strong understanding of social media platforms and tools. Exhibit excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills. Possess a solid foundation in the principles of communications and/or marketing. Be able to create engaging graphics for social media, the district website and other promotional materials. Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. May be required to travel and attend overnight training sessions as needed. Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies, including cameras, tripods and other photography or video equipment. Successfully pass a criminal background check. Work Calendar This is a full-time, 210-day position. Hourly pay is commensurate with the candidate's level of education. The Communications Specialist will be reimbursed for approved work-related mileage and other eligible expenses incurred while performing job duties. Physical Performance Expectations Decision Making: Ability to make appropriate business decisions. Attention to Detail: Ability to recognize errors or layout features that detract from the physical attractiveness or accuracy of a work product. Public Contact: Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with superiors, colleagues, and other individuals within and external to the school system. Ability to demonstrate professionalism while interacting with others and to maintain constructive working relationships. Attendance and Dependability: Ability to be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and to seldom be absent from work. Ability to complete work in a timely, accurate manner and to be conscientious about work performance. Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Fine Motor Skills: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling. Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which one must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly. Vision: The ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Acuity (near and far vision), depth perception (three dimensional vision), accommodation (adjustment of lens to eye to bring an object into sharp focus), field of vision (area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are fixed on a given point) and color vision (ability to distinguish and identify colors) are required factors. Hearing: Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discrimination in sounds, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts with or without correction. Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Interaction with Others: Ability to maintain, on a regular and consistent basis, relationships that are not characterized by high levels of hostility, social withdrawal or failure to communicate. Ability to be flexible relative to daily routines. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the differences among diverse populations. Concentration: Ability to maintain workflow and thought processes in the presence of frequent distractions. Ability to ignore irrelevant sights or sounds and intrusive thoughts or stimuli. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with only few or no errors. Stressful Circumstances: Ability to produce quality work when short or unexpected deadlines are presented. Ability to adjust work processes without incident when new and unexpected directions are given relative to a project that may be in process. Ability to maintain composure and not compound a situation when interacting with persons who may be angry, demanding or otherwise less than polite. Independent Judgment: Ability to complete work tasks without being given precise directions relative to work steps or the final project. Organizational Skills: Ability to establish priorities; simultaneously manage multiple tasks; and deliver a quality work product by a designated deadline.