Overview:
WORKING TITLE
Director-Media Relations
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
Human Resources
LOCATION
Crossroads I, Cary, NC
PAY GRADE
Director-Band 2
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
No
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a hybrid telework workweek
POSITION PURPOSE:
Responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that promote the school district's mission, values, and initiatives. Serves as the primary liaison between the district and the media, manages crisis communication efforts, and public records requests and ensures consistent, transparent, and effective messaging across all platforms.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
- Comprehensiveknowledgeandunderstandingofeducationalissuesandpublicpolicy;
- Comprehensiveknowledgeofbroadcastsystemsandequipment;
- ConsiderableknowledgeofMicrosoftOffice,specificallyWordandExcel;GoogleApps;
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for diverse audiences;
- Abilitytoutilize technologyeffectively,includingmediamonitoringordigital engagementtools;
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media representatives;
- Ability and experience to act as an organizational spokesperson;
- Abilitytoperformreal-timeproblemsolvingandexercisesoundjudgementduringcrisissituations;
- Ability to organize, plan, and manage multiple projects independently while meeting deadlines in a rapidly changing environment;
- Abilitytomanagemultipleprojectsindependentlyandmeetdeadlinesinarapidlychangingenvironment;
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, external agencies, contractors, and the public.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor'sdegreeincommunications,publicrelations,journalism,orrelatedfield;
- Five years of experience in media relations, public relations, or communications, preferably within an educational or public-sector setting;
- Demonstratedsuccessincrisiscommunicationandemergencyresponseplanning;
- Strongleadership,strategicthinking,andprojectmanagementskills;
- Proficiencywith digital communication tools, platforms, and media monitoring systems.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Servesasthedistrict'sprimaryspokespersonandliaisonwithlocal,regional,andnationalmedia.
- Developsand implements proactive media relations strategies to promote district initiatives and priorities.
- Leadscrisiscommunicationefforts,ensuringtimely,accurate,andtransparentmessagingduringemergencies.
- Draftspress releases, media advisories, talking points, and official statements for district leadership.
- Coordinates and responds to media inquiries and public records requests in compliance with state and federal laws.
- Monitorsmediacoverageandprovidesregularreportsandrecommendationstoseniorleadership.
- Advisesandsupportsdistrictandschoolleadersoneffectivemediaengagementandcommunicationpractices.
- SupervisestwoadministratorsandonesenioradministratorwithintheMediaRelationsteam.
- ManagestheControlRoomteamandoverseesthestreamingofallBoardofEducation,committee,andregular meetings.
- Provides coaching and training to district and school leaders on media interaction, messaging, and crisis response.
- Coordinatesmediaaccessandcoverageatdistrictevents,announcements,andceremonies.
- Leverages digital platforms and emerging technologies to distribute district news and strengthen media engagement.
- Anticipates, identifies, and addresses issues that may affect the district's reputation, ensuring proactive and transparent communication.
- Performotherrelatedduties,asassigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff and staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/2025
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.
W
Wake County Public School System