Communications Specialist III - Communications Section, 606725 (2026-02969)

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Communications Director of the Communications Branch, the Communications Specialist III:

• Oversees the staff production of print, web and broadcast content to showcase schools, programs and initiatives aligned to the Department's mission and strategic goals and progress on Department activities.
• Reviews requests from schools, complex areas and state offices to assist with materials for distribution and submits recommendations to the Director.
• Works closely with the Director of Communications and other Communications Specialists to generate timely and accurate information about Department programs for print and digital materials, including but not limited to news releases, public announcements, newsletters, ads, flyers, reports, social media posts, videos and other collateral.
• Ensures accuracy, clarity, coherence and consistency of language for all content.
• Works in collaboration with the Director of Communications to strategically plan the messaging, content, organization, format and dissemination of information to internal and external audiences.
• Manages the timely execution and dissemination of approved content to internal and external audiences.
• Responds to inquiries for public information concerning Department operations, programs, activities and policies.
• Affords assistance with conference/event planning and logistics for training and award ceremonies and other promotional events sponsored or co-sponsored by the Department.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Communications Director of the Communications Branch, the Communications Specialist III:

• Oversees the staff production of print, web and broadcast content to showcase schools, programs and initiatives aligned to the Department's mission and strategic goals and progress on Department activities.
• Reviews requests from schools, complex areas and state offices to assist with materials for distribution and submits recommendations to the Director.
• Works closely with the Director of Communications and other Communications Specialists to generate timely and accurate information about Department programs for print and digital materials, including but not limited to news releases, public announcements, newsletters, ads, flyers, reports, social media posts, videos and other collateral.
• Ensures accuracy, clarity, coherence and consistency of language for all content.
• Works in collaboration with the Director of Communications to strategically plan the messaging, content, organization, format and dissemination of information to internal and external audiences.
• Manages the timely execution and dissemination of approved content to internal and external audiences.
• Responds to inquiries for public information concerning Department operations, programs, activities and policies.
• Affords assistance with conference/event planning and logistics for training and award ceremonies and other promotional events sponsored or co-sponsored by the Department.

Requirements

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in communications or journalism, which included coursework in public relations, news or professional writing, marketing and advertising.

Experience: Seven (7) years of responsible professional work experience in communication, journalism and/or public relations of which three (3) years shall have been in an education program, agency or system.

Qualifications

Desired Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in communications or journalism, which included coursework in news writing or professional writing, public relations, marketing and advertising.

Desired Experience: Seven (7) years of responsible experience working in a professional communications environment in the public sector with an emphasis on crisis communications, multimedia design/content and digital environments, including managing a team.

Skills

Communication principles in theory and practice; expository writing; news writing and digital journalism; familiarity with media relations protocols; current practices and challenges in public relations and crisis communications; traditional media, social media, and digital platforms used in public communication; laws, rules, regulations and administrative procedures pertinent to area(s) of assignment.

Benefits

The salary range for this position is EOSR-8, $119,706 to $169,453. Department of Education certificated employees will be placed on the salary range in accordance with Department regulations. All others will be placed on the first step of $119,706. Placement above the initial step of the salary range will be based on special characteristics and critical needs of the position, an applicant's exceptional qualifications, the availability of funds, and other relevant factors. Such appointments require prior approval.

Work Year and Benefits: This appointment will be on a 12-month basis with vacation and sick leave provided according to applicable regulations.

Pay and Schedule

SALARY RANGE: EOSR-8, $119,706 to $169,453.

Department of Education certificated employees will be placed on the salary range in accordance with Department regulations. All new external applicants will be placed on the initial step of the salary range. However, placement above the initial step of the salary range will be based on special characteristics and critical needs of the position, an applicant's exceptional qualifications, the availability of funds, and other relevant factors. Such appointments require prior approval.

WORK YEAR AND BENEFITS: This appointment will be on a 12-month basis with vacation and sick leave provided according to applicable regulations.