Public Information Officer

Non Instructional/Support Services - Position - Other

Job Number

Start Date

Open Date 09/12/2025

Closing Date 11/21/2025

General Definition of Work

The Public Information Officer (PIO), under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision-making discretion in developing, leading, and executing a comprehensive and strategic communications effort for multiple audiences that publicizes the district's educational programs, student-focused initiatives, strategic goals, and vision. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to district communications and public information under the direction of the Chief Officer of Strategic Communications and Engagement.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

PG 12/Full-time, 12 months

Reports To

Chief of Strategic Communications and Partnerships

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures

Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff/programs in the district

Develop and manage annual communication and marketing plan that supports the district's vision, goals, objectives, and accomplishments

Create/manage crisis communication and assist with reunification, and emergency drills

Provide support and direction to district departments and schools in the planning, preparing, formatting, publishing and dissemination of reports and other communications

Oversee and facilitate special projects internally and externally as needed/required

Oversee and facilitate employee recognition efforts as needed/required

Serve as a district spokesperson, fostering cooperative, professional relationships with media while building opportunities for engagement

Develop and sustain cooperative relationships with community, employee, and public interest groups, seeking new ways to work collaboratively toward district goals/vision

Craft and manage the district's communication messages through various traditional and digital means for both internal and external audiences, including social media, video content, written communications, and mass notification technology

Monitor and respond to emails sent to the district's public media inbox, direct inquiries to appropriate departments

Draft, edit, and distribute routine communications including, but not limited to press releases, alerts, newsletters, and statements

Manage the district's mass notification system for communications to families and staff

Operate and post content to official district social media accounts

Respond to media inquiries and provide approved messaging to support transparency and accuracy

Coordinate distribution of emergency communications, such as weather delays or crisis notifications

Collaborate with district leaders and school staff to share approved updates and information with families and the public

Maintain a basic awareness calendar (e.g., public education weeks, holidays) and assist in light campaign coordination and outreach activities as assigned

Monitor public feedback and sentiment through digital platforms and escalate concerns

Contribute to the district's overall communications and branding efforts by ensuring continuity, consistency, and professionalism in all district publications/communications

Attend regular and called meetings of the Board of Education as needed/required

Facilitate staff meetings and attend other related meetings as needed/required

Participate in professional development workshops and leadership training

Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations

Perform related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public schools

Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to public school systems

Comprehensive knowledge of communications, marketing, graphic design, and webpage management

Skilled in communications planning and project management

Skilled in writing, editing, and proofreading

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with a focus on results

Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress

Ability to reflect appropriate responses to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor

Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs

Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships

Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums

Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment

Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business

Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy

Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement

Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs

Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related area required

Seven (7) years' experience in community relations and/or engagement, corporate social responsibility, educational advancement, communications, or public policy preferred

Prior supervisory experience preferred

Equivalent combination of experience and education

Special Requirements

Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License or ability to provide own transportation

Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings

# of Jobs 1.00

Teacher Scale N

Minimum Educational Requirements Bachelors

Term 12 Month

Additional Job Information

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Work requires the occasional exertion of up to ten pounds of force

Work regularly requires exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communication

Constantly operates a computer and other office business equipment

Ability to remain in stationary position for required meetings/work

Ability to move to other work locations

Visual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities

Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications

Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, and the use of advanced technology

Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions

Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic)

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions

Must be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stress

Must be on-call as a regular part of the job

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job. Job description is sourced from employee interviews, internal documents, representative job descriptions in similar districts, and other state/federal agencies.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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