MIDDLETOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mission Statement:
Middletown Public Schools cultivates the brilliance in each student.

Values and Belief Statements:
Empowerment: Middletown Public Schools empowers its students with the knowledge
and skills to create lives brimming with purpose, passion and fulfillment.
Community: Middletown Public Schools harnesses the power of community by
fostering an environment of mutual understanding and appreciation.
Growth: Middletown Public Schools encourages a culture of growth and exploration,
inspiring lifelong learners.
Authenticity: Middletown Public Schools embraces each person’s authenticity and
cultivates an inclusive culture that brings about a sense of belonging.

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Introduction: This job description is intended to be used in conjunction with an employee’s annual performance evaluation documents to establish and verify functional competency on an on-going basis while employed with Middletown Public School System, (MPS)

Reports to: Superintendent of Schools or Designee

Basic Purpose: To serve as the primary spokesperson for Middletown Public Schools, leading internal, external, and crisis communications efforts that support the district’s strategic goals, while providing counsel to leadership and coordinating innovative, effective communication strategies across departments.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field required.
Minimum Work Experience: Two years of experience in a public information or marketing role required.
Required Licenses/Certifications: Valid State Driver’s license required.

Job Requirements:

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

In addition to the job specific requirements listed in this section, employee is accountable for and expected to integrate all MPS values work Pillars into the execution of the essential functions of their job.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general requirements for work being performed by employees in this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all requirements, responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so employed.

Ability to display flexibility to meet the operational demands of the department activities required. Knowledge of and ability to comply with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations.
Ability to maintain and preserve confidential information required.
Ability to adhere to and model organizational values and Work Pillars required.
Ability to interact with students, families, co-workers and members of the public in a courteous and professional manner required.
Knowledge of and ability to successfully utilize a wide variety of software platforms including, but not limited to, Google Suite and Microsoft Office suite, emergency communication platforms, and social media platforms required.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing required.
Ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and understandable manner required.
Knowledge of and ability to create effective graphic design work in a variety of mediums required.
Excellent proofreading and editing skills required.
Ability to effectively operate and use a variety of communication platforms used by the District to notify parents, community members, the public, employees etc. required.
Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays required.

Essential Functions:

Essential Functions encompass those tasks, duties, and responsibilities that are critical and fundamental to the job and comprise the means of accomplishing the job’s purpose and objectives. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable. For any employee with population specific/age specific competency requirements a copy of the requirements must be attached to this document.

1. Serves as the District’s Public Records Officer; respond to and manage all Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

2. Monitors and responds to emails sent to the district’s public access inbox; direct inquiries to appropriate departments.

3. Drafts, edits, and distributes routine communications including, but not limited to press releases, alerts, newsletters, and statements.

4. Maintains and updates the district website with accurate and timely content.

5. Manages the district’s mass notification system for communications to families and staff.

6. Operates and posts content to official district social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X).

7. Responds to media inquiries and provide approved messaging to support transparency and accuracy.

8. Coordinates distribution of emergency communications, such as weather delays or crisis notifications.

9. Attends Board of Education meetings as needed to support communication efforts and take notes or provide summaries.

10. Creates basic visual materials, flyers, and branded content using district templates and guidelines.

11. Ensures consistency of branding and tone in district communications.

12. Assists in developing talking points and public messaging as directed by the Superintendent or designee.

13. Collaborates with district leaders and school staff to share approved updates and information with families and the public.

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

15. Provides general public relations support for events and announcements.

16. Monitors public feedback and sentiment through digital platforms and escalate concerns when appropriate.

17. Be available during off-hours as needed to assist with urgent communications.

18. Performs other duties as directed.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary $75,000 Per Year
Benefits are in accordance with the UPSEU Collective Bargaining Agreement

*Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

Disclaimers:

The supplemental job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Connecticut requires that any person (teachers, administrators, special service staff members, teachers’ aides, custodians, cafeteria employees, etc.) who is hired by a local or regional board of education submit to a state and national criminal history record check within the first 30 days of the date of employment. The process includes the checking of fingerprints by the State Police Bureau of Identification and the F.B.I. The results of the criminal history record checks (both state and federal) are reported to the employing school district. If the district receives notice of a conviction of a crime by a person holding a certificate, authorization or permit issued by the State Board of Education, the district shall notify the Bureau of Certification and Professional Development.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Middletown Board of Education is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, alienage, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or pregnancy in any of its education programs, activities, or employment policies. All educational programs and offerings, including vocational education and extracurricular activities, subscribe to this policy.

Public Information Officer