Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

Join the CESO Team

At CESO, we partner with school districts to deliver strategic, thoughtful communication that builds trust, strengthens engagement, and brings their stories to life. We're looking for a Communications Specialist to support one of our client districts, St. Anthony-New Brighton School District (ISD 282), while also collaborating with our broader CESO Communications team. As part of the CESO Communications team, you'll receive ongoing coaching and mentoring from experienced school communications professionals while serving as a trusted partner to district leaders. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys storytelling, working closely with leaders, and creating meaningful, consistent communication across a variety of platforms.

This role is on-site at the SANB District Office with the ability to work remotely or from the CESO HQ one day per week.

What You'll Do

As a Communications Specialist, you'll support district initiatives that strengthen community trust, staff engagement, and public understanding of district priorities. You'll do this by developing content, building relationships with stakeholders, managing key channels, and ensuring messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with district priorities.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the district's strategic communications plan
• Help communicate district initiatives, programs, priorities, and key messages to internal and external audiences
• Contribute to efforts that support student enrollment, staff recruitment, and community engagement

Content & Storytelling

• Develop and create engaging written and visual content to highlight district programs, people, and impact
• Produce communications across multiple formats, including newsletters, website content, social media, and print materials
• Ensure all content aligns with the district's brand, voice, and messaging

Website & Digital Communications

• Lead district website content strategy and oversee website content, ensuring information is accurate, timely, user-friendly, and aligned with district communication goals
• Use the website as the district's primary storytelling and marketing tool
• Support digital communication strategies to effectively reach key audiences
• Help ensure websites, digital communications, and digital documents meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), supporting equitable access for all users

Leadership Communications

• Serve as a trusted communications partner to district leaders by providing strategic counsel on messaging, stakeholder engagement, and communication planning
• Support district, building, and program leaders in communicating effectively with families, staff, and community stakeholders
• Coordinate communication related to School Board actions, district initiatives, and leadership decisions in a timely, transparent and accessible manner
• Promote district transparency by supporting responses to public records requests and other information requests in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and district policies and procedures.

Media Relations

• Identify opportunities for positive media coverage and storytelling that elevate district successes and initiatives
• Assist district and school leaders in coordinating communications related to emergencies, sensitive issues, and leadership decisions

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and analyze communication effectiveness using analytics, stakeholder feedback, and engagement metrics to inform continuous improvement
• Identify opportunities to improve messaging, engagement, and delivery
• Support consistent, high-quality communication practices across the district

Who You Are

• A strong writer and storyteller who can adapt messaging for different audiences
• Organized and able to manage multiple projects at once
• A collaborative partner who enjoys working with leaders and teams
• Detail-oriented with a strong eye for quality and consistency
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field preferred
• 2+ years of professional experience in communications or a related field
• Experience with content creation across written and visual formats (articles, social media, video, etc.)
• Familiarity with website management and content management systems; knowledge of digital accessibility standards and best practices (e.g., WCAG) preferred
• Knowledge of AP style writing and editing standards
• Experience with tools such as Google Workspace, Canva, and/or Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences

Perks & Benefits

• Pay Range: $62,000–$72,000 annually
• As a full-time employee, you will have access to the following benefits:
  • Health, dental, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) with company contributions
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off + paid holidays
• Collaborative, mission-driven team environment

CESO Communications is committed to rethinking possible. Our nationally recognized team of school communication professionals brings more than 300 years of combined experience, and every senior strategist holds the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential. We partner with school districts across the country to deliver strategic communications that build trust, solve problems, and create meaningful impact.