Strategic Communications Advisor

: Purpose and Scope: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Strategic Communications Advisor to join our Communications Department. This role will play a key part in advancing the district's internal and external communications efforts, supporting strategic initiatives, and ensuring clear, consistent, and engaging messaging across multiple platforms. The ideal candidate will be a strong writer, creative storyteller, and collaborative team player who can thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Essential Job Functions: This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements.

• Internal & External Communications Support:
• • Assist in planning and executing district-wide communications strategies.
  • Draft, edit, and distribute internal newsletters and staff updates.
  • Help coordinate messaging that promotes alignment and engagement across departments and schools.
• Content Creation & Editorial Support:
• • Write, edit, and produce engaging news stories, announcements, and feature articles for MSCS platforms.
  • Assist in developing talking points, speeches, and remarks for senior leadership's internal and external speaking engagements.
  • Create compelling pitch decks and presentations for key district initiatives.
• Digital Content & Website Support:
• • Update content across the MSCS website in collaboration with district web teams.
  • Monitor web content to maintain accuracy, consistency, and relevance of pages and ensure content meets accessibility and brand standards.
• Crisis Communications Support:
• • Support communications leadership in times of urgency by drafting timely, accurate messaging for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Project & Departmental Initiative Support:
• • Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic communication campaigns.
  • Collaborate across departments to ensure messaging supports district goals and priorities.
• Perform Other Duties as Assigned:
• • Provide general communications support across the department as needed, including research and creative brainstorming.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in communications, preferably in education, public service, or nonprofit sectors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration tools, including Microsoft Teams and Planner.
• Proficiency in presentation tools like PowerPoint, Canva, or similar.
• Experience with design tools like Canva or basic Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Graphic design and/or basic HTML experience preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills preferred.

(PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED) . Degree Equivalency Formula:

Bachelor's Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.

Master's Degree= 2 years plus required years of experience. Where Master's degrees are required, years for Bachelor's Degrees must be included. Additional Job Details: Bilingual or multilingual candidates encouraged to apply.