Position Title

Public Information Specialist (NY HELPS)

Required Application Type

School Related Personnel

Salary/Pay Scale

$55,000.00 - $70,000.00 range

Job Description

Public Information Specialist

Salary Range: $55,000.00 – $70,000.00 (Commensurate with Experience)

Overview:

The South Colonie Central School District is seeking a strong communicator and storyteller to serve as a Public Information Specialist. This role is central to sharing the district’s story through compelling written content, strategic messaging, and creative digital media.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with district staff, media, community members, and outside organizations to gather and share timely, accurate information.

• Write, edit, and publish a variety of content, including website stories, news releases, newsletters, social media posts, and internal communications.

• Assist in crisis communications and emergency messaging as needed.

• Develop engaging narratives that highlight student success, staff achievements, and key district initiatives.

• Create and maintain content for the district’s website, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with district messaging.

• Capture and package high-quality photos and videos for use across digital platforms including the website, email, and social media.

• Design graphics and visual materials that support and enhance written content.

• Help plan and execute the district’s social media strategy, including scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and managing responses.

• Attend school and district events to gather content and promote community engagement.

• Support internal communications, presentation materials, and documentation of public relations efforts.

• Maintain organized records of published content and media interactions.

Work Schedule & Expectations:

• Full-time, 12-month position with occasional evening and weekend coverage for events.

• Ability to travel between schools and district locations as needed.

• Flexibility to support urgent communication needs when required.

Civil Service Title

Public Information Specialist

Job Qualifications

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with at least a Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of professional experience in communications, journalism, writing, public administration, marketing, public policy or public relations;

 OR, Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with at least an Associate’s degree and four (4) years of professional experience in communications, journalism, writing, public administration, marketing, public policy or public relations; 

OR,High school degree or GED and six (6) years of professional experience in communications, journalism, writing, public administration, marketing, public policy or public relations

• Strong storytelling skills with a keen eye for detail and composition.

• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator) or equivalent design/video editing software.

• Strong photography and videography skills, including experience with DSLR/mirrorless cameras and lighting.

• Experience managing social media accounts for an organization, including content scheduling and analytics.

• Familiarity with website content management systems (CMS) is a plus.

Education:

• Bachelors (Preferred)

Candidates will not have to take an exam for this title. This is a Hiring Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program-designated title. The HELP Program is a temporary program designed to help local government employers address current staffing issues. Traditionally, the titles filled under the HELP Program required job candidates to compete in a competitive exam to be considered for employment. For the duration of the program, this title will be classified as non-competitive and categorized as a “HELP Program” position. At the close of the program, this position will revert to competitive class status. Employees occupying positions filled through the HELP Program will be granted competitive class status without the need to participate in a competitive exam.

Job Category

Other

Job Location

District Wide

Additional Information