Director of Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs

Des Moines Public Schools is looking for and accepting applications from dynamic leaders in Communication and Marketing for our Director of Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs position.  

The salary range shared below represents the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range.  Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience, and education.  This position will also qualify for a 14% Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) in addition to the base salary.

Des Moines Public Schools offers up to $6,000 towards relocation costs.

Job Title: Director of Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs

Department: Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs

Reports to: Superintendent  

Highest Level Supervised: Director

Job Summary:

The Director of Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs is primarily responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive communication strategy and approach that aligns with the district’s strategic plan. The Director of Communications is responsible for providing information about district programs and events to internal and external audiences. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the district.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Develop short and long-range goals and objectives, aligned with the strategic plan, to create and execute a comprehensive communication strategy.
2. Lead the work of communicating with internal and external audiences through a variety of means, including media relations, graphic services and standards, website management, and other communication mechanisms.
3. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the district, maintaining relationships with local and national media.
4. Oversee the content and design of the school district website, and the design of the school websites.
5. Oversee the district’s multiple social media platforms.
6. Write and edit speeches and other forms of communication for the Superintendent and other district leaders.
7. Oversee content and production of brochures and other district marketing materials to maintain a positive image of Des Moines Public Schools.
8. Represent the district at community events as needed.
9. Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, course work, and collaboration.
10. Other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field.
• Work Experience: Five years’ previous experience in communications or public relations, preferably in a public educational institution.
• Licensure or Certification: N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Effective written and oral communication and presentation techniques. 
2. Ability to prioritize tasks and determine proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability.  
3. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and accuracy. 
4. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 
5. Knowledge of website content management systems, social media, and other forms of communication necessary to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
6. Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines.
7. Maintain confidentiality.
8. Attend work on a prompt and regular
9. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other

Physical Requirements:

• Moves throughout the building to access meetings and information.
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time during shift.
• Drive or provide transportation suitable to accommodate responsibilities throughout the district.

HR Signature: Bryce Amos               Date: 02/24/2026

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.