Program Manager Public Relations

Position: PROGRAM MANAGER PUBLIC RELATIONS
Position Type:
DISTRICT LEADERSHIP/PROGRAM MANAGER

Date Posted:
1/29/2026

Location:
Communications Division
POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Manager (Public Relations) assists with developing a district wide public relations strategy and execution to strengthen Atlanta Public Schools' reputation, public trust, and stakeholder confidence. This role is responsible for shaping district narrative, supporting executive and Board communications, and coordinating high-impact storytelling that advances APS strategic priorities. The position serves as a communications strategist in collaboration with and under the guidance of the Director of Strategic Communications.

MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
• Master's degree preferred
• Additional years of equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• N/A

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• 5 years of progressive experience in public relations, strategic communications, or media relations required
• Demonstrated experience leading district wide or enterprise-level communications initiatives required
• Experience supporting executive leadership and crisis communications required
• 2 years of supervisory or team leadership role required
• Experience in K 12 education or public sector preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Expert knowledge of media relations, crisis communications, messaging strategy, and reputation management
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Ability to operate with discretion, sound judgment, and high emotional intelligence
• Deep understanding of public education, community engagement, and political environments preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Public Relations Strategy & Leadership

• Develops and executes district wide public relations strategies aligned to APS strategic priorities, Board goals, and Superintendent initiatives
• Serves as manager of APS external narrative, messaging frameworks, and reputation management strategy
• Leads development of annual PR plans, campaign calendars, and proactive story pipelines
• Prepares district leadership and subject-matter experts for media engagements

Executive & Board Communications Support

• Supports Superintendent, Cabinet, and Board leadership with strategic messaging, speech writing support, issue briefs, and communications counsel
• Coordinates messaging for major district announcements, initiatives, recognitions, crises, and community issues

Crisis & Issues Management

• Serves as a core member of the district's Crisis Communications Team

Campaigns, Storytelling & Engagement

• Partners with Marketing, Digital, Social Media, and Community Engagement teams to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms
• Oversees development of district storytelling campaigns that elevate student success, school excellence, and community impact
• Ensures public relation efforts are data-informed and aligned with engagement and sentiment trends

Program Management

• Manages complex communications projects across multiple departments, timelines, and stakeholders
• Provides communications counsel to district departments and school leaders
• Tracks performance metrics, media coverage, sentiment analysis, and campaign impact.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Represents APS in community forums, partner meetings, and public events as appropriate
• Collaborates closely with Communications Work Teams, Marketing & Brand, Media Relations, Communications Services, Digital Engagement, External Affairs, Legal, and Executive Leadership

Other

• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on-site during regular business hours and as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or their representative

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from…