MANAGER, MEDIA RELATIONS & EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS at Milwaukee Public Schools | Milwaukee, WI | $95K/yr – $105K/yr

Milwaukee Public Schools

MANAGER, MEDIA RELATIONS & EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

Milwaukee, WI (Unknown)

$95K/yr – $105K/yrManager5+ years expFull time

Posted 1 month ago

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Job Summary

Own district wide media relations with a real time crisis response mindset and coaching for district leaders, while building a steady stream of earned coverage and aligned storytelling.

Media Operations: Manage inquiries, draft pitches, coordinate news conferences and press events.
Strategic Narrative: Build an annual pitch calendar aligned to the district plan and senior leader talking points.
Team & Stakeholders: Supervise two staff and coach executives for interviews and media prep.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries to Milwaukee Public Schools, ensuring timely, accurate, and coordinated responses.
Develop, write, and distribute news releases, media advisories, statements, and pitch materials.
Create and manage an annual media pitch calendar aligned with the district’s annual communications plan, which is driven by the MPS Strategic Plan.
Identify story leads, develop pitches, and secure earned media coverage that highlights district initiatives, schools, staff, and students.
Track and document all media inquiries and responses using designated district systems.
Respond in real time to breaking issues and coordinate district responses with appropriate departments and leadership.
Assist the Chief Communications Officer, Director, Communications & Marketing, and senior leadership with crisis communications and issues management for school-based and districtwide incidents.
Coordinate and manage news conferences, media briefings, and press events.
Serve as an MPS spokesperson, as needed.
Develop talking points, briefing documents, and written responses to media questions for the Superintendent and senior leadership, as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
A combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.
Five (5) or more years of experience in media relations, public affairs, journalism, or strategic communications.
Demonstrated experience serving as a media spokesperson and managing high-visibility or time-sensitive media inquiries.
Experience in a large, complex organization such as a public school district, public sector agency, or similar institution.
Experience with crisis communications.
Previous supervisory experience.
Written and spoken fluency in Spanish.

Preferred

Written and spoken fluency in Spanish.

Benefits

Compensation

USD 95,000 - 105,000 YEAR
$95,000 - $105,000 (12 months/260 days) ;

How to Apply

Administrative applications for the following position are being accepted by the Office of Human Resources through 11:59 PM, Thursday June 25, 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked, via email, to provide professional electronic references.
Appointment is subject to a criminal background check, a drug/alcohol test and credential verification.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL applicants must submit official transcripts confirming Degrees.
No applications will be accepted after the deadline date and time.
If you are unable to electronically attach these documents, you must notify Zennia Zivkovic sifuenz@milwaukee.k12.wi.us, in human resources, that you are sending hard copies which must be received on or before the deadline date listed above.

About the Company

The Manager, Media Relations & Exterior Communications serves as the primary liaison between Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and local, regional, and national media. Reporting to the Director, Communications & Marketing, this role leads proactive and responsive media relations efforts that advance the District’s strategic priorities, strengthen public trust, and elevate confidence in public education in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Public Schools

Milwaukee Public Schools will be among the highest-student-growth school systems in the country. All district staff will be committed to providing an equitable educational environment that is child-centered, supports achievement, and respects and embraces diversity. Schools will be safe, welcoming, well-maintained, and accessible community centers that meet the needs of all. Relevant, rigorous, and successful instructional programs will be recognized and replicated. The district and its schools will collaborate with students, families, and community for the benefit of all.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

7.5K employees

mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us