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On-Ramps · 1 week ago

Senior Director of Communications at Massachusetts Charter Public School Association

Massachusetts, United States

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$120K/yr - $140K/yr

8+ years exp

On-Ramps is seeking a Senior Director of Communications for the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association (MCPSA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring access to high-quality public schools. The role involves developing and executing communication strategies to strengthen public support for charter public schools, while providing training and support to school-based communications professionals.

ConsultingHuman Resources

Senior Management

Responsibilities

In partnership with the Chief of Public Affairs, lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that amplifies the value of the charter public school sector and generates increased levels of support for the sector and its advocacy priorities

In partnership with the Digital Advocacy and Communications Manager, develop and deploy a robust editorial calendar that consistently narrates positive, compelling messages about charter public schools, with a commitment to inclusive storytelling

Serve as a key leader of a community of practice for school-based public affairs professionals, helping impart the skills they need to effectively engage in communications and advocacy initiatives. Develop regular professional development training, tools, and resources to support member schools in their efforts to engage in positive storytelling and education advocacy

Outside of the community of practice, cultivate 1:1 relationships with public affairs professionals and leaders in member schools, and provide individual support for their communications efforts

Provide timely, effective, and responsive crisis communications support for the charter public school sector and for member schools

In partnership with member schools and MCPSA's third-party PR firm, identify and secure frequent opportunities for positive media earned media coverage that amplifies the value of the charter public school sector

Author external communications (e.g., newsletters, press releases, social media statements, op-eds, legislative testimonies, etc.) on behalf of the Executive + Director and MCPSA, and in partnership with other members of the Public Affairs department, oversee the development of all core publications (e.g., annual report, membership brochure, fact sheets, website copy, etc.)

Partner with MCPSA's third-party PR firm to effectively manage all press outreach, respond to media inquiries, and cultivate positive media relations

Set actionable goals, develop benchmarks, and track performance metrics to assess the communication program and its impact

Collaborate with other members of the Public Affairs team to ensure communications activities support efforts across the department, including electoral engagement, government affairs, and community mobilization

Manage and evaluate MCPSA's work with its third-party PR firm and other communications consultants

Manage, support, and develop MCPSA's Digital Advocacy and Communications Manager

Qualification

Communications strategyK-12 education experienceMessagingStorytellingProfessional developmentProject managementFeedback sharingInterpersonal skillsWritten communicationVerbal communicationAttention to detail

Required

Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of communications experience, including experience in K-12 education

A belief in the power and possibility of charter public schools and an unwavering commitment to educational equity

Strong messaging and storytelling skills, with the ability to understand and creatively explain issues and trends affecting public education in the Commonwealth and nationally, and the ability to synthesize and translate complex advocacy language or strategy to gain broad appeal and generate action

Track record of creating and executing communications plans and/or communications campaigns to reach short- and long-term goals

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; a track record of developing strong and persuasive communications materials across multiple mediums for a range of audiences

Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills; able to develop, sustain, and strengthen relationships and trust over time

Ability to share positive and constructive feedback in a productive and professional manner; ideally experience managing and coaching at least one direct report

Experience managing projects across multiple stakeholders; high attention to detail, with the ability to stay focused and nimble, managing multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment

Ability to hold sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality

Demonstrated experience in program design, coordination, and execution