Director of Communications

Location: Washington, DC
Team: Communications
Supervisor: Vice President, Communications and Center Relations

As the Director of Communications, you will plan, manage, and execute communications and marketing strategies and public relations activities to promote wider recognition and awareness of the organization and its education programs. You will manage the day-to-day communications efforts, working with the Communications Manager to develop and execute strategic digital marketing strategies, specifically focusing on email marketing initiatives to reach more educators. You will also lead media relations efforts to garner media coverage for special events, education products, and thought leadership initiatives. You will work closely with the Development and Partnership team on efforts to communicate to donors and partners and will work across all the organization’s teams to support various initiatives.

Description of Duties

Your key responsibilities as the Director of Communications include:

  • Strategic Communications: Collaborate with the VP of Communications to create and implement marketing and PR plans that boost the organization’s brand and generate new program leads.
  • Brand Management: Ensure cohesive brand identity and messaging across all organizational efforts, maintaining consistency and high standards.
  • Digital Marketing: Develop and execute a digital marketing strategy, focusing on email marketing to drive new leads and web traffic.
  • Media Relations: Create and implement media relations strategies to secure positive coverage for programs and the organization.
  • Content Development: Led the creation of engaging digital content for the website, social media, and email channels and oversaw the production of print and electronic collateral.
  • Program Management: Manage contractors and vendor relationships, oversee larger-scale projects, and ensure timely reporting to stakeholders, including the board and grantors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To thrive, you should have:

  • Educational and Professional Background: Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years in communications, marketing, and public relations, preferably in a nonprofit or agency setting.
  • Media and Public Relations Expertise: Proven success in developing and executing media relations and public relations strategies, including demonstrated ability to build relationships with members of the media. Experience working with education publications/journalists is a plus.
  • Digital Marketing Proficiency: Demonstrated experience in email marketing campaigns and social marketing strategies, with knowledge of WordPress and HTML a plus.
  • Communication and Collaboration Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Project Management and Mission Alignment: Self-motivated, proactive, capable of managing multiple projects under tight deadlines, firmly committed to the mission, and adaptable to a small office environment.

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks

We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by competitive compensation of $90K – $105K, depending on experience and an extensive benefits package including:

  • Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided
  • Robust retirement planning: 401(k) plan available with employer matching
  • Financial security: Life and disability insurance for added protection
  • Flexible financial options: Health savings and flexible spending accounts offered
  • Well-being and work-life balance: Paid time off and holidays, paid family leave, flexible schedule, and remote work choices provided
  • Growth and Professional Opportunities: Employee assistance program and professional development assistance
  • Additional Workplace Perks!

Plus, we work to maintain the best environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.