Director of Communications

Summary

We are currently seeking a full time Director of Communications who will work with the ConnectEd leadership team, key partners, and funders to develop, lead, and implement ConnectEd’s communications strategy in three major areas: 1) External Relations, 2) Advocacy, and 3) Marketing.  Candidates should be able to demonstrate expertise in strategic communications planning, as well as in implementation. The ability to write well, use a wide range of media, learn quickly, and collaborate with the senior leadership team is essential. Also desirable is experience in building community coalitions around a change agenda.

Reporting Relationships

The position reports directly to the president of ConnectEd.

Primary Duties

External Relations

• Develop and implement an effective strategy for ongoing communications with a growing group of stakeholders engaged in Linked Learning—including practitioners, policymakers, industry representatives, labor, community-based organizations, students, and parents
• Coordinate communications activities across ConnectEd program areas and between ConnectEd and other key players in the Linked Learning field
• Write for and manage the dissemination of key ConnectEd publications (electronic and print), such as eNews, Stay ConnectEd, policy briefs, promising practices, and Linked Learning tools and resources
• Develop and implement a social media outreach plan to reach teachers, students, families and other stakeholders in diverse communities
• Oversee editorial and design process for materials
• Provide communications support for school visits, convenings, and other public events that build awareness about Linked Learning
• Monitor and update website content regularly

Advocacy

• Develop and implement an effective strategy by which ConnectEd can help build awareness, understanding, and support for Linked Learning at the local, regional, state, and national levels
• Represent ConnectEd in the Building Awareness Working Group for the Linked Learning Alliance and help shape Alliance communications planning
• Strengthen ConnectEd’s outreach to key stakeholder communities—e.g., diverse community groups and individuals, industry, labor, and community-based organizations
• Plan and implement ConnectEd’s strategy for building awareness and support among state policymakers; help set priorities for policy briefs and other media targeting development of state and local policies that support Linked Learning

Marketing

• Develop and implement ConnectEd’s plan for marketing Linked Learning to additional school districts, especially in California but also in other states, with particular attention to the tools and services ConnectEd and its partners can provide to help design and implement district-wide systems of Linked Learning
• Assist ConnectEd leadership team with designing and implementing plans for increasing financial support among foundations and corporations

Qualifications

The successful applicant will have the following qualifications:

• B.A. degree or higher and at least 5-8 years of experience in public relations, communications, and/or media outreach
• Experience developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy
• Experience developing message frameworks that reflect an understanding of the values and interests of specific target audiences
• Experience developing simple, effective materials
• Experience generating positive media coverage
• Ability to take initiative, work with a team, and handle multiple projects and tight deadlines
• Experience and expertise using social media and other technologies for communications
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Good attention to detail
• Experience with and interest in education improvement and public policy preferred

Contact
Email responses preferred.  Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, publication examples, and writing samples to:

ConnectEd is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women, minorities, veterans, and disabled workers are encouraged to apply.