Director of Communications

Position

The Director of Communications plays an integral leadership role within MCPSA’s Public Affairs department and is responsible for the development and execution of the organization’s internal and external communications strategy, with the goal of strengthening public and political support on behalf of Massachusetts’ charter public schools. As the lead messenger of the Association, the Director of Communications is responsible for ensuring clear, effective communication that effectively moves key audiences, including policymakers, advocates, the media, and the general public. The Director of Communications provides deep training and support to school-based communications professionals in both large group and one-on-one formats, ensuring school staff build the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective communications and advocacy partners. The Director of Communications reports to the Chief of Public Affairs and supervises the Digital Advocacy and Communications Manager.

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.
• Other activities, as requested by the Chief of Public Affairs.

Location

MCPSA is a virtual organization with team members working remotely. This position requires frequent travel throughout Massachusetts, and candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Residence within Massachusetts, and/or within 75 miles from the organization’s main office in Hudson, MA, is strongly preferred.

Notice of Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are crucial to our mission and we are committed to cultivating a team that reflects the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunity Employer MCPSA does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, accessibility needs, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. As such, MCPSA strongly encourages people from marginalized and oppressed communities to apply, recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to achieving our purpose.

• 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.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and collaboration skills; high attention to detail, with the ability to stay focused and nimble, managing multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience in program design, coordination, and execution, as well as experience creating or conducting effective professional development programs.
• Track record of creating and executing communications plans and/or communications campaigns to reach short- and long-term goals.
• Strong relationship building skills; able to develop, sustain, and strengthen relationships and trust over time.
• Ability to hold sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of professional experience preferred; experience in  charter public school and/or education communications is a plus.

The base annual pay for this position is $95,000 - $110,000 plus a competitive compensation package, including 25 days of paid time off, paid office closure between Christmas and New Years, 12 paid holidays, an annual cost of labor adjustment, 75% of health insurance, 100% of dental, life and disability insurance, a professional development stipend, a 4% 401(k) match, and potential for an annual team bonus.