ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY
The Education Trust (Ed Trust) seeks a Director of Communications to join and lead the New York Office’s strategic communications team. The Director will join a staff at Ed Trust who are committed to fulfilling our mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families.
The Director leads the development and execution of communications strategies tailored to reach diverse audiences, with an overall goal of amplifying and promoting the organization’s policy positions and advocacy messages to advance educational equity. The Director also manages media relations, project releases and related collateral development, and ongoing communications campaign activities (e.g., social media, website, newsletter, and blog). The Director plays a critical role in elevating the profile of The Education Trust and making sure the organization’s messages reach its intended audiences.
Ed Trust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, Ed Trust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.
This role, available immediately, is based in our New York office and is eligible for telework for up to three days a week. The role reports to the Executive Director and supervises the communications manager.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The responsibilities and objectives for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Collaborate with the Executive Director to set the long-term vision for the communications function at New York and translate that vision into short and long-term goals with relevant work plans that advance Ed Trust’s mission of eliminating educational disparities and enhancing student outcomes
- Serve as a member of the New York office’s leadership team, including collaborating on the annual strategic work plan
- Lead a productive and dynamic team by identifying and retaining diverse full-time staff, interns, and/or contractors
- Oversee the day-to-day communications function, allocating resources in line with the departmental objectives and work plan, and supporting prioritization
- Develop communications strategies, editorial calendars, and compelling messages that advance Ed Trust’s policy priorities of remedying disparities in opportunity and educational outcomes
- Write and edit public-facing content, such as op-eds, press statements, and report collateral for print and online mediums
- Oversee and execute the development, review, and placement of news stories, op-eds, and press statements in key print and online media outlets to increase visibility of Ed Trust messages in local, state and national media
- Coach and develop spokespeople across the New York office, including providing training and running preparation and feedback sessions, to help focus their key messages and sharpen their public engagement skills for media interviews
- Develop, monitor and present key metrics to assess the impact of our communications efforts
- Build systems and structures for effective internal collaboration within the communications function and across content teams to ensure on-time, high-impact, and high-quality products and publications
- Incorporate current best practices in strategic communications and media relations into the communications function
IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS
- Shared belief in Ed Trust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity, with a focus on racial equity
- Excellent project management (including time management) skills
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Knowledge and understanding of education equity issues
- Eagerness for collaboration with both internal and external partners
- Problem-solving ability and analytical skills
- Willingness to provide constructive feedback to others; as well as to receive and act upon feedback from others
- Ability to exercise decisiveness
- Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, literature, or a related field and/or equivalent experience; advanced degree and/or journalism experience is a plus
- Significant experience in strategic communications, media relations, journalism, campaigns, advocacy, or a related field, with progressively increasing levels of responsibility
- Familiarity with or knowledge of education policy issues, particularly education equity issues
- Experience in a leadership role with supervisory responsibilities
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this level position in our New York office is $110,460 to $165,700 and offers will be commensurate with experience. New hires typically fall between the minimum and mid-point of the range.
The Education Trust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% contribution opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.
VACCINATION FOR COVID-19
At The Education Trust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all Education Trust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.
QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, PLEASE APPLY HERE
The Education Trust is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.