Vice President Marketing and Communications

Company Overview

American Student Transportation Partners (“ASTP”) is a growing platform partnering with best-of-breed operators within the student transportation space. ASTP’s transportation services span van and special needs transportation to mini and large bus K-12 student transportation across both public and parochial schools.

ASTP is led by industry-leading executives with experience across scaled private equity-backed, buy-and-build student transportation platforms. We are an ideal partner for student transportation operators who are striving to expand their footprint through organic new bid wins and add-on acquisitions within attractive markets. We also provide our partner operators with access to a wealth of resources that will support our collective ability to drive growth in a competitive market, such as the implementation of proven marketing and recruiting techniques, realization of operational efficiencies and strategic sourcing capabilities

About the Role

The Vice President of Marketing and Communications will serve as the strategic and operational leader responsible for building and scaling an integrated marketing, brand, communications, and public relations function. This executive will own the full spectrum of outbound communications, internal engagement, crisis management, and talent marketing strategy. The VP will drive efforts to build brand awareness, strengthen culture, generate leads, and promote our mission externally and internally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive outbound marketing strategy, including brand awareness, lead generation, digital marketing, social media, advertising, and campaign management.
• Serve as the organization’s primary brand steward — ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact across all customer- and public-facing messaging.
• Develop and oversee internal communication strategies that foster employee engagement, celebrate our culture, and support organizational alignment.
• Direct internal platforms and employee engagement initiatives, including company newsletters, leadership messaging, town halls, employee recognition programs, and social sharing tools.
• Oversee recruitment advertising and employer branding strategies in partnership with the Talent Acquisition team.
• Provide communication support for major talent initiatives, including hiring campaigns, regional recruitment pushes, and employee value proposition (EVP) refinement.
• Lead storytelling efforts across all channels to amplify impact, promote employee stories, and engage diverse audiences.
• Manage all media and public relations functions, including relationship building with journalists, media outlets, and PR firms.
• Own and maintain a crisis communications strategy and act as the company’s spokesperson when necessary.
• Write and edit high-quality content across a variety of formats, including executive messaging, speeches, op-eds, video scripts, media responses, press releases, and marketing materials.
• Collaborate with senior leaders on key communications initiatives and provide strategic counsel on messaging and brand alignment.
• Support M&A-related communication efforts in coordination with business development and executive leadership.
• Oversee the development, execution, and optimization of the organization’s web presence, including SEO strategy and content updates.
• Manage paid and organic digital marketing efforts, including Google Ads, social media advertising, and retargeting.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of marketing, communications, and engagement campaigns.
• Recruit, manage, and develop a high-performing marketing and communications team.
• Oversee contracts and relationships with external vendors, freelancers, creative agencies, and media partners.
• Manage the department’s annual budget, including forecasting, reporting, and strategic investment planning.
• Represent the company at external events and engagements, including conferences, public forums, and press opportunities.
• Travel periodically to operational locations across the company footprint to build relationships, support events, and engage teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business Administration or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10 years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies.
• Experience overseeing digital marketing, PR/media relations, brand strategy, and internal communications.
• Proven success leading teams, driving organizational change, and managing agency/vendor partnerships.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills with a strong understanding of audience segmentation and tone.
• Experience in crisis communication and serving as an organizational spokesperson or senior media contact.
• Strong understanding of digital platforms, SEO, Google Analytics, paid media, and CRM tools.
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to track, interpret, and act on campaign performance metrics.
• Comfortable working across departments and advising C-level leaders on communications strategy.
• Experience in high-growth or mission-driven organizations preferred.