Director of Communications and Public Relations

Compensation: $70,000- $90,000

Location: Headquarters

Job Type: Full-Time | Exempt 219 days

Reports To: Chief of International Affairs

Primary Purpose:

The Director of Communication and Public Relations leads the strategic development and execute of internal and external communication initiatives to strengthen the organization's brand, reputation, and stakeholder engagement. This role ensures consistent, transparent, and impactful messaging across all platforms, fostering positive relationships with media and the community, and proactively manage public perceptions and drive student recruitment incentives to support organization growth and goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Certification in Public Relations (e.g., APR) or related professional credentials preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of strategic communication, media relations, and brand management.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong crisis communication and reputation management expertise.
• Ability to develop and execute comprehensive communication plans.
• Proficiency in digital communication, social media platforms, and content management systems.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to analyze data and metrics to drive communication strategies.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement across diverse audience.
• Knowledge of public education systems and community relations.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in communication, public relations, or marketing.
• At least 3 years in a leadership or supervisor role.
• Experience managing media relations, campaigns, and crisis communication.
• Experience in education, government, or nonprofit sector preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication and public relations strategy aligned and organized organizational goals.
• Design and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns, significant targeted at increasing student enrollment and retention.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and media liaison for the organization.
• Oversee internal and external communications, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding.
• Ability to analyze community demographic data to tailor recruitment messaging for diverse student populations.
• Utilizing social media, advertising, and SEO strategies to identify and engage prospective families.
• Lead crisis communication planning and response efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, community partners, and key stakeholders. Next bullet, oversee digital presence, including website, social media, and public-facing content.
• Oversee content creation, publications, press releases, and marketing materials.
• Monitoring public perception and media coverage, provide strategic recommendations.
• Collaboration with executive leadership to support organization incentives and priorities.
• Ensure transparency and effective communication with staff, family, and the community.
• Develop, manage the department budget and resources.

Supervisory responsibility:

• Supervise and evaluate communications and public relations staff.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee vendors, consultants, and external partners as needed.
• Ensure high-quality execution of all community deliverables.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Frequent use of computers, phone, and other communication tools.
• Occasionally, evenings and weekends work required for events or urgent community.
• Ability to attend events and meetings across multiple locations.

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; imaging equipment

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion:Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light to moderate lifting and carrying (less than 44 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress