Director of Strategic Communications

The Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) with Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is seeking an experienced, intellectually curious, and dynamic professional to assume the evolving role of the next Communications Director.The Director of Strategic Communications will be responsible for developing and overseeing the execution of CRPE’s communications strategies, all with the goal of reinventing the public education delivery model to prepare all American students to solve tomorrow’s challenges.The ideal candidate will be familiar with the political and education landscape, has a solid track record of strategic communications in education policy or research and has demonstrated success in devising and executing a national communications program.CRPE is a strong fit for professionals who possess an entrepreneurial spirit, enjoy working in a fast-paced, high-impact environment, have a high degree of professionalism, and who are committed to creating equitable opportunities for children, families, and educators. The Director of Strategic Communications will report to the Center Director.About CRPEThe Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) is a nonpartisan research center founded in 1993, affiliated with Arizona State University. Staff work remotely across the U.S.CRPE believes inequities are hard-wired into our public education system in both obvious and subtle ways. Our core business is studying efforts to rewire the system for ongoing improvement and excellence for every student—moving from the classroom, to the school, to policy implications. We envision a public education system that truly prepares every student for the challenges of the future. We fulfill this mission through:Research: We produce world-class research that’s interesting, significant, and trustworthy.Thought leadership: Our analysis looks around the corner, comments on relevant issues, and proposes new ideas.Engagement with leaders: We prioritize learning from city, state, and nonprofit leaders in their communities, and we inform their work with evidence.CRPE seeks team members who are passionate about systems change and embrace the idea that public education is a goal, not a set of institutions. The following core values guide our work:Equity: We are committed to an ongoing and active fight against racism and injustice.Curiosity: We ask questions that “look around the corner.”Excellence: We do world-class research that’s interesting, significant, and trustworthy.Teamwork: We’re clear, focused, and productive together.Ownership: We’re all responsible for CRPE’s success.Communication: We’re clear and honest with each other.Camaraderie: We appreciate each other.Integrity: We’re professional and ethical.CRPE has played a national role in studying the impact of the COVID pandemic on school systems and policy, and we study new methods of schooling that will inform rebuilding efforts post-pandemic, such as innovative teacher preparation approaches, Artificial Intelligence, and novel school governance models. To learn more about our work, visit CRPE’s publications and newsroom pages, which feature our most recent thinking on education issues in play today.Essential DutiesBuild and execute CRPE’s multi-channel communications strategy and program (with measurable goals and benchmarks).Develop CRPE’s brand voice and maintain brand integrity across all platforms. Develop messaging and creative communications assets and provide strategic communications guidance to staff and research partners as appropriate.Lead all internal and external communications efforts.Identify, hire/contract, and manage communications team, consultants, vendors, and/or products needed to support the communications program.Serve as the communications content expert at CRPE; stay abreast of new developments, opportunities, and threats that will impact public education issues and initiatives; and build relationships with national, state, and local education-related organizations and peers across the country to leverage best practices.Support the research team in setting a communications strategy that supports their respective research project priorities, the organization’s overall mission, and related grant metrics.Provide consistent and timely information across the organization to employees and consultants through various communication mechanisms.Manage CRPE’s digital communications program, including developing and maintaining the website, and social media channels, tracking engagement, and making data-driven decisions.Direct all media relations and outreach, including developing positive professional relationships with various media members.Write, design, and produce various publications for a variety of targeted audiences, including announcements, social media, collateral, videos, and reports to achieve project and organization goals.Lead the development of a plan to ensure CRPE participation and presence at targeted events and conferences; support event planning and production for multiple audiences; and prepare presentations and speeches as needed.Develop, implement, and adhere to the communications program budget.Act as CRPE spokesperson as needed.Create, track, and report on goals, outcomes, and performance metrics.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Arts Administration, or related field AND eight years experience in planning and implementing a comprehensive communication/marketing program for an organization, including five years of supervisory experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.Desired QualificationsTen (10) years of experience in public relations, research, and/or nonprofit communication.Significant experience and networks with the national organizations and individuals who influence U.S. education policy and action landscape.Experience in developing and executing strategic communications plans and programs, including managing and motivating a team.Evidence of strong messaging and storytelling skills, with the ability to synthesize and translate complex research language or strategy to gain broad appeal and generate action.Demonstrated proficiency with communications technologies (e.g., CRMs systems, search engine marketing, etc.), as well as familiarity with copywriting, graphic design, layout, publishing, and digital graphics production.Demonstrated ability to bring attention and action to new ideas and research findings.Evidence of organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize projects while working on a deadline or in a fast-paced environment.Evidence of effective communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills; high standards for precision accuracy.Working EnvironmentCRPE offices are located in Seattle, Washington, but CRPE welcomes remote applicants from anywhere in the United States.Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse.Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to the resolution of conflicts.Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.Ability to work evening and weekend hours as necessary on short or limited notice.Position receives regular review of objectives.

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