Chief Communications Officer

Job ResponsibilitiesSupport and advise the President and CEO of Clarke, the executive leadership team, and Clarke Board of Trustees.Develop and execute a forward-looking, comprehensive communications, marketing, and public relations strategy to elevate awareness of Clarke and optimize development team goals.Provide perspective and guidance on current and emerging opportunities and challenges, which influence Clarke’s ability to fulfill its mission and meet its goals.Develop marketing and communications plans supporting high-priority initiatives, build consensus within the executive leadership team and Board of Trustees, and execute plans accordingly.Supervise, lead, and coach a virtual communications team of 2.5 FTEs. Clarke currently has one full-time Associate Creative Director, one full-time Senior Digital & Social Media Strategist, and one part-time Communications Content Strategist and Writer.Work closely with the Chief Director of Development to uphold the view of the Development Department as the primary customer.Media Relations and Issues ManagementCultivate relationships with and proactively pitch the media. Oversee Communications Team to ensure widespread distribution, follow-through, and responsibility for campaign success. Oversee the media list and the development of tracking mechanisms to chart the effectiveness of initiatives and campaigns.Develop key messages, identify, coach, and train media spokespeople, including the CEO and other staff, trustees, and key volunteers. Serve as the primary public spokesperson for the organization.Occasionally lead a rapid response, including the quick assimilation of large volumes of complex material and rapid development and execution of response strategies and messaging.Responsible for drafting, editing, and ownership of statements, FAQs, and all public information materials.Supervise monitoring and sharing of stories and trends.Ensure that the Communications Department acts as a central clearing house supporting a diverse set of communications addressing a varied constituency and the general public.Oversee and guide the staff in the development and publishing of print materials, management of social media portals, blog posts, video, and other collateral.Support timely publishing of communication plans and accompanying FAQs that uphold Clarke’s commitment to its mission.BrandingResponsible for Clarke’s overall brand positioning and brand management, including media, marketing, and collateral materials. Guide design and display decisions that support fundraising collateral.Oversee design and production of key materials and support conception and production of additional collateral materials to promote brand awareness and events.RequirementsThe Communications Officer has experience in a senior-level leadership role working in complex, multi-site non-profit organizations. The successful candidate will have previously led communications for non-profit organizations involved in education, special education, or child advocacy.They possess a proven track record of:Building consensus among a diverse set of staff and stakeholders.Having existing relationships with key members of the media, nationally or regionally.Political deftness, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for Clarke’s mission.Education, Licenses, Certifications, Skills, and ExperienceMaster’s degree preferred, bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience.Experience leading, managing, and developing a team.Experience speaking on the record for major organizations.Experience writing and producing signature organizational collateral including annual reports and journals.Experience conceiving and producing marketing videos.Experience with electronic media including comfort with related concepts and tasks.Ability to quickly absorb and understand large volumes of complex information.A strong track record of effectively partnering with thought leaders and executives.The ability to work in a fast-moving, complex environment, while effectively prioritizing and leading a variety of activities.A savvy, visual aesthetic with experience overseeing design.Experience working within a multi-state/multi-campus organization with diverse needs and cultures.*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.**Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.*** Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination: Clarke Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities, or employment. Clarke Schools is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities, or employment.

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