Communications Director

ABOUT SCHOOL READINESS CONSULTING

At School Readiness Consulting (SRC), children are at the center of our work. We strive to transform early learning and affirm the right of all children to thrive. Through a comprehensive approach that balances a commitment to racial equity with expertise in advising, implementation, and evaluation, we collaborate with partners to build equitable systems for young children, birth through third grade. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are fundamental values at SRC and we are committed to hiring, cultivating, and supporting a diverse team of professionals who enrich our approach to early learning and our workplace.       

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Communications Director will lead the design and implementation of SRC’s near and longer-term communications strategies and engagement. The Director will lead the alignment of strategic communications across all aspects of our work, including but not limited to: partner/client projects, speaking engagements and events, brand and reputation management, marketing, and internal communications. As an organization at the intersection of early childhood and racial equity, SRC is especially looking for a candidate who understands the issues and nuances of diverse communities. In addition to communications expertise, the position requires strong leadership and management skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.      

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Planning

• Lead the evolution of SRC’s framework, processes, and brand alignment across all internal and external communications
• Develop and implement communications plans that center the SRC mission and commitment to early childhood, equity and racial justice
• Provide technical support for business development and advise on marketing opportunities
• Contribute to the development of annual goals and objectives to advance SRC’s mission and reputation

Public Relations and Internal Communications

• Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms, products, and deliverables
• Develop and manage creative content and activities for external audiences (e.g., social media, website, newsletters, blogs, annual reports, press releases, etc.)
• Provide guidance on thought leadership opportunities, including presentations, speeches, white papers, and conference engagement 
• Enhance SRC’s knowledge and network of stakeholders and influencers from a communications perspective
• Manage media inquiries
• Coordinate the planning and dissemination of internal communications
• Develop a framework for tracking and reporting communications activities
• Design and implement an issues management strategy

Partner/Client Engagement

• Provide strategic communications guidance on partner/client projects to support outreach and dissemination plans, curation of stakeholder stories, etc. 

Capacity Building & Organizational Culture

• Contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment
• Lead professional development opportunities that enhance a collective understanding of communications as an integral function of the organization (e.g., workshops, sharing of best practices, and partner/client project examples)
• Participate in meetings, professional learning opportunities, retreats, and other organization-wide events

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS                         

• At least 7 years of work experience in communications and/or related roles
• Demonstrated experience engaging diverse stakeholders
• Knowledge of education, racial equity, and social justice is preferred
• Highly skilled in designing and implementing comprehensive communications plans
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills to support communications across multiple projects, competing priorities, and relationships
• Deep understanding of changing communications dynamics
• High degree of creativity and initiative to deliver innovative communications guidance
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Experience with communications training is a plus
• Collaborative leader and team member

As an equal opportunity employer, SRC hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.