National Office Employment Opportunities

Director of Communications
 

Position:	Director of Communications
Location	Washington, DC

Public Education Network is seeking a dynamic, creative and experienced communications leader to position PEN as a key public education resource. The Director of Communications will create and implement a comprehensive, integrated internal and external communications program to raise awareness of PEN among media, policy makers, members and a variety of other key stakeholders. Areas of responsibility include managing national media relations, member communications, the PEN website, print and Internet publications, branding, events and activities. The ideal candidate brings a track record of successful experience in public relations, national media campaigns, and outreach activities and has an understanding of education reform issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement a strategic communications plan with measurable milestones and outcomes, based on findings of an internal communications audit s/he conducts;

• Cultivate relationships with national media;

• Develop and implement media strategies that will increase the level and quality of PEN visibility;

• Supervise web specialist, editor of weekly online newsletter and certain project consultants;

• Maximize PEN's online presence by overseeing strategies that use social media platforms;

• Draft and distribute press releases, monitor and facilitate press responses;

• Prepare senior staff for media interviews and appearances;

• Manage special events;

• Set up and manage press events;

• Manage PEN's corporate materials and branding program;

• Supervise production and distribution of PEN's publications;

• Participate on senior management team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years progressive leadership experience in strategic communications;

• Bachelor of Arts in relevant field required, Master's degree preferred;

• Media relations and publications experience;

• Outstanding management, interpersonal, analytical and strategic planning skills;

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities and projects effectively;

• Demonstrated ability to use social media effectively;

• Superb writing and editing skills;

• Demonstrated ability to handle complex issues and to translate information about them for broad audiences;

• Ability to work effectively with diverse staff;

• Ability to work well under pressure and reliably meet deadlines in a fast-paced; environment;

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy;

• Strong organizational skills;

• Knowledge of public education reform issues is highly desirable.

How to Apply
Please email a thoughtful cover letter, resume, and salary history & requirements to jobs@leaderfit.org with Director of Communication in the subject line.

About Public Education Network
Public Education Network (PEN) is nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to ensuring that every child in America receives a quality public education. PEN's members include 77 local education funds (LEFs) in 34 states and five foreign countries, as well as individuals working to improve public schools and build citizen support for quality public education for all of America's children. PEN seeks and motivated full-time Director of Communications to join the senior management team. The Director of Communications will report to the Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Communications.

PEN is an equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Competitive salary and benefits.


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