Director of Communications

Founded in 2001, the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association (MCPSA) represents 70 charter public schools serving 46,000 students across Massachusetts. MCPSA has an extensive history of supporting and advocating for charter public schools across the state and is currently in a period of exciting organizational growth. Massachusetts charter public schools are widely recognized as one of the highest performing charter sectors in the country. The mission of MCPSA is to create and protect the conditions that will enable the charter sector to thrive, contributing toward the common goal of all Massachusetts’ children having equitable access to high-quality schools. 

Position

The Director of Communications (DoC) will play an integral leadership role within MCPSA’s Public Affairs department, and is responsible for the development and execution of the organization’s internal and external communications strategy, with the goal of strengthening public and political support on behalf of Massachusetts’ charter public schools. The DoC will work in close partnership with member schools, and will be expected to train school-based communications professionals, provide rapid response crisis communication support, and more. The DoC will report to the Chief of Public Affairs and will supervise MCPSA’s Digital Advocacy and Communications Manager.

Responsibilities

• In support of MCPSA’s 3-year strategic plan and the advocacy agenda developed by member schools, create and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that amplifies the value of the charter public school sector and generates increased levels of support for the sector and its advocacy priorities.
• Lead and support a community of practice for school-based communications professionals in order to build their capacity and engagement, and strengthen their ability to engage in positive storytelling about charter public schools. Develop a scope and sequence and accompanying curriculum for regular professional development training, along with tools and resources to support member schools in the development of their communications practices.
• Outside of the community of practice, cultivate 1:1 relationships with communications professionals and leaders in member schools, and provide individual support for their communications efforts when needed.
• Provide timely, effective, and responsive crisis communications support for the charter public school sector and for member schools. 
• In partnership with member schools and MCPSA’s third-party PR firm, identify and secure frequent opportunities for positive media earned media coverage that amplifies the value of the charter public school sector. 
• Author external communications (e.g., newsletters, press releases, social media statements, op-eds, legislative testimonies, etc.) on behalf of the Executive Director and MCPSA, and in partnership with other members of the Public Affairs department, oversee the development of all core collateral (e.g., annual report, membership brochure, fact sheets, etc.).
• Set actionable goals for growth, develop benchmarks, and track performance metrics to assess the communication program and its impact.
• Collaborate with other members of the Public Affairs team to ensure communications activities support efforts across the department, including electoral engagement, government affairs, and community mobilization.  
• Manage and evaluate MCPSA’s work with its third-party PR firm and other communications consultants.
• Manage, support, and develop MCPSA’s Digital Advocacy and Communications Manager.

Qualifications

• A belief in the power and possibility of charter public schools and an unwavering commitment to educational equity.
• Strong messaging and storytelling skills, with the ability to understand and creatively explain issues and trends affecting public education in the Commonwealth and nationally, and the ability to synthesize and translate complex advocacy language or strategy to gain broad appeal and generate action.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and collaboration skills; high attention to detail, with the ability to stay focused and nimble, managing multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience in program design, coordination, and execution, as well as experience creating or conducting effective professional development programs.
• Track record of creating/executing communications plans and/or communications campaigns to reach short- and long-term goals.
• Strong relationship building skills; able to develop, sustain, and strengthen relationships and trust over time.
• Ability to hold sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of professional experience preferred; experience in  charter public school and/or education communications is a plus.

Location:

MCPSA is a virtual organization with team members working remotely. This position requires some travel throughout the state, a driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Residence within Massachusetts is strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

MCPSA offers a competitive compensation package, including five weeks of paid time off, annual bonus, health, dental, life and disability insurance, and retirement contributions. The base salary range for this position is $90,000 – $110,000.

To Apply

Interested candidates should send their resume to Victoria Criado at [email protected]. The position will remain open until filled.

Notice of non-discrimination:

The Massachusetts Charter Public School Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks to hire staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. MCPSA does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, age, race, color, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. MCPSA strongly encourages people from underrepresented groups to apply, recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to achieving our purpose.

Massachusetts Charter Public School Association