Director of Communications

About the Organization

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents over 24,000 members, has a staff of 30, and an annual budget of $8 million. NASP is a 501(c)(6) membership organization that represents school psychology and supports the work of school psychologists to enhance the learning and mental health of all children and youth. In addition to the ongoing work of a member-service professional association, NASP is focused on three strategic goals: addressing the critical workforce shortages in school psychology, promoting universal implementation of NASP practice standards, and advancing social justice. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in a highly respected organization.

About the Position

The Director of Communications oversees all communications operations for NASP. The Director is responsible for ensuring effective promotion of the association, NASP’s strategic goals, the school psychology profession, and public and professional policies to support effective services for children and youth. The role includes developing and coordinating key messages across NASP program areas and platforms, developing and disseminating communications materials to key audiences, and managing public and media relations. The Director works in close collaboration with other NASP staff directors and volunteer leaders to ensure a cohesive, effective communications strategy. Strategic thinking, problem solving, collaboration skills, and written and oral communication skills are critical to this job. This position currently supervises one employee (Manager, Communications and Social Media). This is an exempt level position and the Director reports to the Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Develop a cohesive multi-channel communications strategy. Consult with NASP leaders and senior staff directors on policy and program objectives, target audiences, and key messages; participate in strategic planning; write, edit, or review strategic documents, as requested; help identify linkages between NASP strategic goals and program area initiatives and promote these enhanced opportunities. Ensure fidelity to NASP brand and voice.
2. Manage media relations. Develop, maintain, and leverage media contacts (national and trade) to advance NASP/school psychology brand and strategic goals; identify (and train as necessary) NASP spokespersons (leaders, subject area experts, staff directors), develop and disseminate press releases and statements (consulting with relevant staff directors); generate opportunities to place NASP positions and school psychology expertise in media outlets/platforms.
3. Develop and oversee social media strategy to support overall communications strategy. Work with Communications and Social Media Manager and other relevant staff to reach and expand key audiences, raise visibility of school psychology and NASP positions, and improve engagement among members, influencers, and decision-makers. Establish and analyze performance indicators to improve strategy and outcomes.
4. Manage crisis communications. Lead all communications in the event of crisis events impacting the Association or profession of school psychology. In situations where school psychologists need to respond to local or national crisis events, serve on staff-leadership crisis response team; collaborate on crisis planning, preparedness, and implementation; work with crisis team to develop and disseminate crisis support materials (mostly web and e-mail based); coordinate press response. Collaborate closely with Director of Professional Development (who is the staff liaison to the School Safety and Crisis Response Committee), Director of Policy and Advocacy, and other staff as appropriate to the specific crisis.
5. Assist in the creation of print and digital content. Understand purpose of particular communications and target content to address that purpose; draft, edit and/or review copy for NASP brochures, handouts, policy briefs, etc.; determine appropriate format for content and audience(s); identify audiences; coordinate with leadership/staff; coordinate with designers and production staff; help determine appropriate methods of dissemination; oversee development and dissemination of NASP In Brief (NASP’s weekly e-Newsletter).
6. Support Communications Committee. Serve as staff liaison to the NASP Communications Committee; help coordinate, write, and edit monthly “Communication Matters” column and inserts in Communiqué; develop theme and materials for and promote National School Psychology Week (second week in November); create ongoing adaptable materials for member use in state and local advocacy and communications efforts; help coordinate and attend committee meetings; work with chair and co-chair to develop and give communications training for NASP leaders and for the special session at the NASP convention.
7. Develop and manage communications partnerships. Identify opportunities to create communications partnerships with allied organizations; coordinate, edit or write related articles or materials; negotiate terms; coordinate partnerships with NASP objectives; track and disseminate outcomes to NASP staff, leaders, and members.
8. Support convention communications and events. Coordinate advance press and press at the convention; draft general session script (i.e., coordinate overall script and timing, help develop President’s remarks); draft and help coordinate Awards Reception booklet and ceremony.
9. Support President and Executive Director as requested. Draft remarks, correspondence, materials, articles, etc. as requested; follow-up on events or issues; consult on strategic planning issues. Participate in NASP leadership meetings as requested. Other duties as assigned.
10. Develop budgets for communications activities. Develop and monitor budgets for Communications Committee and expenditures related to routine communications and social media platforms.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 5 years proven mid-to-senior level communications, crisis communications, and media relations experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the capacity to communicate effectively and efficiently with diverse audiences
• Knowledge of social media platforms and social media marketing/communications campaigns
• Excellent critical thinking and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and volunteer leaders
• Excellent listening skills and ability to craft effective messages based on others’ expertise
• Public speaking and professional development presentation skills
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Ability to supervise others in a hybrid environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); communications platforms (e.g., Canva, Meltwater, social media platforms, Buffer); ability to quickly learn new database and software applications used by NASP (e.g., iMIS, InFormz, Communities, web content management, etc.)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications
• Professional association communications experience
• Experience in K-12 education, youth mental health or closely related areas
• Knowledge and skills related to multi-media content development
• Knowledge of design and production process (for collaboration purposes)

Key Internal Relationships: Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, staff Directors in each of the relevant departments, Manager for Communications and Social Media.

Key External Relationships: NASP President and other key leaders, NASP members, state association leaders, media, related professional associations.

Application Procedure

Please send your CV, cover letter highlighting relevant accomplishments and outlining how your experience fits the requirements of the position, three (3) writing samples demonstrating skills in communicating to diverse audiences, and salary requirements (required). All materials should be sent via e-mail to [email protected]. Interviews (phone and in person) will commence as soon as possible. The association offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package. Following an initial 90-day onboarding period, a hybrid work schedule is possible.  NASP is located near the Bethesda Metro Station. No calls, please.

National Association of School Psychologists