Job Title: Regional Director of External Affairs
Location: Regional Office, Concept Schools
Reports To: Superintendent
About Us
Concept Schools is a nonprofit charter management organization that provides a high-quality, STEM-focused, and college-preparatory education through a network of charter public schools while offering exceptional programs, comprehensive services, and opportunities to partner in education. Concept manages a network of 30+ schools across the Midwest and supports the teaching and learning of 14,000 K-12 students.
Position Description
As a collaborative partner with the Regional Superintendent of Schools, Chief Strategic Growth and Communications Officer, and Chief Development Officer, the Regional Director of External Affairs will champion and direct the strategic initiatives encompassing marketing and communications, community engagement, government relations, philanthropy, and student enrollment for a Concept Schools regional office. Tasked with propelling the region towards expansion and innovation, the Director will fortify its local and national significance, aligning with its core mission. By nurturing relationships and fostering a compelling narrative, the Director will uphold its reputation as one of the leading regions of charter public schools in the Midwest. The Regional Director of External Affairs will report to the Regional Superintendent.
Key Responsibilities - Developing Communication Strategies: Create comprehensive communication strategies to effectively convey the charter school's mission, values, programs, and achievements to various stakeholders, including parents, students, staff, community members, and policymakers.
- Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain relationships with local media outlets to generate positive coverage of the charter school, respond to media inquiries, and draft press releases or statements as needed.
- Digital Communication: Oversee the school's digital communication channels, including website content, social media platforms, email newsletters, and online engagement tools, to enhance visibility and engagement with stakeholders.
- Community Engagement: Lead efforts to engage with the local community, including organizing outreach events, attending community meetings, collaborating with local organizations, and fostering partnerships to support the charter school's goals.
- Parent and Family Communication: Develop strategies to effectively communicate with parents and families, including newsletters, informational sessions, and regular updates on school activities, policies, and opportunities for involvement.
- Government and Stakeholder Relations: Engage with government officials, charter authorizers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to advocate for the charter school, build support, and address regulatory or policy issues affecting the school.
- Student Enrollment: Monitor school enrollment, and collaborate with school and network leaders to ensure annual enrollment targets are met
- Fundraising and Development: Lead fundraising efforts to secure financial support for the charter school's programs and initiatives, including donor cultivation, grant writing, special events, and stewardship of donor relationships.
- Crisis Communication: Develop and implement crisis communication plans to effectively manage communication during emergencies, controversies, or sensitive situations to protect the charter school's reputation and maintain trust within the community.
- Data Analysis and Evaluation: Track and analyze the effectiveness of communication strategies, community engagement efforts, and fundraising activities through data collection and evaluation, making adjustments as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
- Collaboration and Leadership: Collaborate with school leadership, staff, and external partners to align external affairs efforts with the charter school's strategic priorities and foster a culture of communication, transparency, and community involvement.
- Professional Development: Stay informed about trends, best practices, and developments in the fields of communication, community engagement, fundraising, and education policy to continuously improve strategies and approaches.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience: Extensive experience in communications or public relations, preferably within the education sector or a nonprofit environment. Specific experience with charter schools highly desirable.
- Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proficiency in digital media, strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities, adeptness in crisis management.
Travel Requirements: Willingness to travel frequently across designated regions and occasionally to other locations as required by the role.
Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
This role is designed for a dynamic and proactive leader capable of navigating complex educational and political landscapes to effectively promote and support the growth and success of Concept Schools through strategic external affairs initiatives.
