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Massachusetts

Director of Communications, Massachusetts Charter Public School Association

The Organization

Founded in 2001, the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association (MCPSA) is a school membership organization representing more than 72 schools. As the voice of one of the nation’s highest-performing charter public school sectors, MCPSA engages in public policy advocacy, communications, and best practice sharing and training aimed at strengthening educational programming. MCPSA’s mission is to create and protect the conditions that will enable the charter public school sector to thrive, and advance the larger goal of ensuring all Massachusetts children and families have equitable access to high-quality schools.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Chief of Public Affairs, the Director of Communications (DC) will manage MCPSA’s Communications Manager to co-develop and execute the organization’s internal and external communications strategy aimed at strengthening public and political support for charter public schools.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the development, and assume responsibility for the execution, of a multi-year communications and public relations strategy for the charter public school sector;
  • Manage, support, and develop MCPSA’s Communications Manager;
  • Manage and evaluate MCPSA’s work with its third-party PR firm and other communications consultants;
  • Partner with MCPSA’s third-party PR firm to provide timely and responsive crisis communication support for the charter public school sector and member schools;
  • Partner with MCPSA’s third-party PR firm to increase the frequency of positive news coverage in earned media for the charter public school sector and member schools;
  • Author external communications (e.g., newsletters, press releases, social media statements, op-eds, legislative testimonies, etc.) on behalf of the Executive Director and MCPSA to educate about the value of charter public schools;
  • Oversee the development of all print and digital collateral, including annual reports, membership brochures, fact sheets, and more;
  • Oversee the development of a social media strategy and calendar;
  • Lead and support the Comms4Charters (C4C) Community (i.e., a community of practice made up of communications staff across MA’s charter public schools) by developing a scope and sequence for weekly phone calls and emails, resources, setting up professional development opportunities for the community throughout the year, and creating/disseminating communications resources;
  • Provide 1:1 communications support for school leaders and C4C members when needed;
  • In collaboration with the Director of Government Affairs, support in the development and execution of various advocacy-related communications, campaigns, and initiatives;
  • Liaise and partner with local and national charter public school advocates to ensure MCPSA’s perspective and voice is included in pertinent communications and public relations campaigns; and,
  • Support MCPSA’s Executive Director and Chief of Public Affairs with other tasks as needed.

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in education and/or nonprofit communications
  • Passion and commitment to helping the charter public sector thrive as a key vehicle for ensuring equitable access to high-quality schools
  • Experience and/or comfort leading and training communications professionals
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent ability to build relationships, trust, and rapport with a range of individuals
  • Experienced manager preferred
  • Experience working with or in a charter public school/charter management organization a plus, though not required
  • A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle

Location and Timing:

This full time position is available immediately. MCPSA is a virtual organization with team members working remotely. This position will include some travel throughout the state and may require irregular hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Compensation:

MCPSA offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including base salary, bonus, health, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.

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.

How To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@masscharterschools.org. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and continue until the position is filled.

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