National Office Employment Opportunities

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
 

Position:	Director of Communications
Location	Washington, DC

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 81 local education funds (LEFs) in 32 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 join the PEN senior management team. The Director of Communications will report to the Chief Operating Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Communications will create and implement a comprehensive, integrated internal and external communications program that will position PEN as a key public education resource 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. Specifically, the Director of Communications will:
 

• 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;

• 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
The ideal candidate will be a premier strategic communications professional with top-notch experience in public relations, national media campaigns, and outreach activities. She/he will have a demonstrated track record of creating multi-dimensional communications programs. The ideal candidate also will have:
 

• Minimum of 10 years progressive leadership experience in strategic communications;

• 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;

• 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.

Bachelor of Arts in relevant field required, master’s degree preferred.

PEN is an equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Competitive salary and benefits. For more information, visit our website at: www.publiceducation.org. To apply: email letter, resume, and salary history & requirements to Jobs@publiceducation.org or fax to 202.628.1893.

PEN is an equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Competitive salary and benefits. For more information, visit our website at: www.publiceducation.org. To apply: email letter, resume, and salary history & requirements to Jobs@publiceducation.org or fax to 202.628.1893.

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