Careers

Communications Director – Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Job Description

LAPCS is seeking an experienced Communications Director to create and implement communications strategies across multiple audiences that elevates charter schools and moves our organization toward fulfilling our mission.  

As the charter school sector grows throughout the state, we require an experienced communications professional who can promote the LAPCS brand, interact through media and other communication platforms with the public, and establish productive relationships with key stakeholders and policymakers.

Applicants are energized daily to direct various communication strategies for the organization. For example, they will establish media relationships, respond to negative press stories, craft public statements, handle emergency communications for individual school members, plan events, create press kits, set up school tours, and more. 

The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of success in the communications sector, ideally with a background that includes candidate or issue campaign experience and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preference will be given to those with working knowledge of the K-12 public education space or experience working in advocacy.

The Communications Director reports to the Executive Director. Responsibilities include:

  • Create and implement a communications plan for LAPCS that includes strategies to promote charter schools, advance our advocacy priorities, grow stakeholder engagement, and enhance donor communications.
  • Managing an array of communication strategies and tactics in support of the LAPCS strategic plan and the goals within that plan, such as external-facing resources, including one-pagers, videos, earned media outreach, newsletters, action alerts, website, digital storytelling, etc. as well support for signature programming, annual conference and creation of The LAPCS annual report.
  • Support stakeholders in engaging with the press and policymakers by drafting and submitting letters to the editor, op-eds, testimonies, etc., in coordination with the policy team and key stakeholders.
  • Develop and execute communications strategies for particular campaigns through Louisiana Charter Schools in Action, a c4 sister organization of LAPCS, including working with outside consultants on direct mail, radio ads, etc.
  • Analyze campaigns and communications efforts to make data‐informed decisions concerning effectiveness and areas for improvement. 
  • Provide media training and technical assistance, including guidance on best practices, to other staff members and partners to support advocacy.
  • Cultivate relationships with organizations and individuals working in media and serve as the media contact for the organization.
  • Determine appropriate budget, tracking, measurements of success, and internal/external reporting.
  • Managing and assessing the performance of the Digital Media Manager; providing ongoing communications coaching and mentoring to the LAPCS staff.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal Communications Director candidate develops, integrates, and implements various communications, public relations, media, and community engagement tools and practices to support, promote, and advocate for excellent public charter schools.

  • Must support public education and charter schools’ role in providing families with educational choices.
  • Five or more years of relevant media and communications expertise.
  • A background in education or political experience is preferred.
  • Outstanding writing and verbal presentation skills.
  • Basic understanding of website content management and design, social media, CRM software, and electronic newsletters.
  • Competency in using data metrics for analyzing various communication strategies and performance related to email, direct mail, website, and other communication efforts.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and responsibilities.

Location

This is a fully remote position, with the expectation of periodic in-person team meetings, team-building events, and annual staff retreats. 

Salary and Benefits

  • Base salary – $85,000-$92,000, based on experience and expertise.
  • Health/Vision/Dental Insurance – Individual/family plans paid at 80%
  • Life Insurance – $40,000 company-paid policy.
  • Remote Work Stipend – Paid monthly
  • Personal Time – 2 weeks (10 days) in years one and two. 3 weeks (15 days) in years three and four. Additional 3 days in sick time.
  • Retirement – Up to a 4% match with full vestment.
  • Freedom Fridays in July – All Fridays in July are considered a paid holiday, in addition to the regular LAPCS calendar of paid holidays.
  • Bonus – End of Year structured bonus.
  • Professional Development – Annual professional development budget of $1,500.

To apply, please send a copy of your resume to Melissa Carollo at [email protected].