Company Description The NC Association for Public Charter Schools is dedicated to advancing quality educational opportunities for all children in North Carolina. The organization focuses on supporting and expanding successful public charter schools across the state. It works with educators, families, and communities to promote innovation, choice, and high standards in public education. By championing effective charter school policies and practices, the association aims to improve student outcomes and strengthen North Carolina’s public education system.

Role Description The Communications Director supports the organization and Executive Director by managing the internal and external communications of the Association. This includes, but is not limited to, establishing and maintaining relationships with education editors of major media outlets; maintaining a database of media organizations and contacts within them; managing the Association’s social media communications; regularly meeting with and pursuing interviews with media personnel; creating and producing Charter By Choice, The Charter School Advocate and Matters of Principal; acting as a spokesperson for the organization; establishing himself/herself as the charter school communications authority for North Carolina; and drafting, editing, and distributing various types of content, including graphics for the website, press releases, marketing material, mass emails, and op-eds that send a cohesive message to the public and legislators. The Communications Director has intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook as well as GrowthZone, and the Google Suite. The Communications Director must be a self-starter, willing to research information and self-teach various applications and functions. The Communications Director must also be adept at taking assigned tasks from the Executive Director from a high-level, identify moving parts and details, and determine how the details work best to successfully and efficiently fulfill each assignment. The Communications Director holds a college degree in English, Communications, Public Relations or related fields with at least five years of charter school experience (non-negotiable), preferably in a Communications role. 

Qualifications

·        Maintains a high level of education and knowledge on pertinent issues related to education, charter schools, and policy on the state and national fronts.

·        Establishes relationships with major print and electronic media editors and their education reporters.

·        Works with the Executive Director to create quarterly communications campaigns related to school choice and charter school issues.

·        Releases general information about important events such as the annual conference, annual National School Choice event, National Teacher Appreciation Week, and National Charter Schools Week, including the venue, keynote speakers, and activities. Creates events’ promotional images including theme, logo, special receptions, and prizes.

·        Sends promotional material, graphics, and email invitations to schools. Creates RSVP forms on the website for schools to use.

·        Creates and manages a charter school communications directors’ cohort.

·        Manages and edits Charter By Choice podcast and schedules a regular cadence of guests.

·        Creates policy communications such as calls to action, candidate scorecards, graphics and content toolkits, and grassroots campaigns.

·        Establishes a standing monthly communications call with communications directors at member schools to discuss issues and strategy in order to streamline messaging across the state.

·        Formats, edits, and releases monthly and quarterly Association publications and newsletters, including but not limited to, Matters of Principal and The Charter Advocate. Submits drafts to Executive Director for approval and makes additions, removals, changes, and corrections accordingly.

·        Creates and manages applications on Association website, including the Job Board, events calendar, resources, forum, and marketplace. Updates, upgrades, and troubleshoots website regularly.

·        Drafts, edits, revises, and submits a monthly op-ed on a relevant educational issue for the Executive Director.

·        Maintains a high level of professionalism in all verbal and written communications by being diligent in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and usage.

·        Updates social media daily with pertinent topics, issues, articles, and op-eds.

·        Creates brand awareness of the NC Association for Public Charter Schools with the goal of cementing in the stakeholders’ minds the value and importance of the organization.

·        Participates in monthly calls with the communications staff of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and other charter school experts. Works with the staff on national and statewide campaigns.

·        Advises schools on communications’ issues, including crisis communications as situations emerge.

·        Maintains website information with updates on event opportunities and relevant topics. Creates engaging content which draws readers to the website.

·        Visits schools to gather video footage for promotional purposes.

·        Other duties may be added or deleted as directed by NCAPCS Board or Executive Director.

·        Mostly remote work environment.

·        Must have access to own transportation and be willing and able to travel.