Communications Director - Education Policy Program

New America’s Education Policy program (EPP) seeks an experienced and innovative Communications Director to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy in support of our research, advocacy, and direct service initiatives.  

This position is full-time, based in Washington, DC. The role requires on-site, in-office presence on a regular basis.

Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy and Leadership

• In partnership with the VP of EPP, design and execute EPP’s communications strategy.
• Recruit, manage, and develop EPP communications staff, including senior communications associates and interns.
• Oversee EPP communications budget.
• Provide guidance to direct reports, provide feedback in annual performance reviews for team members, and assist in interviewing and hiring for open positions;
• Serve as a leader within EPP and the organization, continuing to develop and strengthen the work and culture of New America.
• Build the writing and communications skills of EPP staff through workshops and presentations.
• Serve as a strategic partner to New America’s central communications staff, working closely with them to strategically release EPP content through institutional channels.

Project Management and Content Development

• Oversee the production of EPP publications (briefs, reports, toolkits) and ensure adherence to New America’s editorial and brand standards.
• Oversee the marketing and promotion of EPP content, mapping strategy to tactics.
• Create synergy and support for EPP's research across the organization through creative and coordinated marketing and social media outreach strategies.
• Write clear, compelling summaries of EPP’s policy research for website, social media, event descriptions, and fundraising materials.
• Serve as EPP’s in-house media relations expert.
• Cultivate strong relationships with journalists and media professionals to place EPP’s projects and people in targeted outlets.
• Understanding of accessibility standards and policies for print, digital, and multi-media products, web content, and in-person events.  

Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with external audiences like press, peer organizations, funders, and consultants.
• Build and foster positive working relationships with colleagues across the organization.
• Give and receive regular feedback in a constructive and professional manner.
• Actively participate in the EPP and New America community; build/maintain relationships across programs to initiate and support cross-programmatic work.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of demonstrated professional experience in leading and managing communications teams.
• Excellent written communication, verbal communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge and expertise in education policy preferred.
• Exceptional manager, leader, and mentor with a vision for connecting strategies to tactics.
• Proven track-record of developing successful communications strategies and campaigns.
• Demonstrated interest or dedication to fostering equitable outcomes across society and especially for lower-income communities, communities of color, and other historically marginalized constituencies.

Location: This position is full-time, based in Washington, DC. The role requires on-site, in-office presence on a regular basis.

Compensation & Benefits: This position is a full-time role with benefits. The annual salary range for this position is $110,000 -.$135,000 depending on experience and demonstrated competencies. New America offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health care, dental, and vision coverage; a generous retirement plan; 20 days of paid time off in your first year of employment and 30 days of paid time off in subsequent years; 10 paid federal holidays; and an office-wide closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day. 

Application Process: To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are recommended.

No phone calls or emails will be answered

Operating status and Vaccine Policy:  New America has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, New America staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. New America will require all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in the DC office. We consider requests for medical or religious accommodations.

Work Environment:

The work environment is in an indoor office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets

New America is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization thereby creating a culture that allows us to better serve our clientele, our employees, and our communities. We value and encourage the contributions of our employees and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination.