Director of Communications

Are you passionate about working for an organization that serves to empower and uplift students through the education system by removing barriers and helping students realize their fullest potential? Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We achieve our mission by hiring bright, creative, and innovative team members who demonstrate a passion for what they do.

If this is you, are you All In For Kids?

Who we want:

Communities In Schools is hiring a Director of Communications for the administrative office located in Austin, TX.

The Director of Communications will be responsible for the development and implementation of both external and internal communications strategies for Communities In Schools of Central Texas, which serves 103 schools in seven school districts. The person in this position will be an effective, ethical storyteller, writing and producing stories, publications and videos that demonstrate the mission and impact of Communities In Schools of Central Texas and enhance the organization’s visibility throughout our communities. The Director of Communications will be mission-oriented and a relationship-builder, and enjoy creating and implementing new initiatives, as well as demonstrating a sincere commitment to working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, including team members, school communities, partners, governmental entities, alumni, families, board members, volunteers, public and private funders, individual donors, and community leaders. 

Application Requirements: To be considered for this role, applicants must submit a cover letter and communication samples. 

1) Cover Letter: In your cover letter please highlight experience for five of the following areas: strategic planning; executive communications, including scriptwriting; print and digital materials; media relations; social media; tracking and reporting KPIs; graphic design; web design and management; photography and video production; communications training; and presenting to internal and external audiences. Each highlight should be 2-3 sentences.

2) Communication Samples: Please include three samples of your work that showcase your skills. Examples may include writing, design, video, a social media campaign, communications plan or a presentation. 

Both the cover letter and work samples can be attached to your job application or sent directly to talent@ciscentraltexas.org.

Who you are:

First and foremost, we are looking for amazing people who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our mission, and are highly motivated to change children's lives through education.  You will be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, and the people around you to the next level.

This is an exciting time to join Communities In Schools. We have moved into our new 30,000 sq ft headquarters, funded through contributions.

What we offer:

CIS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The starting salary range for this position is $5,000/mo.  Salaries are determined by qualifications and relevant experience. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and midpoint depending on experience and in alignment with internal equity.

Some of our benefits:

• Generous time off includes 4+ weeks of holiday and 2 weeks of vacation time
• CIS pays for 100% of the employee premium for the base medical insurance plan and we provide subsidy to support coverage for spouse/domestic partner and children
• Dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options
• Professional development
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• We offer an inclusive environment where staff are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work every day

What you’ll bring:

Required:

• Six (6)+ years of progressively responsible and successful experience in communications, public relations, marketing and/or journalism.
• Experience leading projects and initiatives, and helping teams succeed while working in a fast-paced and growing cross-functional environment
• Excellent supervisory and leadership skills
• Experience developing and executing social media campaigns
• Demonstrated commitment to serving all students in all communities           

Highly preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or a related degree
• Ability to create bilingual Spanish/English messaging
• Experience in graphic design for print and digital communications
• Experience managing video production from concept to production to promotion
• Experience writing thought pieces and guest columns and submitting Op-Eds
• Experience managing website content, and using WordPress or other content management systems
• Experience in public affairs, working with educational systems, community partners, governmental entities or elected officials

What you’ll do:

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications strategy to advance the organization’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility across key stakeholder audiences
• Produce a range of print and digital materials including an annual report, fact sheets, talking points, and 1-pagers
• Manage the organization’s internal and external websites, and social media accounts
• Produce videos throughout the year, both for internal and external audiences. Use available resources to produce some in-house, and work with vendors on others
• Develop and pitch the CEO and senior leaders as subject matter experts through various channels, including op-ed opportunities, in-person speaking appearances and strategic media interactions
• Lead the planning and execution of a media and public relations strategy, and cultivate and sustain relationships with regional and local media and community groups and networks
• Collaborate across the organization to pursue and secure media coverage in line with strategic priorities
• Manage media requests, and coordinate, schedule and prepare key leaders for press interviews
• Pitch story ideas and content to the media
• Oversee and lead media, communications and public speaking training for staff, senior leadership and spokespersons
• Prepare students, families and team members for speaking engagements, video productions, panels and testimonials
• Monitor success metrics/KPIs and effectiveness of public relations, social media, and other communication efforts. Monitor and report relevant trends. Maintain records of media mentions and value. Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning, and staff development
• Perform all other duties as required by the Chief Advocacy and Outreach Officer.

Supervisory Structure:  This position is supervised by the Chief Advocacy and Outreach Officer. This position collaborates with communication colleagues and may supervise interns, fellows, and volunteers.

Work Location:  This position is a full-time position and will be required to work at the CIS central administrative office in Austin, TX. 

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. 

Communities In Schools of Central Texas is an equal-opportunity employer.