ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

The Education Trust (EdTrust) seeks an Assistant Director of Communications to join the organization’s Tennessee Communications team. The Assistant Director will join a staff committed to fulfilling our mission of advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the American education system.

The Assistant Director contributes to and shapes strategic communications efforts and media relations strategy for an assigned content area, such as P-12 or higher education. The Assistant Director plays a critical role in amplifying and promoting the organization’s policy positions and advocacy messages to advance educational equity.

Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases the political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.

Available October 1, 2024, this role is based in our Nashville, Tennessee office and is eligible for telework up to three days a week.

ABOUT THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ROLE

The responsibilities and objectives for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collaborate with Executive Director to set the direction for and lead the implementation of earned, paid media, digital, and traditional media strategies to drive engagement of our higher education advocacy to targeted audiences.
• Serve as a liaison between the Communications Team and Policy and Research and Advocacy & Engagement teams to develop high-level communications strategies, editorial calendars, and compelling messages that advance EdTrust’s policy priorities
• Write and edit public-facing content, such as op-eds, press statements, and report collateral for print and online mediums
• Prepare talking points and messaging guidance for Executive Director
• Build and cultivate relationships with reporters, and serve as the primary point of contact for the media -- including fielding inquiries, pitching stories, and liaising between the media and spokespeople
• Coach and develop spokespeople within the Tennesse office including providing training and running preparation and feedback sessions, to help focus their key messages and sharpen their public engagement skills for media interviews
• Monitor and report on key metrics for assessing the mission impact of our communications efforts
• Manage a Communications Associate to maximize the reach of our messages across traditional and digital media platforms, as well as coordinating across EdTrust to ensure alignment of communications strategies and content that is accessible to broader audiences
• Monitor current strategic communications trends and best practices, especially in the educational equity and advocacy arena, and frequently apply new knowledge to improve our impact continuously
• Collaborate on the development of creative / project briefs in early project development
• Serve as the bridge between policy/research and external audiences, translating technical material into easily digestible talking points, media pitches, and tailoring key points to diverse audiences
• Supporting writing/editing projects from the policy and research team

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Shared belief in Ed Trust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity
• Dedication to contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and execute strong follow-through
• Ability to collaborate with a variety of teams and stakeholders
• Excellent project management and ability to create strong engagement plans
• Willingness to receive and act upon, as well as provide, constructive feedback
• Problem solving ability

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree. Advanced degree preferred
• Significant experience in communications, journalism, media relations, campaigns, advocacy, or a related field, with progressively increasing responsibility
• Familiarity with or knowledge of prominent education issues, particularly education equity issues

COMPENSATION

The position falls within Level F of our salary structure for our Tennessee office. New hires typically fall within the minimum and mid-point of the range, which is $108,360 to $135,450,

EdTrust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% contribution opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19

At EdTrust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all EdTrust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, PLEASE APPLY

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.

To apply: Please provide an updated resume and CV.