Senior Director, Education Communications & Brand Strategy

Friendship Public Charter School; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Friendship Public Charter School is seeking an experienced Senior Director of Communications and Marketing to lead strategic communications, marketing, media relations, and brand management across a network of DC schools. The role reports to the Chief External Affairs Officer and guides storytelling that elevates student and community impact.

You will oversee content across multiple platforms, shape executive communications, and drive recruitment and digital strategies to strengthen Friendship’s

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, external affairs, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated communications and marketing strategies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong digital communications skills including social media strategy, website management, SEO, email marketing, and digital analytics.
• Experience developing scalable communications processes, including brand standards, editorial calendars, content workflows, and approval systems.
• Experience supervising staff and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive Strategic Communications and Brand Leadership: develop and execute a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy aligned to strategic priorities; lead brand standards; ensure consistent messaging and storytelling; develop annual plans.
• Elevate Storytelling and Visibility: build year-round storytelling across students, families, educators, alumni, and partners; oversee written, visual, video, and digital content; support executive communications and thought leadership; position the organization on issues in education and workforce readiness.
• Lead Media Relations and Reputation Management: develop earned media strategies; cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national media; draft media materials and talking points; monitor issues and support crisis communications.
• Strengthen Student and Talent Recruitment: partner with enrollment and talent teams to develop marketing strategies; oversee integrated campaigns across digital, social, print, and community channels; ensure recruitment messaging reflects mission and impact.
• Advance Digital Communications: lead website strategy and digital presence; oversee social media strategy and engagement; expand video and digital storytelling; use data and analytics to improve performance.
• Lead and Develop Teams: supervise Communications Manager, with path to expand the team; manage vendors and partners; build cross-department collaboration and a culture of continuous improvement.

Job description

Friendship Public Charter School is seeking an experienced Senior Director of Communications and Marketing to lead strategic communications, marketing, media relations, and brand management across a network of DC schools. The role reports to the Chief External Affairs Officer and guides storytelling that elevates student and community impact.

You will oversee content across multiple platforms, shape executive communications, and drive recruitment and digital strategies to strengthen Friendship’s