Strategic Communications Director

National-Institute-For-Excellence-in-Teachin; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) seeks a Director of Communications to lead strategy, oversee media relations, newsletters, digital communications, and marketing, reporting to the Senior Vice President of Policy and Communications.

This role manages a communications team, shapes NIET's public profile, engages top-tier media, and ensures consistent messaging across internal and external channels while advancing the organization’s reputation.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communications plan.
• Excellent verbal and written communication across print and online media.
• 12+ years of communications or marketing experience.
• Proven success in building relationships with top-tier reporters and editors.
• Knowledge of education systems, educator policy, leadership development, and the evolving national education landscape is preferred.
• Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Strong project management, goal setting, time management, and prioritization.
• Experience managing and growing a team.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance NIET’s brand identity, broaden awareness of its programs and priorities, and increase visibility across key stakeholder audiences.
• Create marketing/public relations strategy to cultivate relationships with targeted external audiences, including media and influencers.
• Create and execute internal communications plans, including messaging, materials and presentations for staff.
• Identify challenges and opportunities; work with leadership to recognize internal and external communications needs and develop solutions.
• Serve as communications liaison to NIET leadership.
• Plan content for NIET communications: blog, social media, website, resources, outreach, announcements and awards.
• Produce high-quality written and digital content: features, press releases, articles, marketing materials.
• Develop NIET print communications and manage vendor relationships.
• Identify media opportunities; prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and supporting material.
• Engage and manage media relationships to ensure coverage of NIET programs and events.
• Oversee day-to-day activities of the communications team.

Skills

Leadership in comms plan

Verbal and written communication

12+ years communications/marketing

Media relations

Education policy knowledge

Collaboration

Project management

Team management

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Cloud familiarity

Canva

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, InDesign)

Canva

Job description

National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) seeks a Director of Communications to lead strategy, oversee media relations, newsletters, digital communications, and marketing, reporting to the Senior Vice President of Policy and Communications.

This role manages a communications team, shapes NIET's public profile, engages top-tier media, and ensures consistent messaging across internal and external channels while advancing the organization’s reputation.