Strategic External Affairs Director & Partnerships

RePublic Schools; Nashville, Jackson (TN, MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Plans

Paid Leave Programming

Comprehensive Benefits Program

Job summary

RePublic Schools in Nashville and Jackson seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Director of External Affairs to lead external engagement across communications, philanthropy, and community partnerships. Reporting to the CEO, this role shapes the organization’s story, deepens relationships with partners and supporters, and guides messaging across channels while supporting fundraising and board engagement.

The ideal candidate translates complex education initiatives into clear narratives, builds

Qualifications

• Exceptional storytelling and communication skills: translate complex work into clear narratives.
• Relationship builder: emotionally intelligent and comfortable with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker and executor: set priorities, manage multiple initiatives, deliver results.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: thrive in dynamic environments with evolving strategies.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit leadership, education, or related field.
• Five or more years of experience in development, communications, external affairs, fundraising, or community engagement; education/mission-driven org preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with donors, families, board members, community leaders, and external stakeholders while operating independently.
• Broad knowledge of fundraising, communications, and marketing and how they integrate to support external strategy.
• Strong project management and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and execution for how RePublic communicates its mission, values, and impact.
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive communications and storytelling strategy across digital, print, and media channels.
• Craft narratives highlighting scholars, families, and educators across the network.
• Manage the organization’s website, social media, newsletters, and major campaigns with vendors.
• Analyze data and metrics to refine strategy and report on impact.
• Create messaging and materials that convey RePublic’s priorities.
• Monitor press and social coverage and craft thoughtful response strategies.
• Build relationships with local media to elevate stories from RePublic schools.

Skills

Storytelling

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Project management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/marketing/public relations

Job description

RePublic Schools in Nashville and Jackson seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Director of External Affairs to lead external engagement across communications, philanthropy, and community partnerships. Reporting to the CEO, this role shapes the organization’s story, deepens relationships with partners and supporters, and guides messaging across channels while supporting fundraising and board engagement.

The ideal candidate translates complex education initiatives into clear narratives, builds