Senior Director, Strategic Communications & External Relations

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Strategic Communications and External Affairs leads efforts to strengthen the NAIS brand and thought leadership within the independent school sector and the broader P-20 education ecosystem. The responsibilities of this role include developing a cohesive communications strategy, aligning executive messaging with the NAIS brand, supporting member and public outreach, enhancing internal information sharing, and advancing advocacy narratives to promote the value of independent schools and NAIS’ expertise.

The position reports to the VP of Marketing, Communications, and Membership (MCM) and works cross-functionally with the President, COO, VPs and other key stakeholders in the development and execution of strategic communications efforts.

Responsibilities

External Relations, PR, and Media

• Manages external PR/media agency or consultants to develop PR/media plans aligned to the NAIS brand strategy and strategic communication goals and objectives.
• Serves as liaison to external PR/media agencies in executing media strategies and facilitating incoming media requests by coordinating with NAIS subject matter experts, providing research, information, and statistics, drafting responses, and engaging additional resources as needed. Working with external agencies, develops talking points for the president and/or NAIS leaders in advance of media interviews.

Executive Communications

• Works collaboratively to shape and execute the president’s communications strategy, maintaining the president’s voice/tone/key messages as part of the overall organizational communications and brand strategy.
• In conjunction with the president and the editorial director, plans and aids in the production of regular written communications and content for the president, including regular communica

• Develops and implements a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the NAIS brand and strategic goals.
• Manages external PR/media agencies and consultants to execute media strategies and facilitate incoming media requests.
• Works collaboratively with the president and other key stakeholders to shape and execute the president’s communications strategy.
• Plans and aids in the production of regular written communications and content for the president.
• Develops talking points for the president and/or NAIS leaders in advance of media interviews.
• Serves as liaison to external PR/media agencies and coordinates with NAIS subject matter experts to facilitate media requests.