Vice President of Public Affairs

East Coast with Washington, DC Area Preferred (Hybrid)

Organization: Center for Education Reform/Yass Prize

 

About the Organization:
Working to advance education innovation and opportunity for nearly 3 decades, the Center for Education Reform also today administers the $1 Million Yass Prize for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless Education that best demonstrates the STOP principles. In conjunction with the Yass Prize, the STOP Awards Initiative provides over $16 million in support annually to honor educators who achieve excellence.

 

About the role:
The Vice President of Public Affairs is responsible for creating and managing most of the communications work for Center for Education Reform and The Yass Prize, coordinating everything from media relations to internal, external and online communications. This role, while it involves executing strategy, is not a strategic role. It is a hands-on, action-oriented position that demands a roll-up-your-sleeves orientation for someone who likes to do the work, not just manage it.This role will report to the CEO and supervise all communications team members, externally and internally.

While an East Coast presence is preferred, particularly Washington, DC, Philly or New York, the Vice President may work virtually but is required to be in a well-outfitted office and present and available at all times during the work day and at other key peak periods.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Promotional Outreach & Media Relations: Develop, nurture and steward relationships with media, identify media opportunities, and proactive outreach to maximize the visibility and impact of organizational efforts while maintaining strong systems and data to support the ongoing evolution of effort.
  • Story Development & Content Creation: Support and manage the development of compelling narratives and content for both CER and the Yass Prize in partnership with leadership, actively engaging in the production of all print and digital collateral, such as newsletters, stories, media releases, web copy, and e-communications. This includes the management, and as needed, the actual writing and editing.
  • Website & Social Media Oversight: Manage website design and development, including SEO implementation, and oversee the implementation of effective social media strategy.
  • Events Management: Support and manage key aspects of all events, including script development and participant engagement. Supports colleagues on all event organization from concept to execution.
  • Communications Team Leadership: Lead a fast paced communications strategy and drive team to implement and execute with excellence.

 

Key attributes of this position

  • Proven ability to manage staff and manage up to leadership.
  • Highly accomplished in managing systems and highly proficient in utilizing all 21st-century technologies and applications that power modern offices
  • Proven leadership and strategic thinking abilities, along with a hands-on approach to work, willing and able to be intensively and actively engaged in performing tasks as well as managing them.
  • Comfortable and confident in working with high-level constituencies, and has proven accomplishments with national media exposure.
  • Proactive in bringing PR plans to life and have excellent relationships with direct reports.
  • Exceptional oral and written communication and proofing skills
  • Entrepreneurial, personable, and tenacious
  • Demonstrated understanding of education opportunity and innovation arenas
  • Conscientious about deliverables and continually striving to excel
  • Flexible, innovative, and adaptable to day to day work demands, changes and shifting priorities.
  • Able to work with urgency in a busy environment

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in social sciences, or English
  • At least seven years of public relations, media or comms experience
  • Experience with and mastery of digital media
  • Strong background in project management, event organization and execution
  • Team player –  no task is too small or too big

 

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary Range: $160,000 – $175,000 depending on years of experience, accomplishment and performance
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Generous Retirement
  • Paid Holiday, Sick, and Vacation time

How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

  • Cover letter detailing your interest in this role, your passion for education transformation, and your salary requirements
  • Resume

Applications should be submitted to [email protected].
CER is an equal opportunity employer, especially committed to equal opportunity for all in education and life and fostering diversity in our workplaces. All applicants are encouraged to apply!

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