The Director of External Affairs works directly with the United Charter High Schools central office leadership and staff to manage and promote the organization’s brand, activities, student recruitment strategies, events and communications. Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief Operations Officer, the Director of External Affairs will play a key role in supporting the work of the charter schools as part of the central office team. The Director of External Affairs participates in the network’s overall strategy, planning, and delivery. This position is based at the main office but requires some travel to local school sites as determined by the Chief Operations Officer.
To apply, visit the United Charter High Schools careers site:
https://grnh.se/36ceb8361us
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Daily Operations
- Support the initiatives and follow the directives of the Chief Operations Officer.
- Plan, develop and implement a comprehensive network-wide student recruitment program designed to achieve school goals as the COO directs.
- Serve as a member of the COO’s Senior Team and participate in network planning and development.
- Provides oversight and direction related to organization relations and media relations.
- Collaborates with designers and content providers to develop applications and media platforms.
- Update the organization website regularly to ensure concise and current information.
- Monitor and analyze website and mobile applications performance.
- Develop and approve website content for publication, such as blogs, video content, photo articles and embedded digital resources.
- Develops a monthly or quarterly newsletter for all network staff.
- Attends meetings as directed by the COO or assigned designee.
- Manage and maintain positive vendor relationships.
- Monitors department budget and supply inventory to ensure that expenses are within budget and/or fiscal practices are followed and required materials are available, if applicable.
- Operates various equipment to produce printed materials, videos, power points, etc., as required.
- Responds to inquiries to provide requested information and/or refer to appropriate resources.
- Assists other personnel as may be required to support them in publicizing their activities and programs.
- Posts regularly to social media handles such as YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to promote organization announcements and events.
- Works under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods.
- Organizes and maintains an efficient and effective office that handles various tasks for the administration, faculty, students, and parents of the school/department and organization.
- Ensures that all communications from the office meet proper written and oral English standards.
- Works cooperatively with staff in other offices with the completion of large or time-sensitive projects or emergencies.
- Maintains safe working conditions and operates electronic and other equipment needed to perform job functions and responsibilities.
- Attends required Department and Board meetings and serves, as appropriate, on staff committees when requested. 11. Serves as information liaison between the total school system and the community at large.
- Keeps informed about school and organization activities, requirements of the law and code, Board policy and regulations, and other information necessary for the functioning of the office.
- Continues to grow through collaboration with fellow communication members and participation in appropriate staff development and workshop programs.
- Displays ethical and professional behavior in working with everyone who communicates to and with the Communications Office.
- Serves as a role model for students and staff in demonstrating positive attitudes, appropriate attire and grooming, accepting responsibility, and an effective work ethic.
- Assists the CEO or designee in setting annual objectives for the organization’s public information program and plans budget for meeting objectives, as directed.
- Assists in the planning and coordinating of organization events, i.e., CEO Forum, parent forums, etc.
- Assists in the planning and coordinating meetings with the CEO and PTO leadership.
- Services as liaison officer between the organization and news media and supervises the production and distribution of all news releases; arranges for press conferences as required; and prepares press kits for distribution to reporters covering Board meetings, programs, and public hearings, as requested.
- Tracks and reports on the impact of the communications activities.
- Ensures that the organization’s vision, mission and values are reflected in external communications.
- Coordinates the preparation and the release of all school organization publications (except student publications), including such publications and announcements as recruitment brochures, orientation brochures for new teachers, news blasts, phone blasts, e-blasts, information brochures for the parents of students new to the organization and the like.
- Assists in planning periodic polling of public/community opinion regarding the organization or current issues in education, as directed by the COO or designee.
- Maintains open lines of communication with all community organizations and responds promptly to requests for public information about the organization, its policies, and its programs.
- Advises the COO or CEO on the probable public relations consequences of shifts in existing programs and policies.
- Maintains an organization talent bank of staff members willing to serve community organizations as speakers or volunteer resource specialists.
- Serves upon request as a speechwriter for Board officers or the CEO.
- Takes photos, writes and distributes news releases about schools, organization and Board activities to various news media, including but not limited to local news handles, New York Media (given the importance of the event).
- Speaks at public/community meetings on issues of general or specific pertinence to organization schools and programs at the request of the CEO.
- Responsible for disseminating school closing information to the news media, local authorities and community.
- Attends weekend and evening meetings and/or events as the CEO directs.
- Attends all graduations and other special events as the CEO assigns.
- Collaborates with the Organization Community School Site Coordinator in promoting and publicizing parent and community participation in organization-sponsored events.
- Stays abreast of professional practices in communication and public relations.
- All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established.
Charter Network Support
- Serve as liaison with other units at United Charter High School operations staff to support operational efficiency.
- Undertake special projects as needed in support of the central office team.
- Provide regular professional development to staff around key data management and reporting areas.
Secondary Job Functions
- Comfort working in rapidly changing contexts and under conditions of ambiguity.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and independently.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the COO and/or designee.
Required Education, Certifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A degree in English or journalism is preferred.
- Have a minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in communication, public relations environments and student recruitment environments.
- Provides proof of U. S. citizenship or legal resident alien status by completing Federal Form I-9 in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
- Provides evidence that a criminal record history check has been conducted and clearance has been given by the New York Department of Education or an approved examining provider.
- Provides evidence that health is adequate to fulfill the job functions and responsibilities with reasonable accommodation pursuant to state and federal mandates.
- Hold and maintain a valid driver’s license with no serious violations (if applicable to assignment).
- Meets alternatives to the above qualifications as the Chief Executive officer may find appropriate and acceptable.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Has prior experience in leading large scale student recruitment efforts, preferably for a charter network.
- Ability to manage several projects and tasks simultaneously.
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Knowledge of public relations practices.
- Knowledge of media production, communication and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes
- alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral and visual media.
- Ability to write and comprehend information and ideas so others will understand.
- Ability to write and comprehend information and ideas so others will understand.
- Ability to exercise great initiative, independent judgment, integrity, and good moral character.
- Exhibit a personality that demonstrates enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents and the community, including complex and emotional situations.
- Meet such other qualifications as the Board may find appropriate.
Desired Knowledge and Skills (if applicable):
- Google Applications Platform.
- Proficient in operating virtual meeting platforms.
- Experience managing food services.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of public charter school policies and programs.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Working in front of a computer screen for several hours per day.
- Hybrid office/remote (M/F) work with occasional travel to local school sites required.
- On-call to address emergencies related to public announcements.
EEO/ADA
(Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with existing ADA requirements for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)
*This job description is not a complete statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements but represents the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed. Management retains the discretion to add or change typical duties at any time and as required. All changes must be reasonable and within the functions of the role.
To apply, visit the United Charter High Schools careers site:
https://grnh.se/36ceb8361us
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $95,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
- Public relations/ communications: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- New York, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
