Overview

Reporting to the Chief External Affairs Officer, the Senior Director of Communications and Marketing will lead Friendship's communications, marketing, media relations, digital communications, and brand management efforts. This individual will work closely with school leaders, senior leadership, and external partners to ensure Friendship's story is communicated consistently, effectively, and authentically.

 

Salary Range: $145,000 – $170,000.

The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated track record.

 

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Responsibilities

Drive Strategic Communications and Brand Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy aligned to Friendship's strategic priorities.
• Lead implementation of Friendship's brand standards across schools, departments, and external-facing communications.
• Ensure consistency in messaging, visual identity, and organizational storytelling.
• Develop annual communications, content, and campaign plans that advance organizational goals.

Elevate Storytelling and Visibility

• Build and manage a year-round storytelling strategy that highlights the experiences and achievements of students, families, educators, alumni, and community partners.
• Oversee the creation of written, visual, video, and digital content across multiple platforms.
• Support executive communications, thought leadership, speaking opportunities, and public engagement efforts for senior leaders.
• Position Friendship as a leading voice on issues impacting education, workforce readiness, and student success.

 

Lead Media Relations and Reputation Management

• Develop proactive earned media strategies to increase awareness of Friendship's impact and accomplishments.
• Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Draft media materials, talking points, opinion pieces, and executive communications.
• Monitor emerging issues and support crisis communications planning and response efforts.

Strengthen Student and Talent Recruitment

• Partner with enrollment and talent teams to develop marketing strategies that support student recruitment and staff hiring goals.
• Oversee integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social, print, and community channels.
• Ensure recruitment messaging reflects Friendship's mission, culture, and impact.

Advance Digital Communications

• Lead Friendship's website strategy and ongoing digital presence.
• Oversee social media strategy, content planning, and audience engagement efforts.
• Expand the organization's use of video, digital storytelling, and emerging communications platforms.
• Use data and analytics to evaluate performance and continuously improve communications efforts.

Lead and Develop Teams

• Supervise and develop the Communications Manager, with a clear path to build and lead an expanded team as the function grows.
• Manage communications vendors, consultants, and creative partners.
• Build strong partnerships across schools and departments to strengthen coordination and information sharing.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• 7+ years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, external affairs, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated communications and marketing strategies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong digital communications skills, including social media strategy (organic and paid), website management, SEO, email marketing, and digital analytics.
• Experience developing scalable communications processes, including brand standards, editorial calendars, content workflows, and approval systems.
• Experience supervising staff and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Experience in education, nonprofit organizations, public affairs, advocacy, or mission-driven organizations.
• Experience supporting student recruitment, enrollment marketing, or talent recruitment initiatives.
• Experience advising senior executives and supporting thought leadership efforts.
• Demonstrated experience building or rebuilding a communications function, not just inheriting one.
• Familiarity with the Washington, DC K-12 education landscape.