Director of Marketing & Communications

About the position

We are seeking a strategic and creative Director of Marketing and Communications (DMC) to lead and evolve KPPS's narrative and brand in alignment with KPPS' 2030 strategic plan. This leader will drive our external voice and visibility, while supporting internal alignment across teams and stakeholders in service of student recruitment, staff recruitment, fundraising, amongst other key functional areas. The DMC will oversee the vision, strategy, and execution of marketing and communications across the organization and drive our organizational storytelling. This role is ideal for a mission-driven communications leader who is passionate about KPPS' mission, and has a strong sense of narrative strategy, and thrives in fast-paced, collaborative environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary, operational, and strategic leadership to shape compelling narratives that amplify KPPS' vision, values, and impact to stakeholders including families, donors, staff, and other key external stakeholders.
• Ensure streamlined communication and presentation materials for regional leadership.
• Lead the creation of templates for family and other stakeholder communications.
• Manage crisis communications and develop and maintain messaging and templates that inspire trust, reflect competence, and provide clarity.
• Provide strategic counsel and tools for internal communications (newsletter, emails etc), ensuring staff remain informed and connected.
• Support with the execution of KPPS' advocacy efforts through a values aligned communications strategy across multiple channels.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive, integrated, multi-channel, mission-centered marketing strategy aligned with KPPS' 2030 strategic plan and Portrait of a Graduate.
• Evolve and elevate KPPS' brand identity-ensuring voice, visuals, and values are cohesive across internal and external communications channels.
• Manage digital presence, including website content, SEO, social media, and digital marketing campaigns through researched, data-driven strategies.
• Lead all media and public relations efforts, including press releases and story pitching.
• Design and implement professional development and training for staff and leaders focused on communications and marketing best practices for family engagement, social media presence, enrollment, and crisis communications.
• Design, launch, and maintain brand management systems to ensure brand alignment and consistency for internally created branded materials and collateral.
• Manage projects that utilize third-party graphic designers, photographers, and video producers for design, marketing, PR, and other creative support services as time and budget allow.
• Manage an annual budget to produce marketing collateral, branded swag, and advertising materials.
• Project-manage the development of the KPPS annual report, region-wide marketing collateral, school-based enrollment materials, and talent recruitment materials.
• Partner with the Talent, Operations, KIPP Forward, and Development teams to co-design and execute communications, media, and marketing strategies that support teacher recruitment, student enrollment and retention, and fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with school leadership to ensure school-level messaging is aligned and supported, while uplifting the uniqueness of each KPPS campus.
• Participate in KIPP Foundation professional development and build relationships with colleagues in other KIPP regions for knowledge and resource sharing.
• Participate in team activities, including staff meetings, school-based events, professional development conferences and retreats, fundraising events, and other public relations opportunities.
• Track, analyze, and report key marketing and communications metrics to regional leadership teams to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Manage and maintain a communications calendar to ensure prioritization and values alignment.
• Refine and maintain a stakeholder engagement CRM (Salesforce) system.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• A deep commitment to the mission of KIPP and an unwavering belief in the potential of our students.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or brand strategy, preferably in a mission-driven or education-focused organization.
• Proven ability to independently manage complex projects from strategy to execution with exceptional attention to detail, a high bar for quality, and a sense of ownership.
• Deep understanding of social media, digital strategy, brand management, and culturally responsive communications practices.
• Demonstrated success building trust and working effectively across all levels of an organization-from school-based staff to senior leadership-while balancing feedback and maintaining alignment to goals.
• Highly-motivated and self-driven, with the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and navigate ambiguity.
• Creative thinker, exceptional writer and storyteller, who can generate compelling ideas, tailor messaging to different audiences, and connect brand vision with tactical action.
• Experience translating complex information into accessible, engaging communications.
• Graphic design experience or proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite/Canva.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including 100% employer-paid health benefits for employees and their families.
• 403b matching program.
• Access to free financial advising services.
• Performance-based bonuses that reward meaningful outcomes.