Edtech.com's Summary

New Visions for Public Schools is hiring a Communications Director to lead the development and execution of a strategic communications program that enhances the organization's mission, visibility, and fundraising. The role requires managing a team, crafting compelling narratives, leveraging digital and social media, and aligning communications efforts with organizational goals.

Highlights

Lead a team of 2-4 staff members and manage communications budget and vendor relationships.
Develop and implement an organization-wide communications strategy aligned with programmatic and fundraising goals.
Create and edit diverse content including op-eds, reports, and social media posts using AI and digital tools.
Oversee social media presence across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok to engage educators, parents, and donors.
Utilize analytics to establish performance metrics and guide communication decisions.
Collaborate with program and development teams to surface impactful stories and support leadership with media engagement.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred along with 8-10 years of relevant experience in communications or public affairs.
Expertise in digital and social media strategy, analytics, storytelling, and emerging communication technologies including AI.
Pay range is $130,000 – $170,000 USD.
Serves education sector clients, focusing on improving New York City public schools and supporting low-income and students of color.

Communications Director Full Description

New Visions seeks a Communications Director to lead the strategic vision, development and execution of a modern, high-impact communications program that advances the organization’s mission, visibility, and fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished writer, digital storyteller, and strategist who can distill complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with educators, families, civic leaders, and donors. They will bring both creativity and discipline – building the systems, strategies, and storytelling capacity to amplify New Visions’ work across channels.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a collaborative communicator who is fluent in social media and digital engagement, comfortable with emerging technologies, including AI, and eager to connect communications work directly to organizational outcomes.

Essential Job Functions:

Strategy & Leadership

Manage a team of 2-4 staff members.
Develop and lead an organization-wide communications strategy that strengthens New Visions’ visibility, brand identity, and impact.
Define key audiences, messages, and goals across platforms and ensure alignment with programmatic and fundraising objectives.
Establish clear performance metrics and use analytics to guide communications decisions.
Drive internal clarity and consensus by helping teams express complex work in accessible, human language.
Manage the Communications team budget and vendor relationships, ensuring resources align with strategic priorities.

Storytelling & Content Creation

Write and edit compelling content—including op-eds, announcements, reports, and social copy—that brings New Visions’ mission and programs to life.
Translate research and technical materials into engaging, shareable stories for multiple audiences.
Maintain and update our website to reflect the most recent information.
Oversee or produce organizational materials such as annual reports, newsletters, and website content.
Use AI tools and other technologies to enhance content creation and productivity while preserving a strong, authentic voice.

Digital & Social Media

Lead the organization’s social media strategy and presence, tailoring content to platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, etc.) to reach target audiences such as educators, parents, and donors.
Identify opportunities for collaboration with influencers, partners, and thought leaders to expand reach and engagement.
Monitor trends in education and social media to ensure relevance and timeliness.
Develop an overall strategy for increasing traffic to our website and increasing followers and engagements with social media posts.
Develop an effective SEO/web optimization strategy including key digital metrics and goals.

Collaboration & Media Engagement

Partner with program and development teams to surface stories of innovation and impact.
Support leadership with key message frameworks, talking points, and preparation for media interviews and public appearances.
Manage occasional partnerships with external firms for specific projects such as media training, content production, or campaign support.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
8–10 years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, or related roles, ideally within education, public policy, or a mission-driven organization

Required Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrated ability to create and implement communications strategies that drive measurable outcomes
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills; proven ability to make complex topics understandable and compelling
Fluency in digital and social media strategy and analytics
Comfort with AI and emerging communications tools
Strong project management and collaboration skills; ability to build consensus and manage competing priorities

Physical Requirements:

Ability to traverse an office environment to attend meetings and interact with colleagues
Ability to operate a computer and other relevant technology, such as phones, screens, printers, and tablets
Ability to carry up to 10 pounds (such as for a laptop and carrying case)

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Pay Range

$130,000 – $170,000 USD

Our offices are currently operating in a hybrid model, with staff expected to work in person several days per week. Additional details will be shared if selected for an interview.

Who We Are

For over three decades, New Visions for Public Schools has played a central role in improving the quality of New York City public schools and removing barriers to the success of low-income students and students of color.

New Visions focuses on providing educators with the tools, resources, and support to build and continuously improve strong and responsive systems. These include major investments in student planning tools, free and high-quality curriculum, and innovative career & college preparatory programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

New Visions believes that our teams are most effective when they include representation from the diverse communities we serve as their perspectives are critical to work we do. Further, we believe that our culture and internal structures should be inclusive and equitable for all employees. At NV, Diversity, equity and inclusion doesn't determine who gets hired - that is based on qualifications. It just helps make sure the door is open wide enough so that people who have traditionally had less access to opportunities get the chance to be considered and, if chosen, feel comfortable and supported once they are part of our team.

New Visions provides a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package in addition to the opportunity to make a significant impact on education reform and in the lives of urban youth.

Original Job Description