Director of Communications

  • Full-time
  • Start Date: Immediate opening
  • Department: Regional Support and Leadership

Company Description

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and life. There are 255 KIPP schools across the nation and the District of Columbia, serving more than 110,000 students. Nationally, KIPP students are graduating at 3x the national average for low-income students.

Founded in 2008 with 50 students in 5th grade, KIPP Columbus currently serves nearly 2,000 students in grades Kindergarten through twelfth. During the 2018-2019 school year, and for the third year in a row, KIPP Columbus had the highest amount of academic growth of any community school in Ohio. KIPP Columbus plans to double in size in the coming years, with an expanded and reimagined campus opening in the fall of 2023.

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose -- college, career, and beyond -- so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.  By establishing a rigorous, safe, and personalized learning environment, KIPP Columbus will foster a culture of responsibility and service and empower all students to become active and engaged citizens. 

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Communications will develop and execute the internal and external communications and marketing strategy of KIPP Columbus. This position will oversee KIPP Columbus’ content and messaging on current media channels including website, publications, social media accounts, crisis communications, internal communications and family communication strategy, and organizational messaging. 

The Director of Communications will use their experience, creativity, cultural competency, and innovative spirit to provide strategy and create turn-key tactics to better connect all stakeholders (families, students, team members, community members, donors, and partners) in the KIPP Columbus community to further the KIPP Columbus mission.

Job Description

Director of Communications responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

Communications

  • Create and manage engaging communications pieces on multiple platforms and mediums consistent with the KIPP Columbus brand such as one pagers, newsletters, annual reports, press releases, videos, etc.

  • Ensure internal communications are timely, consistent, and rooted in a scalable and sustainable strategic framework as KIPP’s team doubles in size in the coming years.

  • Create KIPP Columbus storytellers: focus internal communications on key messages and increase opportunities for team members, families, and students to engage with key messaging. 

  • Write executive communications using the voice of the Executive Director, Head of Schools,  and the KIPP Columbus brand. 

  • Maintain brand consistency and graphic identity with a strong eye for visual design elements. 

  • Review and implement the KIPP Columbus crisis communications plan.

Social Media and Website

  • Curate content and increase audience engagement on KIPP Columbus’ social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn).

  • Oversee the full KIPP Columbus website including the creation of an ongoing/year round update calendar and plan with support from various team members. 

Communication Strategy 

  • Develop and implement an integrated, organization-wide strategic communications plan.

  • Evaluate current internal and external communications strategies to understand norms, best practices, and opportunities with an eye towards a better and more efficient way to communicate.

  • Organize the KIPP Columbus story: create a comprehensive messaging document that organizes all organization priorities, attributes, and initiatives into defining messages. 

  • Manage communications projects that utilize third-party graphic designers, photographers, and video producers for design, marketing, PR and creative support services.

  • Provide professional development and media training to KIPP Columbus leaders on the latest messaging to ensure aligned messaging across the organization. 

  • Develop and execute a proactive media relations plan to promote KIPP Columbus’ initiatives and establish leadership and staff as leaders in the Columbus education space. 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, English, or related field and at least 5 years of relevant field experience

  • Exceptional communication and influencing skills; both written and verbal. 

  • Existing relationships with the Columbus community strongly desired.

  • Demonstrated ability to meet ambitious deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.

  • Ability to multi-task and work within an ambiguous, fast-moving, start-up environment, while driving toward clarity and solutions.

  • Proficient in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and all social media platforms.

  • Experience with Wordpress and Adobe Creative Suite a plus

Additional Information

Compensation and Benefits

KIPP Columbus offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit plan including medical and dental insurance, as well as group term life insurance, retirement plan and paid time off.  

Statement of Non-Disclosure

KIPP Columbus is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying to the school for consideration of any position (admission, employment, etc.). KIPP Columbus does not discriminate on the basis of disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 4112.02 of the Ohio Revised Code.

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