About the Position
Digital Promise is seeking an innovative and experienced Director of Communications to lead the strategic narrative and external influence of our Powerful Learning team. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for bridging the gap between research, practice, and actionable advocacy.
The Director will report to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) while working in close partnership with the Chief Powerful Learning Officer, the Director of Policy, and other leaders across the organization. They will be responsible for developing and executing a communications strategy that encompasses the full breadth of the Powerful Learning portfolio, including EdTech R&D, Research, Practice, and Strategy & Operations.
A primary objective of this role is to ensure that "Powerful Learning" is a cross-cutting priority, seamlessly integrated into Digital Promise’s overarching organizational communications strategy and major campaigns. Furthermore, they will serve as a key strategic partner to the Director of Policy and the CCO in promoting Digital Promise’s advocacy positions to influence policymakers, funders, and educational leaders.
Responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Organizational Alignment
- Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive and actionable communications strategy for the Powerful Learning team (EdTech R&D, Research, Practice, and Strategy & Operations) that aligns with organizational goals and drives measurable impact.
- Ensure Powerful Learning initiatives are a central, visible component of Digital Promise’s org-wide communications campaigns and brand identity.
- Manage an internal communications strategy to keep partners across the organization engaged and informed, leveraging platforms (e.g., Slack, Asana, etc.) to optimize processes and identify new opportunities and/or roadblocks.
Advocacy & Policy Promotion
- Collaborate directly with the Director of Policy and the CCO to communicate and promote Digital Promise’s advocacy positions, generating demand for policies that reinforce conditions for Powerful Learning.
- Translate research and technical data into high-stakes advocacy tools, including policy briefs, executive summaries, and white papers designed to influence federal, state, and local policy.
- Train and equip leadership and spokespeople for high-stakes panels, media interviews, and speaking engagements with core talking points and consistent messaging.
Storytelling & Content Development
- Partner with and advise program and communications staff on content strategy and development.
- Plan, write, edit, and proofread content (e.g., blog posts, press releases, op-eds, white papers, social media messaging, talking points, ad copy, newsletters) for email, social media, websites, and other channels on a range of education-related topics.
- Identify stories for Digital Promise’s blog or media opportunities with an eye for storytelling and audience engagement.
- Keep knowledgeable of changing best practices for online and print media.
- Collaborate to creatively and enthusiastically brainstorm unique ideas to build Digital Promise content inventory and communications strategy.
Knowledge Mobilization
- Craft compelling, narrative-driven case studies, campaigns (e.g., social media), and editorial content (e.g., blog posts, articles) that illustrate Digital Promise’s systems-level impact while centering students and educators.
- Oversee the creation of resources and collateral (e.g., reports, infographics, visual insights, newsletters, social and digital campaigns, etc.) that translate programmatic evidence into tools for scale.
- Serve as the brand steward for the Powerful Learning team, ensuring all external materials utilize Digital Promise’s core messaging and brand attributes.
Media Relations & Ecosystem Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with national and regional media; identify unique press opportunities to amplify the thought leadership of staff.
- Direct the team’s presence at key industry moments and conferences (e.g., SXSW EDU, ASU+GSV Summit, ISTE, etc.) to move the team from simply "showing up" to actively influencing the field.
- Support partnership and scaling efforts through targeted marketing campaigns of professional services that define clear value propositions for prospective districts, schools, and funders.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Support and mentor communications leads and project staff, fostering a culture of excellence, professional growth, and collaboration.
- Hire and oversee external contractors and consultants to execute the high-level communications vision.
Qualifications
- Experience: 10+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, with at least 3+ years in a management role. Preference for experience in the education industry, EdTech, or the nonprofit sector.
- Policy Expertise: Demonstrated experience working within or alongside federal and/or state policy environments; ability to navigate complex political and educational landscapes.
- Communication Mastery: Expert oral and written communication skills (AP Style), with a proven ability to synthesize technical research into compelling narratives for diverse audiences (e.g., policymakers, funders, developers, and educators, etc.).
- Multimedia Savvy: Demonstrated experience managing complex multimedia projects involving interactive visual, video, and audio components.
- Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of WordPress, CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Pardot, etc.), social media analytics (Sprout Social) preferred.
At Digital Promise, we also seek candidates with:
Working Conditions
Digital Promise Global is a hybrid organization. The position is primarily working in a remote environment. Employees are expected to travel at least 4 times a year for in-person meetings and the annual staff retreat. Additional travel may be required based on role and responsibilities.
Physical/Sensory Demands: Fast-paced working environment. Extensive computer usage and online engagement & communication. Must be willing to build inclusive relationships and collaborate with employees at all levels within the organization and external partners.
Compensation
We consider candidate experience and location when determining where a candidate may fall within that range. Digital Promise Global offers a competitive total rewards package including coverage of 85% of health insurance premiums for employee coverage and 75% of health insurance premiums for dependent and family coverage, 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 3% 401k employer contribution, 3% employer 401k match, and a flexible work environment.
The full-time salary range for the position is based on geographical regions, with exact salary depending on relevant experience.
California: $145,640-$163,845
DC Metro Area & NYC: $132,400-$148,950
National: $119,160-$134,055
To Apply
Please apply and submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis until the search is successful.
Digital Promise is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex/gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.