Director of Communications & Media Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Communications & Media Relations

 

Job Summary
The Director of Communications & Media Relations role is an integral part of KIPP DC Public Schools’ advancement team. This role is responsible for developing and executing the internal and external communications and public affairs strategy of KIPP DC with a significant focus on elevating KIPP DC’s brand in the greater D.C. community. The starting salary range for this role is $125,223-$138,403. This is a full-time, occasionally flexible role based at KIPP DC’s headquarters with an anticipated start date of mid-August 2026.

About KIPP DC

For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.

Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.

As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community.

About the Role
The Director of Communications & Media Relations will be responsible for the organizational identity roll-out, content creation for our various communications channels, public affairs and media strategy, crisis communications, school communications guidance & templates, and executive & internal communications.

As a Director, this position must also ensure adherence to established internal control policies and procedures and maintain compliance within the organization.

This is an exempt position and will report to the Chief External Affairs Officer. As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families, we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities. Schools operate in person and our students and families rely on us for in-person support, and this position will regularly provide on-site support to school teams, frequently partner with other headquarters teams, or regularly work in multiple locations. Because of the nature of the work, this role allows for occasional flexibility and will be required to be onsite 4 days per week.

Responsibilities
The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned. Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.

Organizational Identity & Narrative Building  (20% of time)

• Further develop and refine KIPP DC’s brand identity and key message points to strategically position KIPP DC in the D.C. community. Implement a complex brand migration strategy that drives investment in the evolving organizational identity and supports long-term priorities, including equity and inclusion. 
• Oversee the rollout of KIPP DC’s new organizational identity across all internal and external communication channels to ensure consistency and strategic alignment.
• Develop training materials and conduct workshops for staff and stakeholders to ensure widespread understanding and adoption of the new brand identity.
• Monitor brand identity implementation and provide ongoing support to ensure consistent application across communication channels, in alignment with strategic goals. 
• Identify, evaluate, and execute opportunities that enhance KIPP DC’s visibility among key audiences within the broader D.C. community. 
• Write speeches, talking points, emails, and prepare presentation materials for executive leadership, aligning messages with organizational priorities.

Content Creation (30% of time)

• Create and manage engaging content that is consistent with KIPP DC’s brand—including social media posts, videos, blog posts, newsletters, direct mail, annual reports, and advertising—to attract attention and generate interest. 
• Manage communications projects that require graphic designers, photographers, and video producers for marketing, PR, and creative support, considering time and budget constraints. 
• Edit a wide range of written materials to ensure clarity, conciseness, and alignment with KIPP DC’s communication goals. 
• Develop and execute a content strategy that elevates KIPP DC schools, aligns with organizational goals, and engages target audiences. 
• Use data analytics to measure content effectiveness and refine strategies to improve engagement and reach.
• Work closely with school leaders and partner teams to ensure that content is relevant, timely, and impactful.

Public Affairs, Media, & PR (20% of time)

• Manage KIPP DC’s media efforts, including crisis and emergency communications, press releases, media pitches, and staff preparation for interviews. 
• Act as the organizational spokesperson for external stakeholders, coordinating all emergency notifications to families and staff as needed. 
• Offer thought partnership to school and HQ leaders to guide the public affairs strategy. 
• Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts to enhance KIPP DC’s visibility and reputation in the community. 
• Track media coverage and public sentiment to adjust communication strategies and respond to emerging issues effectively. 
• Develop and implement media outreach strategies to generate positive coverage and raise KIPP DC’s public profile.

School Communications Guidance  (20% of time)

• Design KIPP DC and individual school communication templates and visual materials to standardize school-level communications. 
• Provide guidance and support for school communications, including school leader blasts and regular communication templates. 
• Develop communication guidelines and templates to ensure consistent and effective messaging at the school level. Collaborate with academic leaders to maintain a communication strategy that keeps families informed and engaged with their children's learning. 
• Train school leaders and staff on communication and crisis management best practices, fostering improved communication quality. 
• Regularly review and refresh communication templates to reflect current needs and organizational priorities.

External Affairs Leadership (10% of time)

• Assist in developing strategy and provide consultative support in the planning of team and organizational priorities as needed. 
• Develop and maintain systems to communicate progress toward goals and strategies across the advancement team to key stakeholders. 
• Lead and participate in KIPP DC and advancement team activities, including staff meetings, professional development events, fundraising activities, and PR opportunities. 
• Assist with the execution of advancement team programs and events as required, providing hands-on support where needed.

Requirements & Preferences

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• At least 7 years of communications, journalism, or content marketing experience 
• Excellent writing, communication, design, and presentation skills
• Mastery of Microsoft or Google suite applications, project management software, email marketing platforms, constituent relationship management systems, social media, and digital advertising platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in education
• Extraordinary attention to detail, both in planning and execution
• Ability to work in a demanding environment under tight deadlines, particularly in emergency situations
• Results-oriented team player who is dedicated to getting the job done 

Physical Requirements

• Occasional extended Work hours -The nature of crisis communications work sometimes requires early mornings or late evenings, which can generally be done remotely.
• Occasional Weekends - The advancement team is frequently required to run and staff events that occur on weekends and evenings.
• Ability to travel to HDQ and KIPP DC Schools - The director should have easy access to transportation to our 8 campuses and headquarters office.

Demonstrated Excellence in the Following Areas:  

• Commitment to Students and Schools: Demonstrates commitment to education reform, believing in every child's potential for success and prioritizing students, schools, and the essential role of families.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Finds creative solutions to challenges that achieve broader goals of team and organization.
• Project Management: Sets a high bar for own work and supports others to achieve desired team outcomes.
• Communications and Influence:  Demonstrates adept communication skills and influence to advance work by adjusting content and style. 
• Teamwork: Contributes to  a supportive team culture, fostering diverse work styles and maintaining a high performance standard. 
• Trust and Collaboration: Establishes and nurtures effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders to support the best outcomes for our work.
• Cultural Humility: Advances KIPP DC’s commitment to anti-racism by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
• Continuous Learning: Commits to continuous learning through feedback, self reflection, humility, and action.

Benefits & Compensation

KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package:

• The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $125,223-$138,403. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector.  
• KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
• KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at View email address on ziprecruiter.com. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

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