Senior Manager of Communications

Senior Manager of Communications

DSST Public Schools seeks a Senior Manager of Communications who will lead the strategy, systems, and execution of internal and external communications across our 16-school network. This leader will ensure that DSST's 1,000+ educators, 7,600 families, and broader Denver and Aurora communities receive clear, timely and compelling information that strengthens trust, engagement, and understanding of DSST's mission.

This role manages a small communications team, collaborates closely with school and network leaders, and serves as a key partner to the externals team. The Senior Manager of Communications will elevate DSST's voice, protect its reputation and ensure our story is told with clarity, consistency and heart.

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and oversee comprehensive communications plans for internal and external audiences, including staff, families, media, board members and community partners
• Maintain communications standards (style guide, templates, approved language/FAQs, source-of-truth repository) to ensure speed, quality and consistency across the network
• Support DSST's issues management and crisis communications program, including scenario playbooks, spokesperson protocols, rapid message creation and distribution, monitoring and tabletop drills
• Establish network-wide communications governance (intake, prioritization, approval pathways, risk tiers, and RAPID) to enable fast, clear, and consistent communications without creating bottlenecks
• Develop and maintain DSST's network narrative, messaging framework, and message hierarchy; ensure all communications map to strategic priorities and reinforce trust with families, staff, and community
• Ensure communications and website are culturally responsive, accessible, and inclusive: plain-language standards, language access/translation workflow, and ADA-aware digital content practices
• Define and track communications outcomes (clarity, understanding, trust, engagement, behavior/action) beyond delivery metrics; deliver quarterly insights and improvement plans
• Build and maintain stakeholder segmentation and channel strategies by audience; implement two-way listening systems (feedback loops, message testing) and translate insights into improvements to DSST communications and leader decision-making

Internal Communications

• Oversee the creation and distribution of internal communications to all DSST staff, including leadership updates, crisis communications and network announcements
• Manage the internal editorial calendar and participate in weekly editorial meetings
• Supervise the production of weekly staff newsletters and daily Microsoft Teams messages
• Maintain and evolve DSST's internal blog, including editing submissions and producing original content
• Serve as the "traffic controller" for internal messaging, ensuring appropriate cadence, clarity and channel alignment across departments
• Coach leaders and teams on effective internal communication practices
• Support CEO, SLT, and principals with executive communications (talking points, scripts, Q&As, town halls, board updates)

External Communications & Media Relations

• Lead the development and distribution of network-level family communications, including the DSST website
• Work with school teams to ensure school websites are regularly updated and accurate
• Oversee monthly newsletters and other community-facing updates
• Serve as DSST's primary media contact, cultivating relationships with reporters and pitching timely, compelling stories
• Support school and network leaders with public relations guidance, crisis response, and message development
• Ensure DSST's external communications reflect our values, mission, and commitment to equity
• Implement media and reputation monitoring, maintain proactive reporter relationships, and deliver regular reputation briefings and recommended actions to leadership.

Team Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Manage and develop communications staff, ensuring clarity of roles, strong execution, and opportunities for growth
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Manager of Creative Marketing and Manager of Marketing Data & Systems to ensure cohesive storytelling across digital, visual and written channels
• Partner with student recruitment, talent acquisition, development, STEM, and college success teams to support messaging needs and major initiatives
• Serve as a key connector within the externals team to ensure alignment and shared priorities
• Partner closely with marketing leader to ensure aligned storytelling while maintaining clear ownership boundaries: Communications leads network messaging, internal communications, media relations, and issues management; marketing leads campaigns, social channels, and promotional content

Analysis, Systems, & Best Practices

• Serve as a key bridge within the externals team to ensure priorities are translated into clear, actionable communications outputs.
• Maintain email and engagement dashboards and reporting tools; monitor performance, audience engagement trends and channel health.
• Produce monthly performance snapshots (open/click rates, engagement trends, audience insights) and recommend tactical improvements to increase reach and clarity.
• Keep the organization accountable to communications best practices, templates, and publishing protocols; identify process improvements that reduce rework and improve quality.

Event Support

• Support the planning and execution of major network events, including Infusion and Senior Signing Day.
• Provide messaging support, run-of-show guidance, and on-site coordination as needed.
• Offer peripheral support for additional events to ensure strong communication and smooth execution.
• Serve as the primary on-site contact for the media during signature events.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree plus 6+ years of communications, public relations, or marketing experience
• 2+ years of team or project management experience
• Demonstrated success leading communications strategy across multiple channels and audiences
• Proven experience with crisis communications and media relations
• Exceptional writing and editing skills across a range of formats
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to inform strategy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and modern digital communication tools
• Experience collaborating across departments and managing complex workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in K–12 education or a mission-driven nonprofit
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, content management systems (website), and digital engagement tools
• Ability to coach leaders and staff on communication best practices
• A spirit of curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people

Why Work at DSST?

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion