The Senior Director of Strategic Communications and External Affairs leads efforts to strengthen the NAIS brand and thought leadership within the independent school sector and the broader P-20 education ecosystem. The responsibilities of this role include developing a cohesive communications strategy, aligning executive messaging with the NAIS brand, supporting member and public outreach, enhancing internal information sharing, and advancing advocacy narratives to promote the value of independent schools and NAIS’ expertise.
The position reports to the VP of Marketing, Communications, and Membership (MCM) and works cross-functionally with the President, COO, VPs and other key stakeholders in the development and execution of strategic communications efforts.
Responsibilities
External Relations, PR, and Media
Manages external PR/media agency or consultants to develop PR/media plans aligned to the NAIS brand strategy and strategic communication goals and objectives.
Serves as liaison to external PR/media agencies in executing media strategies and facilitating incoming media requests by coordinating with NAIS subject matter experts, providing research, information, and statistics, drafting responses, and engaging additional resources as needed. Working with external agencies, develops talking points for the president and/or NAIS leaders in advance of media interviews.
Executive Communications
Works collaboratively to shape and execute the president’s communications strategy, maintaining the president’s voice/tone/key messages as part of the overall organizational communications and brand strategy.
In conjunction with the president and the editorial director, plans and aids in the production of regular written communications and content for the president, including regular communications with the membership, blogs, articles, etc. Works with president and media team to establish schedules and oversee the proofing/production/delivery of final product.
Collaborating with the president, develops speeches, talking points, and presentation materials for the president’s appearances at NAIS conferences and events.
In collaboration with marketing and membership teams oversees the development of and reviews the Annual Report.
Supports board communications by helping produce the president’s reports to the board and preparing remarks for the board chair and senior leaders as needed.
Coordinates presidential messaging for new NAIS initiatives, research, and services to ensure consistency with external audiences.
Provides onsite support at NAIS’s national events, assisting with speaker preparation, stage management, and presentation execution.
Internal Communications
Collaborates with the COO and HR Team, helping communicate with the staff about key organizational initiatives. This could include messaging and materials related to staff orientation, internal goal setting, employee culture, etc.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Leads and manages relationships with external partners and agencies to execute communications strategy, and may also manage and develop a small internal team, providing direction, prioritization, and coaching to support organizational goals.
Assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
10+ years’ experience in a similar media and public relations role, ideally in an association or non-profit setting. K-12 education experience and/or experience in Independent Schools highly desirable.
Strong writing and storytelling skills, with demonstrated experience in strategic and executive communications.
Demonstrated experience managing and coordinating external partners or agencies to advance strategic communications goals; experience supervising or developing staff is a plus.
Highly observant and analytical.
Strong leadership skills and the ability to make difficult decisions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work efficiently, independently, and as part of a team; to communicate regularly; and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to travel occasionally during the year.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; able to adapt and learn new software and web-based systems.
Competencies
Communication: Communicates effectively with others in a variety of contexts and formats, including writing, speaking, reading, listening, and interpersonal skills.
Collaboration & Relationship Building: Builds effective partnerships with internal teams, external consultants, and school leaders; fosters trust and open communication.
Project Management: Manages multiple initiatives simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery, quality outcomes, and adaptability to changing priorities.
Dependability: Meets commitments, manages time effectively, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance/punctuality requirements.
Conflict Management: Listens well, diffuses conflict before it starts, finds solutions to problems in a constructive manner, handles difficult people.
Problem Solving: Breaks down problems into smaller components, can simplify and process complex issues, can identify and understand root cause.
Teamwork: As a team member, works cooperatively with others on a team; as a team leader, demonstrates interest, skill, and success in fostering teamwork.
Position Attributes
HR Role: Senior Director
Status & Classification: Regular, Full-time, Exempt
Business Unit: Marketing, Communications, & Membership
Location: Remote in the United States with preference for
Physical Requirements: Ability to operate in an office environment. Ability to travel.
Travel: Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time for in-person meetings at the Washington, DC headquarters, attendance at conferences, and participation in other professional development activities.
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Disclaimer: This document describes the position currently available. It is not an employment contract. NAIS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time, as determined by the needs of the organization.
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to unlocking the extraordinary potential in students, independent schools, and their communities. We provide services to more than 2,000 schools and associations of schools in the United States and internationally. While our member schools are self-determining in mission and program and governed by independent boards, NAIS supports school leaders at all levels, including heads of school, school administrators, trustees, and faculty, with the data, research, resources, and professional learning that allow them to perform their roles at the highest levels—and ultimately, help students flourish.
