Director of Communications

Summary

Join Rocketship Public Schools as their Director of Communications and lead the development and execution of internal and external communications strategies. This crucial role ensures consistent messaging across the national network, aligning with the organization's mission. You will serve as a communications strategist, storyteller, and advisor, supporting leadership and teams. Success hinges on creating authentic, strategic communications that inform, inspire, and align stakeholders. The position involves managing both internal and external communications, requiring strong leadership and collaboration skills. You will also advise senior leaders, train staff, and manage vendors.

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional experience in strategic communications, journalism, public affairs, or related fields
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for a range of audiences
• Proven experience navigating internal and external communications in a mission-driven organization, especially in moments of change or crisis
• Data-driven communications professional with strong practice of using key performance indicators to evaluate impact, shape strategy, and create alignment
• Deep commitment to Rocketship’s vision of “equal access to opportunity for all.”
• Ability to manage complexity, prioritize with intention, and build relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy an annual editorial strategy and schedule at both national and regional levels, leveraging earned and owned media channels
• Craft and manage key messaging for public statements, public meetings, media engagement, and press releases
• Develop a proactive media relations strategy and maintain strong relationships with education and local reporters
• Collaborate with school and regional leaders to support crisis communications and manage sensitive or high-stakes external messages
• Ensure brand integrity and voice across all public-facing communications
• Design and implement an internal communications strategy that builds trust, transparency, and strengthens culture across the national network
• Lead development and execution of internal messages from executive leaders, including announcements, updates, and network-wide briefings
• Strengthen internal communication systems and structures
• Lead change management communications to ensure staff, school leaders, and stakeholders are informed and aligned
• Facilitate feedback loops to ensure communication is two-way, inclusive, and responsive
• Advise senior leaders on communications strategy, narrative, and positioning
• Train, prepare, and coach leaders across the network on how to effectively present in public hearings, interview with media, and other public formats
• Support teams across the network to ensure communications are consistent, coordinated, and aligned to organizational goals
• Manage vendors and consultants as needed for media relations, writing support, or performance analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in K-12 education, nonprofits, or public sector communications
• Experience in public charter school networks
• Located in one of Rocketship’s regions: San Francisco Bay Area, Milwaukee, Nashville, Washington DC metro area
• Fluency in Spanish or another language spoken by Rocketship families
• Background in media relations, content marketing, internal communications, or journalism

Benefits

• Excellent health and wellness benefits
• 403b retirement plan
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Generous paid time off