Senior Director of Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Director of Communications

🔹 Company: Achievement First

🔹 Location: New York, United States

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid

🔹 Category: Education Management

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with occasional travel

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Setting the vision and standard of excellence for communications and storytelling at Achievement First
• Developing and executing enterprise-wide and regional communications strategies
• Partnering with NS teams to drive alignment and amplify key initiatives
• Building authentic relationships with school-based and regional staff to uncover and elevate high-impact, mission-aligned stories
• Overseeing and continuously improving systems for story mining across all regions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and creative thinker with a strong background in communications and a deep understanding of organizational culture and community context.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide and regional communications, including newsletters, intranet content, and campaigns, to inform, inspire, and activate key audiences

✅ Partner with Network Support (NS) teams to drive alignment and amplify key initiatives, ensuring communications are timely, audience-centered, and strategically sequenced

✅ Engage a wide range of stakeholders to gather insights, surface concerns, and build trust, using feedback to inform communication strategy and strengthen connection

✅ Build authentic relationships with school-based and regional staff to uncover and elevate high-impact, mission-aligned stories that celebrate student and staff experiences

✅ Define and uphold a gold standard for internal and external communications, ensuring all content reflects AF’s voice, values, and strategic priorities

✅ Deliver expert-level writing, editing, and content development to drive clarity, consistency, and engagement

✅ Implement and optimize systems, workflows, and technologies that increase efficiency, consistency, and impact across all communications channels

✅ Deeply understand and reflect AF’s organizational culture and community context to craft messaging that resonates and reinforces shared purpose

✅ Use data, analytics, and audience feedback to assess communications effectiveness, guide content decisions, and continuously improve strategy and reach

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to work cross-functionally, and a deep understanding of brand development, stakeholder engagement, and change management.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field required. Master’s degree or relevant certifications preferred.

Experience: At least 10 years of experience leading complex communications initiatives across functions and teams. Demonstrated success implementing end-to-end communications strategies in organizations with 1,000+ employees.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of written and verbal communication, including copyediting and content strategy
• Skilled in project management and cross-functional collaboration
• Strong understanding of brand development, stakeholder engagement, and change management
• Fluency with communications technologies and platforms such as Slack, Trello, and email marketing tools
• Ability to collect and use metrics and feedback to assess communications effectiveness

Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting fundraising communications and grant writing to advance organizational goals
• Experience leading professional learning or training related to communications and equity

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the education sector or non-profit organizations may have an advantage in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,842 per year. Achievement First sets salaries through a lens of equity and based on the requisite skills, education, and experience relevant to the role. In order to uphold their commitment to equity, Achievement First does not negotiate pay.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Benefit Package with match
• Paid Family Leave

Working Hours: Full-time, with in-person presence at an Achievement First network office (New York) at least once per week and occasional travel across AF’s three regions.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing and is an estimate. Actual salary may vary based on factors such as experience, education, and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Education Management

Company Size: Achievement First is a mid-sized organization with approximately 2,200 staff members across 39 public charter schools in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Founded: Achievement First was founded in 1999 and has been recognized as one of the top tuition-free public charter school networks in the country.

Company Description:

• Achievement First is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supporting 39 public charter schools across New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island
• The majority of AF students are Black and Latinx children from low-income families, many of whom will be the first in their families to graduate from college
• AF is committed to creating schools of academic excellence within nurturing environments that prepare students to be college-ready and to pursue and succeed in whatever paths they choose in life

Company Specialties:

• Public Charter Schools
• Education Management
• Non-Profit Organization

Company Website: http://achievementfirst.org/

ASSUMPTION: Achievement First is a mission-driven organization with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They value employees who are passionate about education and dedicated to helping students succeed.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Director

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Associate Chief of Public Affairs and oversees the internal communications team.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with in-person presence at an Achievement First network office (New York) at least once per week and occasional travel across AF’s three regions.

Growth Opportunities:

• This role offers the opportunity to shape and evolve the communications strategy for a large, mission-driven organization
• There may be opportunities for professional growth and development within the Public Affairs team or across the organization
• Achievement First values internal promotions and provides opportunities for employees to grow within the organization

ASSUMPTION: This role is well-suited for a strategic and creative thinker with a strong background in communications and a deep understanding of organizational culture and community context.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Achievement First has multiple office locations across New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. This role requires in-person presence at an Achievement First network office (New York) at least once per week.

Office Location(s): New York, United States

Geographic Context:

• New York is a large, diverse city with a vibrant cultural scene and numerous educational institutions
• The cost of living in New York is higher than the national average
• New York has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters

Work Schedule: Full-time, with in-person presence at an Achievement First network office (New York) at least once per week and occasional travel across AF’s three regions.

ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional travel to other Achievement First locations, which could involve overnight stays and time away from home.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
• Final interview with senior leadership
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Project management and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Understanding of brand development, stakeholder engagement, and change management
• Alignment with Achievement First’s mission, values, and organizational culture

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with complex communications initiatives and your ability to work cross-functionally
• Demonstrate your understanding of Achievement First’s mission and values and how your skills and experience align with the organization’s goals

ATS Keywords: Communications Strategy, Project Management, Content Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Digital Marketing, Storytelling, Change Management, Equity, Writing, Editing, Data Analysis, Internal Communications, External Communications, Brand Development, Crisis Communications, Professional Learning

ASSUMPTION: Achievement First uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Slack
• Trello
• Email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred but not required. Achievement First may provide training and support to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Leading for racial equity
• Striving for excellence
• Embracing challenge
• Caring for the whole person
• Choosing joy
• Going further together

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and results-focused
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody Achievement First’s commitment to leading for racial equity in your personal and professional life?
• How do you approach challenging situations and setbacks, and how do you use them as opportunities for growth?
• How do you balance the need for excellence with a deep sense of care and support for the whole person?

ASSUMPTION: Achievement First is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. They value employees who are passionate about education, dedicated to helping students succeed, and aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, creativity, and project management skills
• Achievement First is a large, complex organization with multiple office locations and a diverse range of stakeholders. This role requires the ability to navigate and manage complex communications initiatives across functions and teams
• Occasional travel may be required, which could involve overnight stays and time away from home
• The cost of living in New York is higher than the national average, which may impact the overall compensation package for this role

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by a strong, strategic, and creative approach to communications, as well as a deep understanding of Achievement First’s organizational culture and community context.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Senior Communications Manager or Director of Communications in other organizations, but with a unique focus on internal communications and organizational culture
• Unlike other roles in the field, this position requires a deep understanding of Achievement First’s mission, values, and organizational culture, as well as the ability to work effectively across multiple office locations and with a diverse range of stakeholders
• This role offers the opportunity to shape and evolve the communications strategy for a large, mission-driven organization, with a significant impact on the organization’s success and the lives of its students

ASSUMPTION: This role is well-suited for a strategic and creative thinker with a strong background in communications and a deep understanding of organizational culture and community context.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive internal communications strategy to celebrate student and staff achievements and milestones
• Creating and implementing a crisis communications plan to ensure the organization is prepared to respond effectively to unexpected events or challenges
• Leading a cross-functional team to develop and launch a new intranet platform that improves communication, collaboration, and engagement across the organization

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of initiatives this role may be responsible for, but the specific projects and priorities may vary based on the organization’s needs and the strategic direction of the communications team.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current state of internal communications at Achievement First, and what are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the internal communications team collaborate with other departments and functions within the organization, and what are the key opportunities for cross-functional collaboration in this role?
• How does Achievement First support the professional growth and development of its employees, and what opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the communications team or across the organization?
• How does Achievement First approach diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what are the specific initiatives and programs in place to support these values?
• How does the internal communications team measure the effectiveness of its communications initiatives, and what metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to track progress and inform strategy?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help you better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for growth and development. They are not exhaustive, and you should feel free to ask additional questions based on your own interests and priorities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, including your experience with complex communications initiatives and your ability to work cross-functionally
• Prepare for your interview by researching Achievement First’s mission, values, and organizational culture, and be ready to discuss your alignment with the organization’s goals
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your experience with crisis communications and risk management strategy and execution
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the role and ask any additional questions you may have

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.