Teach For America -New York (TFA-NY) seeks a Communications & Marketing Director to design and execute a regional communications strategy that supports our programmatic and fundraising goals. This person will lead the development and strong execution of an integrated constituent communications strategy for the New York region, developing key messages aligned to our case for support and sharing our regional stories with a wide range of audiences including but not limited to donors, corps members, alumni, school partners, community partners, and other regional influencers across traditional and digital channels. The Director will also lead our marketing strategies and support media relations. This person is a savvy communicator with experience leveraging social media to expand and activate a strong base of support. They will thrive in a fun, collaborative, fast-paced and entrepreneurial work environment, surrounded by a passionate team. The Director reports to the Vice President, External Affairs and is a member of the 14-person External Affairs team, which includes development, communications & marketing, alumni affairs, public affairs, and recruitment partnerships. They work closely with our Executive Director, and collaborates with colleagues across the regional and national teams.
Communications
- Partner with colleagues from across national and regional functional and cross-functional teams to cultivate, steward, and activate our base through streamlined, consistent, and compelling constituent communications, including management of a cross-functional communications working group
- Deepen engagement with our base and reach new audiences by expanding our digital presence and effectiveness (social media, regional microsite, email marketing, blog)
- Cultivate ambassadors from the TFA-NY community and promote the voices of TFA-NY corps members, alumni, school community members and other stakeholders
- Build a culture of storytelling and develop compelling profiles of corps members, alumni, and students to be compiled in a region-wide story bank
- Work with VP, External Affairs and national communications team to support the public positioning of our Executive Director, including preparation for external speaking engagements and media opportunities
- Work with our national communications team to build and foster relationships with local reporters, proactively pitch positive stories, and manage regional response to inquiries and rapid response protocols for crisis communications
- Represent New York in regional-national collaborations
- Analyze effectiveness of our strategy and tactics to inform future strategy and planning
Marketing
- Ensure strong brand alignment across the region
- Enhance constituents’ experience in TFA events by supporting and consulting on the development of event marketing strategies (program, materials) for large scale regional events, including the Annual Benefit Dinner and regional institute
- Oversee the development of regional collateral and promotional items (e.g., annual report, videos, one-pagers, brochures) with support from the Community Affairs Coordinator, national marketing team, and vendors Manage external vendors (photographer, video, designers, etc.)
Other
- All staff members participate in key regional and national events and activities throughout the year including, but not limited to: selection and confirmation of incoming corps members, regional team meetings..
- Deep commitment to educational equity and expanding opportunities for children in New York City
Prior Experience
- At least 4 years of marketing, communications, or public relations experience
- Experience working with local reporters, particularly education reporters preferred
- Experience working with senior leaders and constituents as spokespersons preferred
Work Demands
- Some weekends, evenings and early mornings required
Skills
- Outstanding written and oral communicator and listener
- Team player and ability to work effectively across lines of difference
- Track record of tangible communications outcomes that positively contribute to near- and long-term organizational goals
- Track record of effective social and digital strategy
- Excellent relationship-building skills, and track record of mobilizing internal and external stakeholders to achieve results
- High energy, maturity, and proven ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a sense of possibility, high expectations and an entrepreneurial spirit
- Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or other desktop publishing software skills preferred