About InspireNOLA
Founded in 2013, InspireNOLA is currently the highest-performing charter management organization in New Orleans. Currently, InspireNOLA serves more than 5,600 students in prekindergarten through 12th grades in seven public charter schools, the majority of whom are African American and qualify for free or reduced lunch. With a focus on providing outstanding instruction and differentiated support to meet the needs of all students, InspireNOLA is achieving outstanding results and is a model for excellence within the education community. The work of our team makes a profound and enduring contribution to the revitalization of New Orleans.
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Position Summary
InspireNOLA’s Communications Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s communication strategies and initiatives. In this capacity, they will maintain relationships with local and national media outlets and manage all press inquiries. Working with the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives, they will be responsible for writing and editing content for InspireNOLA’s electronic and printed collateral, web content, annual report, and both internal and external newsletters. The Communications Manager will report to the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives.
Position Qualifications & Competencies
• Belief in the mission and values of InspireNOLA
• Masterful storyteller with strong written and verbal communications skills
• A record of professional success in the communications field with experience in digital and print media
• Ability to prioritize in the face of multiple competing demands
• Excellent organizational skills and systems
• Exceptional ability to build trust and relationships and expert level interpersonal skills
• Highly professional when working with a variety of stakeholders
• Superb attention to detail and strong decision-making skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Experience working with and knowledge of high-performing charter schools, preferred
• A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field is required, master’s degree preferred
• 5 or more years’ experience in public relations, marketing, or communications
Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities
Communication
• Produce and edit content for internal and external publications, productions and promotional materials
• Deliver timely, accurate, effective, and concise information to staff, families, and external partners weekly missives, monthly newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, reports, and other general information documents
• Draft talking points, speeches, opinion editorials for and provide communications counsel to leadership and school administration
• Write and proofread copies of various communications pieces to advance the image of InspireNOLA
• Organize the translation of printed materials to ensure communication is accessible to all audiences
• Assist with developing a comprehensive communication, outreach plan and publicity strategy to promote InspireNOLA to external partners and the community
• Support with monitoring school social media pages for content and compliance
Media Relations
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local, statewide, and national news outlets and contacts
• Manage the creation and distribution of news releases, press kits, and other materials to the media
• Oversee press events and ensure InspireNOLA programs are documented through video and photo and shared via social media
• Create and maintain a proactive approach to external communication that delivers a consistent, positive, and accurate presentation of InspireNOLA
• Assist with the compilation, updating, and organization of external mailing lists
Crisis Communications
• Assist with the delivery of appropriate messaging related to sensitive, confidential, and/or controversial issues
• Assist with responding to issues involving staff, community, and/or parents that could potentially result in a negative impact if not appropriately handled
• Under the direction of the Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives, disseminate emergency communications and school closure updates, including dangerous weather conditions, to all employees, families, and all appropriate parties
• Serve as liaison for schools, media, and families in the case of a school emergency, as needed
Communication Strategy & Support
• Identify and address the organization’s public relations needs and develop an action plan to address those needs
• Assist with developing and implementing strategic and comprehensive marketing, branding and communication plans that promote InspireNOLA’s objectives resulting in a greater understanding of policies, objectives, community and student impact, initiatives, and key priorities
• Assist with the development of a comprehensive outreach plan and publicity strategy to promote InspireNOLA to external partners and the community
• Assist with creating and managing a comprehensive organizational-wide operational calendar
• Develop and disseminate effective internal and external communications norms and practices across our schools and departments
Marketing Strategy & Support
• Attend identified events and provide support to the Strategic Projects Manager as needed
• Prepare timely thank you notes to speakers, sponsors, and other key individuals involved with the event
• Assist the Strategic Projects Manager with the preparation of student-speakers on behalf of the organization
• Assist with the execution of all student contests and scholarships
• Assist with all student recruitment initiatives
Compensation & Benefits
Salary for this position is competitive and depends on prior experience. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as TRSL, our employer retirement contribution, is included.
InspireNOLA is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. People from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus.
