Responsibilities

• Narrative and Communications Strategy: Leads the execution and continued evolution of CEI's narrative and communications strategy, advancing a positive, proactive narrative about public education and elevating school district impact: - Makes strategic decisions about messaging, positioning, audiences, channels, and content in partnership with the Vice President of Strategy. - Identifies and responds to emerging opportunities and risks in the external education, policy, and media landscape. - Leads CEI's media engagement strategy and prepares senior leaders to represent CEI effectively with external audiences.
• Thought Leadership and Content Development: Shapes and advances CEI's thought leadership, translating the organization's work, evidence, and perspective into compelling content and stories that influence key audiences: - Partners across CEI to identify the ideas, evidence, and stories most important to elevate externally. - Leads development of high-impact thought leadership and school district stories that advance CEI's strategic priorities and strengthen confidence in public education. - Advises senior leaders on messaging, positioning, and opportunities to contribute CEI's perspective to important conversations.
• Communications Team Leadership: Oversees CEI's communications team, currently including an Assistant Director of Communications and a part-time (0.5 FTE) Communications Manager, setting direction and creating the conditions for high-quality execution and staff development - Sets priorities and quality standards, ensuring team capacity is aligned to organizational priorities. - Supervises, coaches, and develops communications team members, supporting both strong performance and professional growth. - Leads strategic communications projects for the organization, including partnership with and counsel to external partners as needed.
• Brand Stewardship and Organizational Alignment: Stewards CEI's brand and communications practice across the organization, strengthening alignment and capacity for coherent external communication: - Establishes standards and ways of working that enable teams to communicate effectively and consistently while maintaining appropriate autonomy. - Partners with senior leaders and teams across CEI to strengthen organizational storytelling and alignment around key priorities. - Assesses the effectiveness of CEI's communications efforts and uses learning to inform ongoing strategy. - Represents CEI in partnership convenings, including those related to state policy decisions.
• Organizational Leadership and Culture: Contributes as an organizational leader beyond the communications function: - Actively contributes to the development and strengthening of CEI's culture. - Supports new business development efforts aligned to organizational strategy and communications, in partnership with CEI's development team.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in strategic communications, narrative, marketing, public relations, or a related field, including demonstrated ownership of communications or narrative strategy.
• Substantive understanding of Colorado's PK-12 education landscape and the realities of school and district systems.
• Judgment to translate complex organizational priorities into compelling communications for key audiences.
• Experienced people leader and collaborative, assets-based partner who operates with both strategic perspective and strong accountability for results.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.