Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated regional PR and communications strategy aligned with school and network priorities (enrollment, reputation, and community engagement).
• Build and maintain proactive media relationships with regional and national education, local, and community outlets; secure placements, manage interview requests, and prepare spokespeople.
• Lead regional crisis and issues communications: create response plans, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, advise school Heads, and escalate to central ISP crisis team as needed.
• Craft and approve core messages, press releases, media briefs, talking points, Q&As, and executive communications tailored to school audiences.
• Support admissions and enrollment marketing with reputation-building initiatives, thought leadership, and story-driven content that drives leads and re‑enrollment.
• Work with the Head of Online Performance to coordinate social media amplification and digital storytelling across the portfolio of schools; advise on paid amplification when appropriate.
• Train and coach school Heads and senior leaders on media engagement and message discipline.
• Track and report media coverage, sentiment, share of voice, and campaign performance; provide actionable insights and recommendations to school and regional leadership.
• Ensure all communications respect legal, regulatory and privacy considerations relevant to U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions (student privacy, consent for images, etc.).

Requirements

• 7+ years of PR/communications experience with a strong track record in media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement; experience in education or nonprofit sectors strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-site or regional communications initiatives and leading small teams or agency partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, editorial judgment, and executive coaching skills.
• Proven ability to secure regional and national media placements and to produce compelling stories for diverse audiences (parents, alumni, donors, media).
• Familiarity with media monitoring/analytics tools and digital/social platforms.
• Knowledge of privacy and regulatory considerations affecting schools (FERPA, provincial equivalents, consent best practices) or demonstrated ability to learn quickly.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the region.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Preferred

• Experience working in independent/private K–12 school environments, boarding schools, or school networks.
• Experience supporting admissions/enrollment and advancement/fundraising communications.
• Advanced degree or PR/communications certification.