Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Demonstrated ownership of communications or narrative strategy.
• Experienced people leader and collaborative, assets-based partner who operates with both strategic perspective and strong accountability for results.
• Competencies: Strategic Communications Leadership; Narrative and Storytelling; Judgment and Autonomy; Cross-Functional Partnership; Brand Stewardship; Team Leadership and Execution.

Preferred

• Strong judgment, substantive understanding of Colorado's PK-12 education landscape and school and district systems, and the ability to move fluidly between strategy and execution.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.