Director, External Communications

USA (Remote)

$111K/yr – $197K/yrDirector/Executive10+ years expFull time

Posted 1 month ago

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Job Summary

Own and coordinate U.S. external relations across brand, media, policy, and partnerships to shape reputation and drive opportunities in the education tech space.

  • Growth area: lead external relations strategy, media relations, and stakeholder partnerships to build nationwide impact.
  • Audience and channels: manage crises, thought leadership, and advocacy with educators, policymakers, and journalists; align social and event presence to support the mission.
  • Measurement and governance: track coverage, engagement, and policy outcomes to refine the approach and demonstrate impact.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • External Relations Strategy Development:  Develop and lead the execution of the U.S.-focused external relations strategy to enhance the company’s brand, reputation, and market presence in the U.S. education sector. Align strategy with broader company objectives and regional goals.  Manage external agency partners in this work.
  • Media Relations & Public Affairs:  Drive media relations strategies in the U.S., crafting compelling narratives and building relationships with journalists and media outlets that cover the US edtech and related industries. Respond to media inquiries and proactively secure media coverage to increase the company’s visibility.
  • Stakeholder Engagement:  Develop and maintain relationships with key U.S. stakeholders, including school districts, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and education-focused advocacy groups. Cultivate partnerships that advance the company’s mission and create new business opportunities.
  • Crisis Management & Reputation Protection:  Oversee external communications during a crisis or reputational challenge. Ensure swift and effective communication strategies are implemented to protect the company’s image. Lead communications and responses to changes and events in the US educational landscape.
  • Thought Leadership & Advocacy:  Refine and execute a thought leadership strategy focused on the U.S. education technology sector and promote edtech innovation through, participation in industry conferences, content creation (white papers, op-eds, webinars) and speaking engagements that align with the company’s vision.
  • Strategic Partnerships & Business Development:   Identify and forge strategic partnerships with key players in the education technology ecosystem in the U.S. Work with internal teams to align external relations efforts with business development goals to maximize partnership opportunities.
  • Social Media : Oversee team responsible for strategy and management of brand accounts across multiple social channels lifting the presence of CA to customers and prospects.
  • Event Representation:  Contribute to national event strategy and represent the company at key industry events, conferences, and roundtables. Ensure the company’s presence and messages are effectively delivered to diverse U.S. audiences, including educators, administrators, policymakers, and potential clients.
  • Internal Communications: Partner closely with the internal communications team to ensure internal and external strategies are aligned to strengthen employee engagement and ensure consistent messaging.
  • Government and Policy Relations:   Partner with CA’s GR team to support the company’s communication efforts in engaging with U.S. federal, state, and local government agencies on education policy, regulations, and funding opportunities. Advocate for policies that support the company’s mission and interests, including building relationships with education-focused committees, and relevant agencies. Support the creation of clear plans to navigate the educational landscape rapidly evolving in the United States in close partnership with both the Government Relations and Strategy teams.
  • Performance Measurement & Reporting:  Track and report on the effectiveness of external relations activities, including media coverage, stakeholder engagement, and public policy outcomes. Use data to refine strategies and improve outcomes for the company’s external engagement efforts in the U.S.

Requirements

  • In-depth understanding of the U.S. education system, including K–12 and higher education, and key challenges in the edtech landscape.
  • Proven track record in managing media relations, and public affairs campaigns.
  • Strong ability to develop and execute strategies that influence public policy and enhance corporate reputation.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft and deliver compelling messages for diverse audiences.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and journalists.
  • Proven leadership and team development and management experience.
  • High level of political acumen, particularly in navigating complex policy and regulatory landscapes.
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, political science, business, or a related field.
  • A master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MPA) is strongly preferred.
  • At least 10 years of experience in public relations, external communications, or government relations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Preferred

  • A master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MPA) is strongly preferred.
  • Experience in the U.S. education or education technology sectors is highly preferred.

Benefits

  • medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
  • Employees can enroll in our company’s 401k plan and receive an employer match.
  • Employees have access to a flexible vacation and sick policy in addition to twelve paid holidays and a winter office closure between Christmas and New Year’s, as well as a number of additional perks and benefits.
Curriculum Associates logo

Curriculum Associates

At Curriculum Associates, we believe in the potential of every child and are changing the face of education technology with award-winning learning programs like i-Ready that serve a third of the nation’s K–8 students. For more than 50 years, our commitment to making classrooms better places, serving educators, and supporting equitable learning experiences for all students has driven the continuous improvement of our innovative programs. Our data-driven, research-backed cloud technology products transform how students learn, creating an environment where every child can thrive and rise to their potential.Based in North Billerica, Massachusetts, and with offices and remote employees throughout the United States, Curriculum Associates has been awarded many recognitions as a top employer. Our team of more than 2,500 employees is composed of lifelong learners who stand behind this mission, working tirelessly to serve the educational community with world-class programs and support every day. If this speaks to you, we welcome you to explore opportunities on our team.

Founded in 1969
North Billerica, Massachusetts, USA
2.5K employees (390 in marketing)