Associate Director of Communications and Public Affairs - Prospect Schools

The Organization

Prospect Schools is a high-performing, intentionally diverse (“diverse by design”) K-12 college preparatory charter network serving more than 2,700 students in seven schools in Brooklyn. Prospect Schools models its curriculum on the renowned International Baccalaureate Program, a rigorous program that raises the level of academic responsibility for students while preparing them to be global citizens. Our experienced team is dedicated to our mission to prepare a diverse student body to have a positive impact on society and develop a lifelong passion for learning, and guided by our Core Values:

• Curiosity: Develop sound judgment and intellect by asking questions confidently and thinking critically

• Care: Support others by grounding every action in empathy while championing equity and inclusion

• Persistence: Grow and learn by solving problems with determination, creativity, and tenacity

• Passion: Succeed by approaching challenges with excitement, enthusiasm, and self-assurance

We have a vision to become the leading network of intentionally diverse schools where all students and educators can learn, work, and thrive. Find out more about who we are and what we believe by spending a few minutes reading our Prospector Principles, viewing this peek inside our schools, or reading some stories about our students and educators.

The Role:

Prospect Schools is seeking an Associate Director of Communications & Public Affairs to join our growing network of schools. The ideal candidate is fully dedicated to the mission of Prospect Schools and the success of our students and families. The Associate Director of Communications & Public Affairs will lead communications strategy and public engagement, overseeing internal and external messaging to elevate our schools' impact. Reporting directly to Paul Astuto, Chief of Staff & Strategy (COSS), and working closely with senior leadership, including our CEO and COO, Tresha Ward and Yoni Samuel-Siegel, this person will steward our brand and ensure Prospect Schools' story is told compellingly to distinct and diverse audiences at the right time and with the right messages.

The ideal candidate embraces an inclusive approach to communications, is passionate about storytelling, and understands how to engage various stakeholders through strategic visual and written communications. They will collaborate across departments and schools, connecting with others across lines of similarity and difference, serving as a thoughtful and proactive partner to our network team.

Internal Engagement:

• Ensure our 400+ teammates and families feel informed about organizational updates and decisions, staying connected to Prospect Schools’ mission, vision, and goals.

• Work closely with senior leadership to develop key messages, draft content, and manage internal communications, including memos, newsletters, presentation decks, and talking points.

• Develop communications strategies to respond to urgent and sensitive issues.

• In partnership with school leaders, refine and implement a framework for school-driven communications that aligns with Prospect Schools' overarching mission and celebrates each school’s unique culture.

• Ensure network staff and school leaders receive ongoing training on best practices for communicating with key stakeholders.

External Engagement:

• Design and execute a comprehensive external engagement strategy to raise the profile of Prospect Schools and position us for greater impact.

• Build and maintain relationships with key community stakeholders, including elected officials, advocates, and charter sector partners.

• Lead proactive media engagement with the press, news outlets, and publications to amplify Prospect Schools' successes.

• Leverage and maintain social media accounts to increase visibility, engagement, and pride in Prospect Schools' mission and impact.

• Collaborate with external-facing teams (e.g., development, student recruitment, talent recruitment) to ensure aligned messaging and cohesive brand representation.

• Monitor public press and community landscape to adjust communications strategies as needed.

• Attend events, webinars, and information sessions as a representative of Prospect Schools.

• Lead and manage crisis communications for Prospect Schools.

Marketing & Branding:

• Collaborate with key leaders and functional teams (ie; CEO, student enrollment, talent recruitment) to develop cohesive messaging to amplify Prospect’s profile and attract and engage future community stakeholders

• Oversee strategic management of key communications platforms, including Prospect Schools’ website, social media presence, and external newsletters.

• Oversee photography and videography projects, and lead the creation and editing of multimedia content (e.g., photos, videos, infographics) that highlights the impact and mission of Prospect Schools.

• Lead the design and creation of brand assets, including presentation decks, marketing materials, photos, and other collateral.

• Ensure brand fidelity across the network and schools.

• Use data and analytics from digital platforms to refine messaging and improve the impact of materials.

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., communications, marketing, public affairs) is a plus.

• Proficiency in photography, videography, and editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop) is required.

• Track record of experience and success managing communications, advocacy, and/or marketing in education or nonprofit settings.

• Strong written and verbal communicator capable of crafting compelling, creative content in the voice of Prospect Schools and its CEO.

• Proven ability to build trust and relationships quickly across diverse stakeholders.

• High cultural competence and a strong commitment to working in an intentionally diverse, anti-racist organization.

• Strategic thinker with a history of setting and achieving ambitious goals.

• Highly collaborative, balancing goal-setting with diplomacy and relationship-building.

• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.

• Familiarity with WordPress, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Vimeo).

• Ability to communicate visually and effectively through digital and print platforms.

Salary:

Employees at Prospect Schools are provided with a competitive salary. The salary range for this role is from $90,000 - $121,765 and commensurate with direct experience in the role 

The critical features of this job are described above; they may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.