Director Of Communications and Media Strategy

Director Of Communications and Media Strategy Alliance for Connecticut Charter Schools (ACCS) Location: Connecticut/hybrid Type: Full-time/Exempt Who We Are The Alliance for Connecticut Charter Schools (ACCS) is a statewide membership-based advocacy and support organization working to strengthen Connecticut’s charter sector, expand access to high-quality schools, and ensure charter students receive equitable opportunities. ACCS operates at the intersection of school quality, growth, compliance, and policy advocacy to deliver results for families and schools across the state. We work closely with our community engagement arm, LEAD, to build and mobilize grassroots support that informs and strengthens our efforts. Position Summary The Director of Communications and Media Strategy will lead ACCS’s communications, narrative strategy, and media engagement to build public support for charter schools and advance the organization’s legislative, advocacy, and growth priorities. The individual in this role is responsible for shaping ACCS’s public voice, strengthening message discipline across the organization, and executing communications strategies that support policy wins, protect and elevate the charter school sector, and expand ACCS’s influence statewide. This is a high-impact leadership role for a communications professional who can think strategically, move quickly, and translate complex policy and sector issues into clear, compelling messages. The Director will develop and drive persuasive narratives, manage media relationships, lead rapid response efforts, and produce high-quality content that supports organizing, fundraising, legislative advocacy, and public engagement. Based in Connecticut, this is a hybrid role with weekly in-person team time in Danbury and flexibility to work from ACCS sites in other parts of the state. The role requires occasional travel and reports to the CEO and Chief Strategy Officer. How You’ll Help The Director Of Communications And Media Strategy will drive impact across the following areas: Communications Strategy Lead the development and execution of ACCS’s communications strategy Develop clear messaging, talking points, and core narratives that help schools, partners, families, and supporters speak with a shared voice Ensure communications are aligned across ACCS’s policy, organizing, advocacy, and school support work Maintain a content calendar that supports the legislative session, organizational priorities, key milestones, and major campaigns Media Relations and Public Visibility Serve as ACCS’s day-to-day media lead and primary contact for reporters, editorial boards, producers, and other public voices across Connecticut Build and maintain strong media relationships that increase ACCS’s visibility and strengthen public understanding of charter schools Pitch stories, place op-eds, secure earned media, and coordinate press events that advance ACCS’s advocacy, legislative, and sector priorities Prepare ACCS leadership, school leaders, families, and other spokespeople for media opportunities through briefs, coaching, and interview prep Lead crisis communications and rapid response for breaking news, misinformation, or sector challenges Content Development and Creative Execution Produce and oversee high-quality written, visual, and digital content, including press releases, statements, op-eds, briefs, newsletters, web content, and social media Build a steady pipeline of stories and assets including photos, videos, testimonials, and student and family stories that highlight charter school impact, family demand, and sector results Translate complex policy and education issues into clear, accessible materials that support advocacy, organizing, school storytelling, and public engagement Ensure all external communications are accurate, compelling, and aligned with ACCS’s brand and messaging Campaign Communications and Advocacy Support Partner with the policy team to develop clear, coordinated messaging for legislative campaigns Create rapid-response materials for hearings, debates, amendments, opposition narratives, and other fast-moving policy moments Develop advocacy toolkits and action materials, including calls to action, email blasts, graphics, scripts, and talking points Support school-based advocacy and public engagement events with clear messaging and ready-to-use materials Coordinate with coalition partners to strengthen message alignment and present a unified voice Organizational Communications and Leadership Support Support internal communications that keep ACCS members, schools, partners, and staff informed and aligned Draft internal and external CEO communications and other leadership materials as needed Manage external vendors and contractors, including PR consultants, designers, videographers, and digital advertising partners Track communications metrics, including media hits, reach, engagement, list growth, and supporter conversion Build communications systems, templates, and processes that improve quality, consistency, and efficiency Preferred Qualifications 7-10+ years of experience in strategic communications, media, public affairs, or campaign communications Demonstrated success securing earned media, developing compelling narratives, and managing high-stakes communications, with experience supporting legislative or advocacy campaigns Exceptional writing, editing, and message-development skills, with the ability to translate complex policy and education issues into clear, persuasive content for varied audiences Strong media relations skills and sound political and narrative judgment, with comfort serving as a spokesperson or media lead Experience in education, charter schools, public-sector communications, or a related field Strong digital and multimedia communications capabilities across email, social media, web, content management systems, analytics, and AI-assisted content development Excellent project management skills, with the ability to maintain brand and message consistency, execute quickly under deadline, and manage multiple priorities Strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented approach, with high standards, strong follow-through, and the ability to remain calm under pressure Commitment to educational opportunity and honest, student-centered storytelling Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in communications, public policy, journalism, or a related field preferred Salary and Benefits The salary range for this role is $100,000-$130,000 annually. ACCS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health care, a 401(k) with employer matching, and generous paid time off. Application Interested and qualified applicants should apply here . Note: the application deadline for this position is July 31, 2026. We do not guarantee review of applications submitted after this date. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging. We actively seek to build a diverse team and strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.