Director, External Communications

Curriculum Associates•US MA Remote, MA

2d•$110,500 - $196,500

About The Position

The Director, External Communications will play a critical role in shaping and executing the company’s external communication and thought leadership strategy across the U.S. market. This position leads the development and delivery of external engagement efforts, ensuring alignment with the company’s operational and long-term strategic business objectives. The Director will oversee communication with key stakeholders—including policymakers, media, practitioners and educational institutions, and industry partners, and to elevate the CA brand and influence public and policy discourse (in collaboration with the Government Relations team). This role is also responsible for crisis communication planning, reputation management, and establishing governance standards for consistent, impactful messaging across all audiences.

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.
At least 10 years of experience in public relations, external communications, or government relations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oversee team responsible for strategy and management of brand accounts across multiple social channels lifting the presence of CA to customers and prospects.
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.
Partner closely with the internal communications team to ensure internal and external strategies are aligned to strengthen employee engagement and ensure consistent messaging.
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.
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.