Director of Strategic Communications, Education Philanthropy
About The Position
The Director of Strategic Communications will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy for Ascendium’s Education Philanthropy. This role ensures that the philanthropy’s perspectives, insights, and impact are clearly articulated and amplified across key audiences, including grantees, policymakers, partners, and peer funders. While the broader organization maintains a centralized communications function focused on execution (e.g., digital, design, and production), this role serves as the embedded strategic communications leader for the philanthropy. The Director brings deep subject-matter expertise in philanthropy, postsecondary education, workforce training, and access to opportunity—translating program priorities into clear, compelling narratives. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic vision and day-to-day execution. This hybrid role is based in Ascendium’s Madison, Wisconsin, headquarters location and will generally work in the office three days per week (Tues.-Thur.) and have the option of two days working remotely.
Requirements
- 8–12+ years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies in complex organizations.
- Deep familiarity with issues related to philanthropy, postsecondary education, workforce development, or related policy areas.
- Proven ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience producing a wide range of content.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to connect communications to organizational goals and impact.
- Experience working in matrixed environments with multiple stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; ability to influence without direct authority.
- Experience managing staff and developing teams.
- Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
- Knowledge equivalent to the completion of a bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, business, or a related field.
- Valid state-issued driver’s license.
Responsibilities
- Develop and lead a strategic communications agenda aligned with Ascendium’s philanthropic goals and priorities.
- Define and refine Ascendium’s voice, narrative, and positioning as a funder across key issue areas addressed through its grantmaking.
- Identify opportunities to elevate the work and impact of grantees and influence broader field-level conversations and policy deliberations, particularly in service of specific grantmaking portfolio objectives.
- Translate complex programmatic strategies into clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
- Oversee the creation of high-quality written and multimedia content.
- Serve as a senior writer and editor, directly producing and refining key communications and supporting other staff in writing pieces for public distribution.
- Ensure consistency and quality across all external-facing materials.
- Partner with staff across units within the philanthropy to surface insights, stories, and lessons from grantmaking.
- Lead internal communications efforts within the philanthropy team to ensure alignment across teams and initiatives.
- Collaborate proactively across the philanthropy leadership team to gather input, synthesize perspectives, and align messaging.
- Support communications to and engagement of the Board of Directors, including preparation of materials and messaging.
- Operate effectively within a matrixed organizational structure, balancing multiple stakeholders and priorities.
- Oversee strategic media and field engagement efforts, including partnerships with journalists, outlets, and thought leaders, and strategic use of conference sponsorships.
- Oversee initiatives that position the organization as a leader in key issue areas.
- Provide strategic leadership for convenings, events, and public engagements that advance strategic goals.
- Supervise and develop an initial team of two staff (currently a writer/comms manager and a senior program officer for strategic engagement), with responsibility for scaling the team over time.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on quality, clarity, and impact.
- Provide coaching and professional development to team members.
- Serve as the primary liaison to the organization’s central communications team, which manages digital channels, social media, and design.
- Translate programmatic priorities into clear communications plans and requests that align with centralized processes and timelines.
- Advocate for and ensure that subject-matter expertise and strategic intent are reflected in final outputs.
- Coordinate messaging and execution across teams to maintain consistency while enabling flexibility and responsiveness to program needs.
- Build strong working relationships that support both efficient execution and high-quality, mission-aligned communications.
- Manage a communications budget, including planning and allocation of resources.
- Identify, source, and manage external consultants and contractors as needed.
- Ensure high-quality deliverables and strong return on investment from external partners.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Student loan repayment assistance and tuition reimbursement.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Generous time off, including up to eight weeks of paid parental leave.
- Retirement savings plan with employer match.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
