Director of Marketing & Communications at See Forever Foundation

The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives.

We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that

prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed — they will thrive!

The Touchstone

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful, and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.

Position Overview

The Director of Marketing & Communications plays a pivotal role in the Development and Communications Department at Maya Angelou Schools (MAS) and the See Forever Foundation (SFF). Reporting to the Chief of Institutional Advancement (COIA), this position is responsible for developing, executing, and overseeing the organization’s marketing and communications strategy.

In this role, you will collaborate with senior leadership, school staff, and the Board of Directors to manage all media relations, both proactive and reactive, with a primary focus on cultivating local and regional print, broadcast, and digital media campaigns, event coordination and crisis communications.

A key aspect of this position is overseeing the content development and production of various communications materials, including social media, print and digital publications. This includes writing and editing copy materials, managing vendor relationships, and producing resources like fact sheets, speeches, annual reports, newsletters, and website content.

The Director of Marketing & Communications will also work to ensure consistency in messaging and marketing materials used across the organization, contributing to a unified voice and brand.

Requirements

Responsibilities

Specific Responsibilities Will Include But Not Be Limited To

• Collaborate with staff across the organization to support the communication and development needs of various programs and departments.
• Provide communication and development support to the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) office, assisting with both internal and external messaging strategies.
• Implement media relations and marketing plans, ensuring all initiatives align with the organization’s goals and are completed on time.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local and regional media contacts.
• Write and pitch proactive media placements and respond to media inquiries as needed.
• Create content for the organization’s website, newsletters, and other communications channels.
• Manage and expand media partnerships, ensuring all agreements and program needs are met.
• Ensure that the organization’s website is regularly maintained and updated, including program, event, and crisis communications information.
• Maintain a historical record of organizational press clippings, news releases, and media materials.
• Share media updates with staff and the community to keep everyone informed of key developments.
• Identify potential public relations and media issues that may require attention from the CEO or COIA.
• Work with the COIA to create effective communication plans and responses related to crises.
• Manage the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) AmeriCorps program and other volunteer initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, or a related field (required).
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in media relations, public relations strategy, media analytics, or a related field (required).
• Prior experience in graphic design, editing, or journalism is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive experience in writing and editing for both print and digital platforms.
• Proven ability to maintain professional and industry relationships and secure media placements.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, non-profit environment.

Salary And Benefits

Our salaries are comparable to those of other public schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, See Forever offers a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, student loan refinancing options, and the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.

See Forever is an equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.