Senior Manager of Communications

About the role

DSST Public Schools seeks a Senior Manager of Communications who will lead the strategy, systems, and execution of internal and external communications across our 16-school network.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee comprehensive communications plans for internal and external audiences, including staff, families, media, board members and community partners

• Maintain communications standards (style guide, templates, approved language/FAQs, source-of-truth repository) to ensure speed, quality and consistency across the network

• Support DSST’s issues management and crisis communications program, including scenario playbooks, spokesperson protocols, rapid message creation and distribution, monitoring and tabletop drills

• Establish network-wide communications governance (intake, prioritization, approval pathways, risk tiers, and RAPID) to enable fast, clear, and consistent communications without creating bottlenecks

• Define and track communications outcomes (clarity, understanding, trust, engagement, behavior/action) beyond delivery metrics; deliver quarterly insights and improvement plans

• Build and maintain stakeholder segmentation and channel strategies by audience; implement two-way listening systems (feedback loops, message testing) and translate insights into improvements to DSST communications and leader decision-making

• Oversee the creation and distribution of internal communications to all DSST staff, including leadership updates, crisis communications and network announcements

• Manage the internal editorial calendar and participate in weekly editorial meetings

• Serve as the “traffic controller” for internal messaging, ensuring appropriate cadence, clarity and channel alignment across departments

• Coach leaders and teams on effective internal communication practices

• Support CEO, SLT, and principals with executive communications (talking points, scripts, Q&As, town halls, board updates)

• Lead the development and distribution of network-level family communications, including the DSST website

• Oversee monthly newsletters and other community-facing updates

• Support school and network leaders with public relations guidance, crisis response, and message development

• Implement media and reputation monitoring, maintain proactive reporter relationships, and deliver regular reputation briefings and recommended actions to leadership

• Manage and develop communications staff, ensuring clarity of roles, strong execution, and opportunities for growth

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Manager of Creative Marketing and Manager of Marketing Data & Systems to ensure cohesive storytelling across digital, visual and written channels

• Partner with student recruitment, talent acquisition, development, STEM, and college success teams to support messaging needs and major initiatives

• Serve as a key connector within the externals team to ensure alignment and shared priorities

• Closely partner with marketing leader to ensure aligned storytelling while maintaining clear ownership boundaries: Communications leads network messaging, internal communications, media relations, and issues management; marketing leads campaigns, social channels, and promotional content

• Support event planning and execution, including providing messaging support, run-of-show guidance, and on-site coordination as needed

• Offer peripheral support for additional events to ensure strong communication and smooth execution

• Serve as the primary on-site contact for the media during signature events

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 6+ years of communications, public relations, or marketing experience

• 2+ years of team or project management experience

• Demonstrated success leading communications strategy across multiple channels and audiences

• Proven experience with crisis communications and media relations

• Exceptional writing and editing skills across a range of formats

• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to inform strategy

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and modern digital communication tools

• Experience collaborating across departments and managing complex workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in K–12 education or a mission-driven nonprofit

• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, content management systems (website), and digital engagement tools

• Ability to coach leaders and staff on communication best practices

• A spirit of curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement