Communications Specialist Job Description
Reports to: Deputy Director of Talent and Operations
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience
Location: New Haven, CT with some in-state travel
Overview:
The Connecticut RISE Network (RISE) is a Connecticut-based non-profit organization with a mission to empower educators to achieve breakthrough results, helping all students realize and achieve their full potential. Leveraging its innovative partnership model, RISE facilitates networked improvement communities by bringing together exceptional educators working in different contexts to advance shared goals. By empowering school communities to improve, we invest in a cycle of lasting and scalable impact.
RISE districts and schools commit to sharing resources and expertise, pursuing innovative solutions, strengthening school and district systems, and empowering educators and leaders through continuous improvement. Currently, RISE represents a multi-year partnership between nine school districts across Connecticut, serving 14,000 students across ten high schools to support educators striving to ensure every RISE high school student graduates college and career ready.
Position Summary and Essential Job Functions:
The Communications Specialist will play an integral role spearheading RISE’s knowledge management and communication functions to support RISE’s growth, organizational effectiveness, and impact over time. RISE is seeking a talented and highly motivated individual to advance the organization’s communications efforts. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment, and is passionate about closing achievement gaps and developing the potential of all students regardless of life circumstance.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Communications:
Oversee the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, annual report and websites, ensuring a consistent and compelling public narrative around RISE’s mission and impact.
Coordinate, author, and edit detailed and highly engaging copy for fundraising materials, including donor communications and grant reports, in partnership with the RISE Director and Deputy Director of Talent & Operations.
Collaborate with the program and data teams to develop and disseminate RISE research, toolkits and best practices, identifying and implementing strategies to engage key audiences in taking measurable action through events, digital distribution and other communications channels.
Track and measure the level of engagement with RISE’s social media and website.
Manage relationships with external communications vendors, including design, print, customized materials, and website development firms, to ensure effective partnerships that deliver high-quality service.
Support media cultivation efforts, including creating informative and interesting press releases, press kits, and op-ed placements.
Continue to build and advance the RISE brand among external audiences through various communications channels.
Knowledge Management and Dissemination:
Manage the Network Portal, ensuring RISE’s open-source, searchable and downloadable resources are up-to-date and easily accessible.
Create and curate relevant and engaging content for the RISE newsletter, blog, and social media.
Collaborate with the RISE program team to produce training videos and other multimedia content for RISE strategy guides and toolkits.
Develop and maintain an internal library of photos, videos, presentations, and other communications resources.
Assist in the translation of resources to other languages to facilitate access and promote community engagement with RISE programs and strategies.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
Experience with communications and/or knowledge management in a K-12 or nonprofit context.
Ability to ramp up on new content and work in an independent and self-motivated manner.
Desire to work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and results-driven environment.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated proficiency with WordPress and Google apps. Knowledge of graphic design software preferred.
Strong sense of accountability and responsibility for results.
Outstanding collaboration and teamwork.
Sense of humor, positive attitude, and willingness to work in a collaborative environment.
Commitment to systems-driven solutions for scalable and sustained impact.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet competing demands.
Strong belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels.
Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish strongly preferred.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience.