2023 SEF Issues Forum, Nov. 14-17 in Charlotte, NC

Careers

Current Openings

  • Early Childhood Education Senior Fellow

    The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta Georgia, seeks an Early Childhood Education Senior Fellow to direct SEF’s emerging early childhood education initiative. Founded in 1867, SEF’s mission is to advance equity and excellence in education for all students in the South, particularly for students of color and students from low-income families. SEF uses advocacy, leadership development, research, and strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations to improve outcomes in early childhood through early adulthood. SEF believes education is the vehicle by which all students get fair chances to develop their talents and contribute to the common good. For more than 156 years, SEF has also substantially improved opportunities for young learners and students from birth through 16.  

    The ideal Early Childhood Education Senior Fellow candidate will possess a robust understanding of prenatal, infant, childcare, pre-K, and other Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and policies. The candidate must also have a history of effectively advocating for ECE policies at the local, state, or federal level.  

    This position reports to the Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy.

    The ECE Senior Fellow will elevate SEF’s portfolio of work to improve and increase support for young children in the South. This person will manage SEF’s ECE overall strategy and portfolio of work. In coordination with SEF’s Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, the ECE Senior Fellow’s primary responsibility will be to direct the Southern Early Childhood Education Justice (SECEJ) network, a new SEF-sponsored, multi-year, multi-state initiative that seeks to improve state and federal policies and make transformative educational improvements for the region’s youngest children of color. The ECE Senior Fellow will provide internal and external leadership for the SECEJ project, coordinate efforts with associated partner organizations, and provide technical assistance to a growing network of ECE advocates and policy partners.  

    The ECE Senior Fellow will bolster SEF’s early childhood agenda by responding to the region’s most pressing policies and challenges by learning from and listening to partners, analyzing, and understanding relevant data and research, and determining when conditions are ripe for shifts in state and federal policies. The ECE Senior Fellow will also work collaboratively across the organization with other SEF leaders, such as the Director of Research and Policy, early learning staff members, and partner organizations, on strategy and the execution of workplans. 

    TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

    • Lead a state and national network of early childhood education advocates to advance racial equity in the early childhood education sector. 
    • Perform data analysis and coordinate community-based advocacy bootcamps. 
    • Develop or coordinate a series of policy briefs and ECE related fact sheets.  
    • Assist in the development of advocacy tactics tailored to six southern states and support the work of other network partners. 
    • Develop a regional early childhood education advocacy agenda in collaboration with national and state-based partners. 
    • Disseminate ECE data, research, and advocacy opportunities across communities, families, schools, ECE programs, and with other key partners. 
    • Serve as a regional ECE leader and identify new opportunities to expand equity in early childhood education throughout the South.
    • Connect and collaborate with other ECE organizations, forging strong external relationships that benefit young children and their families. 
    • Provide guidance and advising on policy, build connections with policymakers, and work collaboratively across disciplines and with multiple partners. 
    • Develop network programming, meeting agendas, and other relevant collateral to facilitate network convenings, and lead other capacity-building discussions with a diverse set of partners online and in-person. 
    • Draft memos and grant-related reports, as needed, including midpoint, annual, and final summaries along with other associated materials for funders. 
    • Educate SEF staff on key ECE issues, including notable benchmarks for improvement and collaborate with colleagues to align cross-sectional areas of work. 
    • Perform other duties as assigned. 

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: 

    • A Master’s degree is strongly preferred in a related field such as early childhood development/education, public policy, public health, or a related social science field. A Bachelor’s degree is required.  
    • Have a documented history of successfully managing state or federal ECE campaigns. 
    • Possess government advocacy experience and an understanding of local, state, and federal policies that impact and govern ECE. 
    • Have seven or more years of experience leading ECE or K-12 education advocacy efforts, conducting policy analysis, and leading advocacy coalitions.   
    • Possess a deep commitment to educational equity and improving systems to support all children, but especially children of color and those who live in low-income households.   
    • Demonstrate knowledge of the ECE policy landscape and key political factors, with a specific focus on program affordability, quality, workforce preparation, and retention. 
    • Have a comprehensive understanding of the child development field.  
    • Possess substantial knowledge of state and federal ECE policies and programs. 
    • Demonstrate the capacity to translate ideas into action. 
    • Possess excellent written, oral, and digital communication skills, great interpersonal skills, and the ability to distill and explain complex information to a variety of audiences and partners.  
    • Have experience with private grants, grants administration, monitoring, and reporting requirements, along with tracking contracts and agreements. 
    • Have stellar project management skills and the ability to facilitate the work of multiple teams, prioritizing competing demands in a fast-changing and highly collaborative environment. 
    • Candidates should be able to organize and prioritize their workload effectively, complete multiple assignments, and meet various deadlines. 
    • Advanced skills in Excel/Google Sheets, Word/Google Docs, PowerPoint/Google Slides, comfortable using database software applications, online data-collection systems, and remote video-conferencing via Zoom and Microsoft Teams. 
    • Experience working independently and collaboratively with other staff members while displaying a positive demeanor. 
    • Exhibit sensitivity to and respect for differences in personal, professional, and business relationships on behalf of SEF. 
    • Have comfort with ambiguity and a sense of humor while exhibiting grace under pressure. 
    • Effectively communicate and embody the values, beliefs, purpose, and equity-focused mission of SEF as an organization. 
    • Effectively advocate for increased access to affordable, high-quality early learning environments for young children and increased pay and benefits for the ECE workforce. 
    • Possess significant professional experience in the public, academic, and nonprofit sectors. 
    • Fundraising experience and the skills to contribute to the program’s long-term financial sustainability and growth. 

    This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday. Compensation for this role begins at $80,000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package. This is a grant-funded position with funding currently in place for three years. Extending the position will depend on raising additional project funding beyond 2026. The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. is an Atlanta-based organization. SEF is currently working a hybrid schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the organization.  

    Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest 2) a current resume 3) names and contact information of three professional references to hr@southerneducation.org with Early Childhood Education Senior Fellow in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  

    The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

  • Director, Business Development and Donor Relations

    The Southern Education Foundation (SEF), located in Atlanta, Georgia seeks a Director, Business Development and Donor Relations to oversee SEF’s donor relations program and manage its fundraising initiatives. For more than 156 years, Southern Education Foundation (SEF) has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels, from pre-kindergarten through higher education. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education nationally. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which SEF pursues its mission.

    The right candidate will be someone committed to the belief that education is the vehicle by which all students have access and opportunities for fair chances to develop their talents and attain school success. This candidate should possess a sound understanding of education issues across the P-12 pipeline.

    This position will report to the President and CEO with a dotted line to the Chief Financial Officer.

    The Director, Business Development and Donor Relations is an essential leader in SEF’s development operations and the strategic management of the organization’s relationship with its top donors. The successful candidate will be responsible for oversight of Southern Education Foundations fundraising campaigns and communicating with current and prospective donors. This position involves directing philanthropic grants, individual, foundation, corporate gifts, and planned annual giving campaigns. The Director, Business Development and Donor Relations will curate new partnerships and expound upon relationships ensuring reporting, compelling experiences, and tailored opportunities to help advance SEF’s work.

    Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

    You will establish processes to track, measure, analyze outcomes, and evaluate business partnerships value. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned strategic partnership/business development professional that has a proven track record of success within the non-profit space.

    • Identify and develop new business opportunities while leveraging key client relationships.
    • Build and evaluate existing relationships with funders, customers, and partners with an eye towards building on what works and changing what doesn’t.
    • Collaborate with the Communications Team on strategies to optimize advertising through social media and the delivery of campaigns.
    • Write and edit compelling donor communications and marketing materials.
    • Develop and strengthen internal and external relationships that leads to increased lead generation and grants.
    • Has the ability to influence and negotiate through proven sales skills and has unique insights aligning to key funders and with the mission of SEF.
    • Able to clearly articulate actionable feedback and guidance to senior stakeholders regarding potential funders.
    • Maintain a consistent ‘pipeline’ that enables meeting and exceeding company’s strategic goals.
    • Some travel is included but not limited to meeting with partners to maintain current business and/or obtain additional business while participating in industry specific events.
    • Help shape the company’s long-term objectives and determine plans for how to meet them.
    • Identify sponsorship and grant opportunities and increases partner engagement.
    • Conduct meetings and presentations to raise SEFs brand profile.

    Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

    • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or related field; MBA a plus.
    • 5-10 years’ sales or marketing experience in nonprofit fundraising.
    • 3-5 years’ supervisory or management experience.
    • Communicates effectively to prospective customers, clients, partners, vendors, and press both written and verbally as a polished presenter who can successfully articulate the vision and strategy of SEF.
    • Works collaboratively with colleagues, Board members, and staff to achieve fundraising goals.
    • Possess relationship management, public relations, and strategic planning skills.
    • Uses financial and business acumen along with negotiation skills.
    • Maintains effective organizational, research, and analytical skills.
    • Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability to fundraising strategies in response to changing circumstances or unexpected events.
    • Works well under pressure and meets tight deadlines, while maintaining a positive and solutions-oriented approach.
    • Familiarity with technology and platforms used in the field.
    • Big-picture thinking encompasses strong interpersonal skills for effective decision making.
    • Have a deep commitment to SEFs mission and making an impact in the South.

    This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday with a competitive salary and benefits package. The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta based organization. SEF is currently working a hybrid schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.

    Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest; 2) a current resume; 3) names and contact information of three references to hr@southerneducation.org with Director, Business Development and Donor Relations in the subject line of the email.

    Apply on Indeed

    The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

  • Technical Assistance-Lead, EAC-South

    The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta Georgia seeks a Technical Assistance Lead for the Equity Assistance Center-South. For more than 156 years, Southern Education Foundation has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels; from pre-kindergarten through higher education for low-income and students of color in the southern states. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education nationally. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which Southern Education Foundation pursues its mission.

    The Equity Assistance Center-South works in the areas of civil rights, equity, and school reform to help ensure that equitable educational opportunities are available and accessible for all children. EACs provide technical assistance and training upon request, in the areas of race, sex, national origin, and religion to public school districts, school boards, state and local education agencies, and other governmental agencies to promote equitable education opportunities.

    This position will report to the Director, EAC-South Region II.

    The Technical Assistance (TA) Lead oversees a variety of projects within the Equity Assistance Centers including providing design, instruction, and project management expertise. The TA Lead is responsible for building and maintaining the EAC-South’s portfolio of technical assistance work and supporting related activities like needs sensing, relationship building, and federal reporting. You will oversee cross-functional teams across SEF and partner with organizations who will be asked to provide training and technical assistance at the invitation of school boards and other governmental agencies on issues of equity related to race, national origin, sex, or religion. Such technical assistance is designed to improve and sustain a public education system’s capacity to address issues occasioned by desegregation and inequities and increase equitable opportunities for all students. This position will forge and expound upon partnerships that align with the mission of the EAC and of Southern Education Foundation, Inc.

    Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Apply human-centered design principles and continuous improvement framework to help state, local education agencies, and educators unpack and address the challenges they face.
    • Use evidence-based research to create self-paced modules, courses, and other online content that cover issues under the four desegregation areas (race, national origin, sex, or religion).
    • Develop and maintain project plans, communicating project status to internal and external teams, and supporting decision making and execution to meet project goals and timeline.
    • Work with the Evaluation lead to ensure that data collection and assessed outcomes are tied to project goals.
    • Collaborate with project leads to understand and discuss the scope of various projects.
    • Assess the needs of partners and collaboration with education constituents.
    • Co-create and maintain a fully accessible, responsive regional website with an online repository containing resources including but not limited to, research syntheses, rubrics, briefs, training manuals, newsletters, webinars, and other TA tools and products.
    • Provide remote and in-person expert consultation or training to address equity issues including but not limited to reducing implicit bias, improving cultural competencies, implementing nondiscriminatory policies to prevent and counter prejudice and insensitivity and creating safe and supportive learning environments that are free from harassment, bullying, teasing, and hate crimes based on race, national origin, sex, or religion for groups of educators, coaches, school, district, and state leadership.
    • Provide training at conferences designed to improve the ability of teachers, supervisors, counselors, parents, community members, community organizations, and other elementary or secondary school personnel to deal effectively with special educational problems occasioned by desegregation.
    • Present confidently about effective strategies for change management and capacity building and bringing both innovative and proven solutions to common challenges in K-12 education.
    • Establish as appropriate, communities of practice (CoP) and peer-to-peer exchanges on equity topics which could include managing cohort or project-based leadership academies or implementing a series of professional development activities to respond to regional requests by school boards and other responsible governmental agencies.
    • Assist school boards and other responsible governmental agencies in conducting needs assessments, including equity audits, and developing comprehensive implementation plans and policies for addressing issues under the desegregation areas (race, national origin, sex, or religion).
    • Assist school boards and other governmental agencies in advancing district desegregation efforts by engaging in community asset mapping including but not limited to coordinating with State and local entities in order to implement effective methods of coping with special education problems occasioned by desegregation.
    • If requested by school boards or other governmental agencies, collaborate with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other federal agencies, as appropriate, to provide TA to school boards and other responsible governmental agencies that support compliance with federal civil rights laws and address civil rights, desegregation, and equity issues, including working directly with local educational agencies (LEAs) that are implementing Resolution Agreements.
    • Complete other tasks as assigned.

    Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

    • A master’s degree in education or a related field required. Doctorate degree preferred.
    • Five years of technical experience in an educational environment.
    • Knowledge of the Technical Assistance processes and theory.
    • Experience coaching and managing individuals or teams is required.
    • Demonstrates a high level of comfort with technology, with experience using technology in an educational context preferred.
    • Experience as an evaluator, as a project researcher or analyst, or in coordinating with an evaluator around technical assistance work.
    • Manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously, and can navigate ambiguity to achieve exceptional outcomes.
    • Exceptional skills as a communicator and synthesizer.
    • Demonstrates a high level of comfort with technology, with experience using technology in an educational context preferred.
    • Willingness to travel up to 30-50%.
    • Excellent writing skills and deliverable creation and review experience.
    • Exceptional people skills understanding that this position will require working with teams across many partner organizations as part of the TA team.
    • The ability to demonstrate grace under pressure and to prioritize tasks effectively.

    Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

    • Knowledge of education sector, with 5+ years of experience leading projects and/or a team of educators in a school or district environment.
    • Prior experience working with federal education grants.
    • Demonstrated experience managing and/or conducting quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed methods research.
    • Knowledge of research methods and familiarity with statistical analysis packages and other research tools.

    This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday. Compensation for this role will start at $100,000 with a competitive benefits package. The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta-based organization. Atlanta-based candidates are preferred. SEF is currently working a hybrid schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.

    Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest 2) a current resume 3) names and contact information of three references to hr@southerneducation.org with Technical Assistance (TA) Lead in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

    The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

  • Communications Manager, Equity Assistance Center-South

    The Southern Education Foundation (SEF) seeks a dedicated communications professional with at least three to five years of experience to help us further the mission and goals of SEF

    For more than 150 years, SEF has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels, from pre-kindergarten through higher education. SEF works to improve equity and excellence in education for low-income students and students of color in the South. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education nationally. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which SEF pursues its mission. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate and embody the values, beliefs, purpose, and mission of the organization.

    The Communications Manager reports to the Director of the EAC-South.

    The Communications Manager will execute strategic communication efforts as a key member of the EAC-South team. This role requires an energetic, collaborative, and responsive self-starter with a passion for writing and a desire to tell the work and impact of the EAC-South and its region. This role will help drive the EAC-South’s internal and external communication initiatives including planning and implementation.

    Job Duties & Responsibilities:

    • Develop comprehensive communication plans for the EAC-South.
    • Prepare and manage website content,presentations, blogs, newsletters, social media content, surveys, and post videos from events.
    • Performs basic coding, editing, and maintenance for SEFs websites when necessary.
    • Manage outreach and promotion for EAC-South online events including webinars and instructional content using digital marketing tools social media, and email.
    • Support other meeting facilitation needs for meetings online and in person.
    • Provide WebEx, Zoom, Teams, and other web conferencing technical support services for training and communication efforts.
    • Recommend and implement new digital tools to manage multiple social media channels and contribute to project management and scheduling.
    • Conduct basic research for EAC-South, clients, and cultivating resources to support pre-K-12 educators and education leaders.
    • Work with the communications staff to further improve storytelling and outreach on key areas of work and policy issues.
    • Create flyers, fact sheets, social media content, and PowerPoint templates when necessary.
    • Serve as a liaison with organizational partners on specific initiatives and with colleagues at the Equity Assistance Center and support teams.
    • Monitor trends and audience engagement and analyze our web, social media, and email outreach to gauge effectiveness and reach.
    • Assist with the planning and scheduling of communication meetings and editorial calendars.
    • Complete other tasks as assigned.

    Required Qualifications:

    • Bachelor’s degree or higher in marketing, public relations, communications, or a related field.
    • 3 – 5 years or more experience performing similar tasks.
    • Excellent communicator with strong oral and written communication skills.
    • Working knowledge of basic digital tools (Hootsuite, WordPress,Zoom,MailChimp, Canva, YouTube, Smartsheet, Survey Monkey, etc).
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and MS Outlook.
    • Project Management experience.
    • Strong organizational skills, work ethic, and willingness to collaborate with and across teams.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience or demonstrated interest in education in the South, civil rights, racial justice, and equity.

    This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday. Compensation for this position begins at $70,000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package. This is a grant-funded position with funding in place until 2027. An extension of this position will depend on additional fundraising. The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta-based organization. SEF is currently working a hybrid schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.

    Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and a current resume to hr@southerneducation.org with Communications Manager in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

    The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

  • Communications Manager, Southern Education Foundation

    The Southern Education Foundation (SEF) seeks a communications manager to join our communications team and oversee the development and implementation of our digital communications strategy that furthers the mission and goals of SEF.

    For more than 150 years, SEF has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels, from pre-kindergarten through higher education. SEF works to improve equity and excellence in education for low-income students and students of color in the South. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education nationally. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which SEF pursues its mission. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate and embody the values, beliefs, purpose, and mission of the organization.

    The Communications Manager reports to the Director of Communications.

    The ideal candidate is a creative individual with a sound understanding of digital communications (email, social media, content) along with an eye for detail and exceptional written and oral communication skills. The Communications Manager should have experience with an array of digital tools and in; public relations and communications, plus a strong interest in improving educational opportunities so that all students can develop their talents and contribute to the common good.
    This candidate should have experience with website management, creating/managing digital content, social media management and strategy, basic graphic design, and be knowledgeable in using various platforms to interact with diverse audiences. The Communications Manager should be able to work independently and cooperatively with all levels across the organization.

    Job Duties & Responsibilities:

    • Propose, encourage, and lead a new comprehensive digital communications strategy that aligns with the organization’s strategic plan and needs guided by the Director of Communications.
    • Strategize, plan, and manage day-to-day digital content production across all channels, including websites, email, and social media.
    • Performs basic coding, editing, and maintenance for SEFs websites when necessary.
    • Work on a variety of projects and media, using various software programs to visualize and develop basic graphic designs that meet SEF branding and style.
    • Assist with the company’s convenings and other conferences in terms of website and communications.
    • Lead improvements to SEFs website in consultation with department managers, external graphic designer(s) and other contractors.
    • Recommend and implement new digital tools to manage multiple social media channels and contribute to project management and scheduling.
    • Provide basic video editing and supervision for larger video projects for our websites, social media, and SEF events.
    • Manage organizational newsletters, including monthly updates, mass emails, promotions, presentations, blogs, social media content, surveys, and videos.
    • Create flyers, fact sheets, social media content, and PowerPoint templates when necessary.
    • Manage the design and uploading process for all project materials, based on best practices for using a content management system.
    • Monitor trends and audience engagement and analyze our web, social media, and email outreach to gauge effectiveness and reach.
    • Consult with colleagues to ensure that documents and designs meet SEF standards and brand guidelines, express ideas accurately, and represent SEF in a professional manner.
    • Work with other departments and colleagues at SEF to develop fresh and creative ways to further improve storytelling, published content, and engaging with our online audience on key areas of work and policy issues.
    • Complete other tasks as assigned.

    Required Qualifications:

    • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field.
    • Five or more years of experience in communications, with an emphasis on using digital tools, website design and management, and similar tasks.
    • Impeccable oral, written, and presentation communication skills.
    • Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills for meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
    • Working knowledge of basic digital tools (Monday, Hootsuite, WordPress, MailChimp, Canva, YouTube, Smartsheet, Survey Monkey, etc.).
    • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products and MS Outlook.
    • Desire to continue building skillset with education and training to stay abreast of the latest technology.
    • A strong work ethic, upbeat demeanor, and willingness to collaborate with a variety of colleagues, partners, and vendors.
    • Commitment to sensitivity and respect in all personal and professional interactions.
    • Effectively communicate and embody the value, beliefs, purpose, and mission of SEF.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience or demonstrated interest in education in the South, civil rights, racial justice, and equity.

    This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday. Compensation for this position begins at $70,000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package. The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta-based organization. SEF is currently working a hybrid schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.

    Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and a current resume to hr@southerneducation.org with Communications Manager in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

    The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

  • OBC Communications Specialist

    The Southern Education Foundation (SEF), located in Atlanta, GA seeks an outstanding candidate to fill our Outcomes-Based Contracting Communications Specialist position to support the Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC) Program, a strategic initiative of the SEF. This program supports school districts in the creation of outcomes-based contracts as the basis of the contracting arrangement between tutoring providers and participating school districts. The Communications Specialist will be responsible for creating and maintaining the essential communication functions of the OBC initiative, supporting the program to achieve its strategic goals as it continues to develop. 

    Candidates interested in this position should have working knowledge of and passionate commitment to improving educational opportunity, particularly for K-12 students experiencing poverty. The right candidate is committed to the belief that education is the vehicle by which all students get fair chances to develop their talents and contribute to the common good. 

    For more than 150 years, SEF has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels, from pre-kindergarten through higher education. SEF works to improve equity and excellence in education for low-income students and students of color in the South. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which SEF pursues its mission. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate and embody the values, beliefs, purpose, and mission of the organization.  

    The OBC Communications Specialist reports to the OBC Project Director. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org. 

    The Opportunity:  

    The Southern Education Foundation is looking for a Part-Time Communications Specialist to support the Outcomes Based Contracting Team with their communications and marketing needs. In this role, the candidate will work 20-25 hours per week, providing support in the following areas: 

    TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

    Social Media Strategy: 

    • Collaborate with the team to develop and implement social media strategies that align with the team’s goals and overall communication strategy of the Southern Education Foundation. 
    • Create engaging social media content, including images, videos, and copy. 
    • Monitor and respond to social media engagement and feedback. 

    Resource Creation Using Adobe InDesign: 

    • Design and produce various marketing and communication materials using Adobe InDesign. 
    • Ensure brand consistency in all created resources. 

    Brand Advancement: 

    • Work closely with the OBC team to advance and strengthen the company’s brand and advertised presence. 
    • Assist in the maintenance and consistent use of brand guidelines.

    Website Management Using WordPress: 

    • Update and maintain the company’s website content on WordPress. 
    • Ensure that the website is user-friendly, visually appealing, and up to date. 

    Website Analytics: 

    • Monitor and analyze website traffic and user behavior using analytics tools. 
    • Generate reports and provide insights to improve the website’s performance. 

     Branding Guidelines: 

    • Educate and enforce consistent use of branding guidelines across all communication channels and resources created. 
    • Ensure that all materials adhere to the established brand identity.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: 

    • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. 
    • Three or more years of experience in communications. 
    • Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, WordPress, and social media platforms. 
    • Strong graphic design skills and a keen eye for aesthetics. 
    • Experience with website analytics and SEO optimization. 
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
    • Strong organizational and project management abilities. 
    • Creative thinking and ability to generate innovative ideas. 
    • Ability to work effectively and manage multiple tasks concurrently. 
    • Proficiency in Google Suite for effective collaboration and document management. 
    • Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat for document and form creation. 
    • Experience in social media management and brand promotion, with a track record of successful campaigns. 
    • Demonstrated commitment to equity and excellence for every young person, but especially students of color and low-income students in the South.

    If you are a creative and motivated individual who is passionate about effective communication, branding, and online marketing, we encourage you to apply. This is a part-time position working 20-25 hours per week. Compensation for this role is commensurate with experience. The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta based organization. SEF is currently working a hybrid schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business. Join us in our mission to enhance visibility and create meaningful connections. 

    Why SEF? 

    • Competitive hourly wage and potential growth as the role evolves. 
    • Opportunity to work a hybrid schedule. 
    • Collaborative and supportive team culture. 
    • Professional development and learning opportunities.
    • Be a key player in shaping the company’s online presence and brand.

    Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest; 2) a current resume; 3) names and contact information of three professional references to (hr@southerneducation.org) with OBC Communications Specialist in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

    The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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