Communications Manager, Equity Assistance Center-South

Come Join Us in Reshaping the Future! Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta, Georgia, 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, Southern Education Foundation 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 value, belief, purpose, and mission of the organization.

This professional will primarily support the Equity Assistance Center-South (EAC-South), which is grant-funded through 2027 and partners with school districts and states to resolve disparities in students’ educational opportunities as required by federal law. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education nationally.

The Communications Manager reports to the Director of the EAC-South. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

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.
• 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.
• Conduct basic research for EAC-South, clients, and cultivate 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.
• Serve as a liaison with organizational partners on specific initiatives and with colleagues at the Equity Assistance Center and support teams.
• Assist with the planning and scheduling of communication meetings and editorial calendars.
• Travel as needed to assist with Communication needs.
• Complete other tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public relations, marketing, 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 funding. 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, current resume, and names along with contact information of three references 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.