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Senior Communications Specialist, OBC

Innovate, Excel, Succeed with Our Team! The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta, Georgia seeks an outstanding candidate to fill our Senior Communications Specialist, OBC position to support the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC) at the Southern Education Foundation.

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.

This position reports to the Managing Director, Outcomes Based Contracting. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

The Center for Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC), a strategic initiative is designed to foster partnerships between school districts and service providers, with the goal of improving student outcomes.  The Senior Communications Specialist will play a key role in executing the communication strategy for the OBC initiative. This role will initially focus on tactical communication tasks, such as managing social media, designing branded content, developing business development and recruitment communications, along with drafting external messages. Over time, the Senior Communications Specialist will also take on more strategic responsibilities, currently managed by a consultant, including media/PR strategy, content creation for blogs, articles, and leading communication reviews.

This role is ideal for someone with a communications background in education or a related field who is looking to grow within a dynamic and impactful team. The Senior Communications Specialist will collaborate with the OBC team and external partners to ensure that messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with the center’s vision and objectives.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • As for social media & online presence, develop and post content across social media platforms to engage key audiences, including district leaders, providers, state agencies, and funders.
  • Monitor social media interactions, responding to feedback as necessary.
  • Track and report monthly communication analytics for social media and website performance.
  • Content development includes creating first drafts of communications for business development and recruitment, working with the Managing Director to finalize and distribute to stakeholders.
  • Develop draft content for newsletters, blogs, and other external communications.
  • Manage updates to the website, ensuring content is aligned with updated branding and key messaging.
  • Provide tactical communications support by working with the Managing Director to draft initial outreach communications to external audiences, including district leaders, and providers.
  • Prepare communications for various OBC initiatives, including cohort recruitment and partnership updates.
  • In terms of project-based communications (growth focus) and as the Senior Communications Specialist grows into the role, this professional will gradually take over responsibilities currently handled by a consultant, including:
    • Media/PR Strategy: Assist in developing media and PR strategies, focusing on key events like the OBC Convening.
    • Content & Insight: Provide key content and insights for media pieces, blogs, and articles.
    • Communication Reviews: Lead the review process for communications, managing feedback from the OBC team, and adhering to deadlines.
    • Branding & Collateral: Develop updates to resources, collateral, decks, and signage to reflect shifts to messaging and branding (as needed).
    • Press Kit Content: Assist in preparing content for press kits in partnership with external PR firm.
  • Strategic Responsibilities will include:
    • Collaborating with the PR firm and consultants to develop and execute communication strategies for high-impact events and key initiatives, such as the annual OBC Convening.
    • Steward the ongoing alignment of communications with the broader vision of the Center for OBC.
    • Complete other tasks as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, education, or a related field.
  • Three to five years of relevant experience in a communications role, preferably within education, nonprofit, or related sectors.
  • Strong writing and editing skills with a proven ability to create engaging content tailored to a variety of audiences, including district leaders, providers, funders, and the media.
  • Experience managing social media platforms and generating content.
  • Proficiency in WordPress, Canva, and Google Suite (experience with Adobe InDesign and Salesforce Account Engagement a plus).
  • Knowledge of website analytics, SEO optimization, and experience tracking communication metrics.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • A commitment to improving educational equity, especially for students of color and low-income students in the South.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and excellence in education in the South, civil rights, racial justice and equity.

Candidates interested in this position should have working knowledge of and passionate commitment to improving educational opportunity, particularly for K-12 students experiencing poverty. This is a full-time remote position working Monday – Friday. Compensation for this role is $70,000 – $80,000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package. This is a grant-funded position.

The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta based organization with a national presence. For candidates based in Atlanta, employees are currently working a hybrid schedule including working remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business. For candidates based outside of Atlanta, this is a remote-only position with potential of travel to Atlanta and with approved company expenses paid for.

Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest 2) a current resume 3) a writing sample 4) examples of graphic design work (i.e., website design, branded document, PowerPoint presentation, etc. 5) the names and contact information of three references to (hr@southerneducation.org) ensuring Senior Communications Specialist, OBC is included 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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