Director of External Affairs – Iowa Region

Overview

Job Title: Director of External Affairs – Concept Schools Iowa Region

Location: Horizon Science Academy Davenport, HSA Cedar Rapids, and HSA Des Moines

Reports To: Superintendent

Concept Schools is a nonprofit charter management organization that provides a high-quality, STEM-focused, and college-preparatory education through a network of charter public schools while offering exceptional programs, comprehensive services, and opportunities to partner in education. Concept manages a network of 40+ schools across the Midwest and supports the teaching and learning of 15,000 K-12 students.

As a collaborative partner with the Regional Superintendent of Schools, Chief Strategic Growth and Communications Officer, Chief Development Officer, and school Principals, the Regional Director of External Affairs will champion and direct the strategic initiatives encompassing marketing and communications, community engagement, government relations, philanthropy, and student enrollment for all Horizon Science Academies across Iowa. Tasked with propelling the region towards expansion and innovation, the Director will fortify its local and statewide significance, aligning with its core mission.

The Regional Director of External Affairs will report to the Regional Superintendent.

• Student Enrollment:
  Monitor school enrollment, and collaborate with school and network leaders to ensure annual enrollment targets are met
• Developing Communication Strategies:
  Create comprehensive communication strategies to effectively convey the charter school's mission, values, programs, and achievements to various stakeholders, including parents, students, staff, community members, and policymakers.
• Media Relations:
  Cultivate and maintain relationships with local media outlets to generate positive coverage of the charter school, respond to media inquiries, and draft press releases or statements as needed.
• Community Engagement:
  Lead efforts to engage with the local community, including organizing outreach events, attending community meetings, collaborating with local organizations, and fostering partnerships to support the charter school's goals.
• Government and Stakeholder Relations:
  Engage with government officials, charter authorize rs, community organizations, and other stakeholders to advocate for the charter school, build support, and address regulatory or policy issues affecting the school.
• Fundraising and Development:
  Lead fundraising efforts to secure financial support for the charter school's programs and initiatives, including donor cultivation, grant writing, special events, and stewardship of donor relationships.
• Data Analysis and Evaluation:
  Track and analyze the effectiveness of communication strategies, community engagement efforts, and fundraising activities through data collection and evaluation, making adjustments as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Collaboration and Leadership:
  Collaborate with school leadership, staff, and external partners to align external affairs efforts with the charter school's strategic priorities and foster a culture of communication, transparency, and community involvement.
• Professional Development:
  Stay informed about trends, best practices, and developments in the fields of communication, community engagement, fundraising, and education policy to continuously improve strategies and approaches.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
  
  Extensive experience in communications or public relations, preferably within the education sector or a nonprofit environment. Specific experience with charter schools is highly desirable.
• Relationships:
  Established community relationships in Iowa, specifically Cedar Rapids and Davenport
• Skills:
  
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proficiency in digital media, strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities, adeptness in crisis management.

Willingness to travel frequently across the Iowa region and occasionally to other locations as required by the role.

This role is designed for a dynamic and proactive leader capable of navigating complex educational and political landscapes to effectively promote and support the growth and success of Concept Schools through strategic external affairs initiatives.