Senior PR and Communications Specialist

SUMMARY:

The “Senior Communications Specialist” at National Heritage Academies (NHA) will join our dynamic team of storytellers who use out-of-the-box-style thinking, coupled with a keen eye for detail, to create compelling communications that people want to read. This energetic team operates in a fast-paced environment, and this position would contribute to celebrating our mission to transform lives in the communities we serve.

Your responsibilities include development and execution of communication strategies that generate positive media coverage for the organization and its network of schools, and building community through strong media relationships and measuring the impact of earned media efforts to enhance brand awareness.

This position reports to the director of communications and special events, and works out of our Service Center in Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

COMPANY INFORMATION:

National Heritage Academies (NHA) partners with communities to build and operate public charter schools. Founded in 1995, today NHA serves over 100 schools in nine states, with more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Our schools are designed to eliminate the achievement gap and provide school choice to families so their children are prepared for success in college, career, and life. A majority of our schools consistently outperform their local district on the state test. According to the Center for Research on Education Outcomes at Stanford University, NHA is a leading performer among charter schools and management organizations, outperforming both conventional district schools and other charter school operators. In addition, according to our employee survey, over 90% of respondents agree that the work they do is meaningful to them. Join our team.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Build and maintain relationships with journalists and industry influencers that drive creation of earned media opportunities; develop and execute proactive media engagement plans, and craft targeted pitches.

Write compelling media advisories, press releases, and thought leadership articles using a keen eye for detail that effectively communicate organizational purpose and mission.

Write stakeholder communications such as fact sheets, letters, and talking points on key issues.

Demonstrate mastery of synthesizing difficult topics in factual yet interesting and relatable ways.

Develop cross-departmental relationships that allow for deeper and more meaningful storytelling.

Create and maintain project calendars for all work.

Provide editing and proofreading support.

Manage and write responses to media queries.

Assist in the creation of crisis/issues communications responses.

Other communications duties as assigned by the director of communications and special events.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.

7 plus years of relevant communications experience, including PR agency partnership management.

National media engagement experience a plus.

Strong editing and proofreading skills.

Excellent communications skills: presentation, verbal, and written.

Detail oriented with proven ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

Capacity to adapt and be flexible in a fast-paced environment.

Maintain a positive attitude and customer service-oriented approach to your work.

Must be able to provide work samples demonstrating relevant communications experience.

 

This is an in-person position at our NHA Service Center located at 3850 Broadmoor Ave., Grand Rapids, MI.

 

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National Heritage Academies is an equal opportunity employer.