Manager, External Affairs - Governance & Communications

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

The Manager, External Affairs - Governance & Communications supports the work of Uncommon Schools’ NYC External Affairs team by helping strengthen governance and compliance, communications, and both external and internal partnerships across the region. This role coordinates key work with the Uncommon NYC Board of Trustees, manages regional communications channels, and helps ensure important external affairs projects move from planning through execution. The Manager works closely with school leaders, external partners, Trustees, and colleagues across Uncommon to develop clear, audience-centered communications and maintain the strong relationships necessary to move this critical work forward. They also use data and project management systems to organize complex work and communicate progress and insights to stakeholders. Through this work, the Manager helps Uncommon NYC tell its story, and sustain the relationships and systems that support our schools and students.

Responsibilities

Governance & Board Partnership

• Coordinate the management of the Uncommon NYC Board of Trustees, including Trustee relationships and communications, meeting content, storytelling, and onboarding of new Trustees.
• Coordinate annual Trustee visits to school campuses, including scheduling, Trustee communications, and preparation with school leaders.
• Monitor changes in state, local, and charter authorizer policy and support appropriate responses.
• Manage regular charter reporting and compliance, and the charter renewal application process with Uncommon NYC’s authorizer.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage Uncommon NYC’s regional social media accounts, including content development, editing, planning, event coverage, and engagement with comments and direct messages.
• Partner with school-based social media points of contact to source stories and content, provide ongoing support, and coordinate communications and expectations across schools.
• Collaborate with social media leads across Uncommon regions and manage the work of a part-time external digital media consultant.
• Manage website updates, coordinate school visits from external stakeholders, and craft a monthly region-wide family newsletter featuring school highlights and stories.
• Represent Uncommon NYC with key external stakeholders and partners as needed and collaborate with internal teams on governance and external affairs special projects.
• Partner as needed with external affairs colleagues on advocacy, and family and community engagement workstreams - this may include attending community events, or project management and communications support.

Planning & Project Management

• Develop and maintain project management and accountability tools for governance, communications, and stakeholder engagement work, including complex and long-term projects.
• Coordinate with colleagues and partners across levels and teams to ensure assigned deliverables are completed and project goals are met.
• Support the NYC External Affairs team’s annual planning process in partnership with the Senior Director.
• Help develop and maintain team-wide systems, including meeting agendas, processes, surveys, templates, and tools that support External Affairs workstreams.

Data Analysis & Storytelling

• Use internal data platforms and dashboards to pull reports and conduct analysis.
• Translate existing reports and data into clear narratives tailored to different audiences, such as Board-facing presentations and school leader communications.
• Use qualitative and quantitative data, including stakeholder feedback and surveys, to inform future work.
• Use data analysis and project management tools to support routine work, projects, and planning.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• 5–6 years of relevant experience. Relevant background