Strategic Communications Director

Strategic Communications Director 

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Location: In-person / Flexible Options /CIST Administrative Office / Austin, Texas 

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt 

Reports to: Chief Brand & Growth Officer 

Supervises: This position may supervise one position 

Starting Salary:  $6,250.00/month ($75,000.00 per year) 

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About Communities In Schools 

Rooted in community for over 40 years, Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CISCT) is a sophisticated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas. Communities In Schools (CIS) is a national organization that ensures every student has what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond. At CISCT, our mission is simple: surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.  

Position Summary 

Communities In Schools of Central Texas is building something different. We are not building a traditional communications team. We are building a function that drives growth, influence, and long-term sustainability.

The Strategic Communications Director is the engine behind that work. This role exists to turn strategy into action. You will take big ideas, bold priorities, and complex challenges and translate them into clear campaigns, aligned messaging, and coordinated execution across the organization.

You will sit at the center of communications, development, programs, and advocacy, ensuring that everything we put into the world is intentional, aligned, and moving us forward

What You’ll Do 

Campaign Strategy & Execution 

• Lead the planning and execution of high-impact campaigns tied to funding, advocacy, and organizational growth

• Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, timelines, and deliverables

• Ensure campaigns reach the right audiences with the right message at the right time

Organizational Alignment 

• Serve as the central connector between Communications, Development, Programs, and Advocacy

• Ensure consistency in messaging across teams and initiatives

• Build systems that allow teams to move quickly without losing clarity or quality 
   

Content Systems & Messaging 

• Own the editorial calendar and messaging framework across all channels

• Ensure all communications reflect CIS’s voice, priorities, and strategic goals

• Review and guide content to maintain consistency and impact

Internal Communications

• Lead internal communications to ensure staff are informed, aligned, and connected to the organization’s direction

• Translate strategy into clear, accessible messaging for staff at all levels

• Create feedback loops between field staff and the communications team
   

External Coordination 

• Partner with the Chief Brand & Growth Officer to support external visib