The Organization

Launched in Boston in 1995, Citizen Schools will serve 3,500 students and engage 2,800 volunteers this year in 6 states and 16 cities nationwide.  By 2012, the organization will serve 7,700 students in 8-10 states.  Over the next five years, Citizen Schools will dramatically expand recruitment of talented individuals who work directly with the middle-school students in our programs.

The Position

The Director of Media Relations will lead Citizen Schools' national media efforts to promote the organization and the issues of out-of-school time, education reform and national service; and will support the media efforts of our programs in seven states across the country.   The Director will be deeply involved in all aspects of Citizen Schools' public relations efforts.

The Director will report to the Executive Director of Policy and Communications and work closely with marketing and other policy staff.  Located in Boston; DC area location possible.

Responsibilities Include:

Develop and implement strategies to support Citizen Schools programs across the country

• Work with Citizen Schools state offices to assist them in designing media strategies to meet state-specific goals
• Provide ongoing support to state office staff

• Cultivating and building relationships with reporters and editors
• Drafting press releases and statements
• Responding to media requests and inquiries
• Managing press conferences, briefings, etc.
• Leading strategy for Citizen Schools' placement in "new media", e.g. blogs, online communities
• Developing innovative strategies to make Citizen Schools a regular resource for reporters and editors

Build public relations capacity throughout Citizen Schools staff:

• Train and coach external-facing Citizen Schools staff in public relations
• Strategize with development, civic engagement and other directors
• Provide writing and editing support
• Other special projects as needed

Qualifications: 

All candidates should have demonstrated leadership skills, a passion for education and community, and effective collaboration skills.  Other qualifications include:

• At least five years progressively responsible experience in media and/or public relations
• Experience cultivating relationships with reporters and editors
• Experience in training others to use media effectively for public education, promotion and impacting public policy
• Experience with media events such as press conferences and briefings
• Experience building and managing strategic partnerships
• Ability to engage and adapt communication effectively for a variety of different audiences
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Results-driven; excellent time and project management and problem solving skills
• Strong team orientation; ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Sense of humor and enthusiasm
• Creativity, initiative and entrepreneurial zeal
• Ability to model Citizen Schools' core values: Pride, Joy, Respect, Courage, Teamwork, Perseverance, and Vision
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience.  Full benefits include health care, 403B, three weeks vacation, and professional development opportunities.

Next Steps:

Please complete an online application (including cover letter and resume) at www.citizenschools.org/careers.  Candidates will be reviewed on an on-going basis.