Job description
At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.
The Director of Communications will lead the development and execution of Rocketship’s internal and external communications strategy. This role is critical in ensuring that our voice and messaging is clear, consistent, and grounded in our mission—across our national network, regions, and school communities. The Director will serve as the organization’s communications strategist, storyteller, and advisor—supporting executive leadership, school leaders, and teams across the network. Success in this role is defined by authentic, strategic communications that informs, inspires, and aligns.
The following are key responsibilities related to the position:
External Communications (40%)
- Design and deploy an annual editorial strategy and schedule at both national and regional levels, leveraging earned and owned media channels.
- Craft and manage key messaging for public statements, public meetings, media engagement, and press releases.
- Develop a proactive media relations strategy and maintain strong relationships with education and local reporters.
- Collaborate with school and regional leaders to support crisis communications and manage sensitive or high-stakes external messages.
- Ensure brand integrity and voice across all public-facing communications.
Internal Communications (40%)
- Design and implement an internal communications strategy that builds trust, transparency, and strengthens culture across the national network.
- Lead development and execution of internal messages from executive leaders, including announcements, updates, and network-wide briefings.
- Strengthen internal communication systems and structures.
- Lead change management communications to ensure staff, school leaders, and stakeholders are informed and aligned.
- Facilitate feedback loops to ensure communication is two-way, inclusive, and responsive.
Leadership & Collaboration (20%)
- Advise senior leaders on communications strategy, narrative, and positioning.
- Train, prepare, and coach leaders across the network on how to effectively present in public hearings, interview with media, and other public formats.
- Support teams across the network to ensure communications are consistent, coordinated, and aligned to organizational goals.
- Manage vendors and consultants as needed for media relations, writing support, or performance analysis.
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of professional experience in strategic communications, journalism, public affairs, or related fields.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for a range of audiences.
- Proven experience navigating internal and external communications in a mission-driven organization, especially in moments of change or crisis.
- Data-driven communications professional with strong practice of using key performance indicators to evaluate impact, shape strategy, and create alignment.
- Deep commitment to Rocketship’s vision of “equal access to opportunity for all.”
- Ability to manage complexity, prioritize with intention, and build relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in K-12 education, nonprofits, or public sector communications.
- Experience in public charter school networks.
- Located in one of Rocketship’s regions: San Francisco Bay Area, Milwaukee, Nashville, Washington DC metro area.
- Fluency in Spanish or another language spoken by Rocketship families.
- Background in media relations, content marketing, internal communications, or journalism.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.
Compensation:
Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.
Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Rocketship Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Rocketship Public Schools’ employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Click here for our Sexual Harassment Policy. For questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Human Resources.
