Director of External Affairs

Position
The Director of External Affairs (DoEA) will serve as the leader of BVP’s advocacy, communications, and family engagement work, and is responsible for the development and execution of the organization’s external affairs strategy, with the goal of strengthening community and political support on behalf of the organization. The DoEA will report to the CEO & Superintendent, and will supervise BVP’s Associate Director of External Affairs.

Responsibilities
● In partnership with BVP’s CEO & Superintendent, create and execute a comprehensive external
affairs (communications, marketing, family engagement, and advocacy) strategy that amplifies
the value of BVP and generates increased levels of support for BVP and its advocacy priorities.
● Lead the team that authors internal and external communications (e.g., newsletters, press
releases, social media statements, op-eds, legislative testimonies, etc.) on behalf of BVP’s CEO &
Superintendent and the organization, and develops all core collateral (e.g., annual report,
membership brochure, fact sheets, donor communications, etc.).
● Identify and secure frequent opportunities for positive media earned media coverage that
amplifies the value of the organization; direct all press outreach, relations, and communications.
● Oversee timely, effective, and responsive crisis communications support for BVP’s CEO &
Superintendent and the organization, as needed.
● Build and manage a variety of stakeholder engagement and training programs (families, alumni,
staff, other community supporters) to advance BVP’s advocacy agenda.
● Create and execute a strategy for building a strong network of relationships throughout the BVP
community by providing direct services to families and participating in school events and
activities; provide Spanish interpretation for key school and network meetings, as needed.
● Support development and maintenance of Family Leadership Councils at all BVP schools.
● Track legislation and regulations, and coordinate actions in response to threats, opportunities,
and common concerns, supporting stakeholders with logistics, preparation for testimony, and
written communications.
● Develop and execute strategies for building relationships with community-based organizations,
faith leaders, elected officials, and other civic and community leaders.
● Support with event planning and production for multiple audiences, including families, press,
policy makers, and individual and institutional donors.
● In partnership with the Associate Director of External Affairs, manage relationships with a variety
of vendors BVP contracts with for a variety of services including, but not limited to, crisis
communications, lobbying, merchandise, advertising, and graphic design.

● Set actionable goals for growth, develop benchmarks, and track performance metrics to assess the
external affairs program and its impact.
● Manage, support, and develop BVP’s Associate Director of External Affairs.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of professional experience preferred; experience in public charter school and/or education communications/advocacy is a plus.

• Conversational Spanish required; written Spanish proficiency strongly preferred.

• Strong leadership skills and a demonstrated capacity to produce results.

• Cultural competency and experience working with families from diverse backgrounds.

• Strong messaging and storytelling skills, with the ability to understand and creatively explain issues and trends affecting public education, and the ability to synthesize and translate complex advocacy language or strategy to gain broad appeal and generate action.

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and collaboration skills; high attention to detail, with the ability to stay focused and nimble, managing multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Track record of creating/executing communications plans and/or communications campaigns to reach short- and long-term goals.

• Strong relationship building skills; able to develop, sustain, and strengthen relationships and trust over time.

• Experience coordinating community advocacy activities.

• Experience leading grassroots field organizing, including experience in political and/or issue advocacy. 

• Ability to hold sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.

• Competitive salary range of $90,250-99,000 commensurate with experience and comprehensive medical and dental plan

• Referral bonuses

• Ongoing opportunities for professional development and tuition reimbursement

• All staff members receive a minimum of 7 personal days per year

• 401(k) retirement plan that is 100% vested immediately with an employer match of 5%

• Generous parental leave benefits

• Matched flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care

• Longevity Bonuses

• School-aged children of BVP employees receive preference in enrollment (restrictions apply)

Interested candidates should send their resume to Victoria Criado at careers@plt-strategiesgroup.com or apply on our website. The position will remain open until filled.