Director of Communication and Brand

at  DREAM

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director of Communications and Brand, the Director of Communication and Brand will be responsible for stewarding DREAM’s brand both within the organization and to external stakeholders in order to advance DREAM’s mission to level the playing field for all children to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. Through a strong understanding of our critical work, key issues, and objectives across the organization, the Director of Communication and Brand will support and amplify organizational strategy and work collaboratively across teams at an exciting time of organizational growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in a related field a plus;
• 5 or more years of non-profit, schools, and/or corporate communications experience, required;
• Experience in PR/external relations; highly preferred;
• Experience in building and managing both internal and external communications functions and teams;
• Strong leadership and relationship management skills with the demonstrated ability to build consensus and strategically influence outcomes across multiple stakeholder groups;
• Strong listening, writing and editing skills with the keen ability to translate messaging to ensure strategic impact to various audiences;
• Deep understanding and appreciation for quality, accuracy and aesthetic details including outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Demonstrated ability to successfully prioritize and manage complex projects from start to finish;
• Ability to lead without ego and be an inspiring leader that people want to follow;
• Technical expertise in marketing, design and collaborative platforms preferred such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Wordpress, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google Suite.

• Communications and Brand
• Develop DREAM’s internal communications strategy and infrastructure to ensure streamlined and clear messaging to staff, families, and Legends (alumni) including creating and managing a comprehensive calendar of communications and channels, developing engaging and relevant materials, and supporting events and experiences that allow us to share DREAM’s vision to our internal stakeholders;
• Build and lead external communications functions that supports DREAM’s organizational growth, reflects the uniqueness of DREAM’s culture, and strengthens DREAM’s brand through the development of a comprehensive content and editorial calendar that captures all communication channels, including websites, social media, newsletters, and promotional materials;
• Communicate and consistently reinforce DREAM’s core values (maxims), value proposition, mission, and vision, among our staff, families, and external stakeholders;
• Ensure adherence to DREAM’s brand and style guide across the organization and by third-party providers;
• Oversee the creation of DREAM’s marketing materials and messaging for special events, donor stewardship, and recruitment activities;
• Oversee DREAM’s digital content and social media strategy to grow DREAM’s active audience and strengthen DREAM’s voice and personality;
• Use digital metrics and data to inform decision making on DREAM’s communications and brand strategy;
• Implement a communications strategy to complement DREAM’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work.

External Relations

• Build and manage a platform that showcases DREAM as an educational and social impact thought leader;
• Manage DREAM’s public relations efforts, including publicizing DREAM events and noteworthy news, researching media outlets, optimizing our institutional positioning for awards, researching media outlets, and maintaining the press database;
• Research and secure speaking opportunities for DREAM leaders and relevant conferences and other speaking engagements;
• Train and prepare leaders as needed for public appearances;
• Enhance DREAM’s proactive crisis management processes and protocols;

• Manage relationships with external communications firms and independent contractors who support the DREAM organization.

Strategic & Team Leadership

• In partnership with the Managing Director of Communications and Brand, lead and develop the Communications and Brand Team that executes DREAM’s communication strategy in support of achieving organizational priorities and high priority initiatives;
• Mentor and coach the Communications and Brand Manager (to be hired), who is responsible for executing on the external and internal communications initiatives and strategies for the organization;
• Lead with a data-driven approach to ensure attainment of annual goals and objectives for Communications-led initiatives;
• Build and maintain relationships both internally and externally with partners and individuals with the goal of strengthening DREAM’s mission while maintaining top-of-the-line customer services to all stakeholders;
• Collaborate with key organizational leaders to execute strategy for donor communications, brand management, internal communications, family communications, crisis and change communications, and staff and student recruitment marketing;
• And take on other responsibilities related to the functioning of the organization as necessary.