Communications & External Affairs Manager

ROLE: Communications & External Affairs Manager 

LOCATION: Remote

POSITION TYPE: Exempt, Full-time

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 20%

START DATE: ASAP

REPORTS TO: National Director, External Affairs

ROLE OVERVIEW

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) and its partner organizations, Education Reform Now (ERN) and Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA), are seeking a sharp, experienced and politically savvy communications professional to serve as a hybrid press/media and digital campaigns lead across a portfolio of priority states and campaigns. This role is built for a communicator who can move fluidly between pitching a reporter, drafting an op-ed, shaping a social campaign, and briefing a state partner — all in service of winning the policy and political debates that matter most to the families we serve.

Reporting to the National Director of External Affairs, the Communications & External Affairs Manager will help extend the organization's earned media footprint, own regional press strategy across priority states, and manage significant aspects of our digital and social campaigns. The ideal candidate brings strong writing chops, political instincts honed on campaigns, government or non-profit work; and a track record of building durable relationships with reporters, editors, and outside validators. This person will work in close partnership with the National Director to shape messaging, respond to a fast-moving political landscape, and ensure DFER, ERN, and ERNA punch above their weight in the regional press and digital ecosystems where we operate.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States and will be required to submit proof of eligibility. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Democrats for Education Reform welcomes applications from all, and strongly encourages women, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, and LGBTQ people to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization and recruiting a team that reflects the diversity of the students we serve.

THE ORGANIZATION

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a national political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that work well for America’s students and confront those that do not. We prioritize students and families, especially low-income students and students of color who should be better served by our country’s public education system. 

DFER partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA) is an advocacy group that advances education reform measures through empowering community leaders to support our legislative and political advocacy work. ERNA keeps constant pressure on legislators to champion high-quality public education. 

DFER partner Education Reform Now (ERN) is a nonpartisan think tank that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in K-12 public education, particularly for students of color and students from low-income families. 

WHAT WE DO 

Support Forward-Thinking Education Leaders — In an approach that is markedly different from our peers and partners in the field, DFER engages directly with candidates and elected officials to empower them to advocate for education policies that focus foremost on serving students. Our partner organization, Education Reform Now, does work that involves policy research, analysis and education that helps policy makers at all levels understand complex education issues and make informed decisions. 

Inform the Education Debate — Our coalition work reflects the breadth of our policy priorities. We work collaboratively with organizations and our community networks to create an education system that serves and is held accountable to all students and families.

Targeted Interventions and Rapid Response — DFER’s reach, from the most local district relationships to state and federal policymakers, enables us to respond quickly to the changing landscape and policy trends. Activities vary significantly from project to project and may include training, policy analysis, public engagement, electoral and issue advocacy, and policy guidance for elected officials and local advocates.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regional Press & Media Relations

Digital & Social Campaign Management

Messaging & Political Strategy Support

Cross-Team Collaboration

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

While no candidate will possess every desired qualification, the ideal Communications & External Affairs Manager will bring many of the following experiences and characteristics: