Date Posted:
June 2, 2026
Position Title:
Senior Director, Strategic Communications & External Relations
Office/Company:
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Job Number:
HC-07589
Reports To:
Location:
Washington, DC
Contact:
Salary:
$140,000.00 to $160,000.00 Annually
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
The Senior Director of Strategic Communications and External Affairs leads efforts to strengthen the NAIS brand and thought leadership within the independent school sector and the broader P‑20 education ecosystem.Developing a cohesive communications strategy, aligning executive messaging with the NAIS brand, supporting member and public outreach, enhancing internal information sharing, and advancing advocacy narratives to promote the value of independent schools and NAIS’ expertise.Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field. 10+ years’ experience in a similar media and public relations role, ideally in an association or non‑profit setting.
Responsibilities:
• Manages external PR/media agency or consultants to develop PR/media plans aligned to the NAIS brand strategy and strategic communication goals and objectives.
• Works collaboratively to shape and execute the president’s communications strategy, maintaining the president’s voice, tone, and key messages as part of the overall organizational communications and brand strategy.
• Develops talking points for the president and/or NAIS leaders in advance of media interviews.
• Provides onsite support at NAIS’s national events, assisting with speaker preparation, stage management, and presentation execution.
• Leads and manages relationships with external partners and agencies to execute communications strategy, and may also manage and develop a small internal team, providing direction, prioritization, and coaching to support organizational goals.
• Assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
• 10+ years’ experience in a similar media and public relations role, ideally in an association or non‑profit setting.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with demonstrated experience in strategic and executive communications.
• Demonstrated experience managing and coordinating external partners or agencies to advance strategic communications goals; experience supervising or developing staff is a plus.
• Highly observant and analytical.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to make difficult decisions.
Instructions:
Email to apply
Other:
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
