ASAE
Director of Communications
About National Association for The Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
If the following job requirements and experience match your skills, please ensure you apply promptly. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. The association has a national presence with members of the early childhood community, all committed to delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning. Together, we work to achieve a collective vision: that all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential. NAEYC has 49 affiliates across the country. The affiliates are separate 501(c)3 organizations but are connected to NAEYC through a charter agreement that governs our relationship. In this relationship, we have shared members and branding as well as an aligned vision and mission. NAEYC also has about two dozen Interest Forums where members build community, share knowledge, and deepen learning on a broad variety of shared-interest areas including program, social, professional, and cultural forums. NAEYC has a diverse eighteen-member national governing Board. Twelve members are elected by the membership including all of the executive officers except for the Treasurer. There are also five appointed members who bring backgrounds and expertise from a variety of industries. In addition, a number of commissions and advisory committees have some delegated authority and sit within NAEYC's governance structure. With a more than $20 million annual operating budget, a sizable investment portfolio, and 90+ employees across the U.S., NAEYC is the largest professional membership association for early childhood educators. NAEYC has several sizable revenue-generating business lines, including early learning program accreditation, higher education program accreditation, professional learning—which encompasses conferences and online individualized learning (the annual conference typically attracts between 8,000 and 10,000 attendees)—and publishing (books and journals). At the same time, early childhood education is an undervalued and under-resourced field. We take our role seriously in being strong fiscal stewards of our members', earned, and funders' resources and the field as a whole. Located in Washington, DC, NAEYC's work is increasingly supported by private grant philanthropy with a growth trajectory from $100K to an annual portfolio approaching $3 million. In the policy and advocacy arena, NAEYC is considered the leading voice in the United States on behalf of high-quality early childhood education and the advancement of early childhood educators. NAEYC led a transformative initiative to develop the Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Education Profession and is a sought-after voice in the public square including national broadcast and print outlets. The Opportunity NAEYC, on a mission to elevate the visibility of early childhood education and the professionals who make it possible, seeks a visionary Director of Communications to support the development and lead the implementation of a dynamic, integrated strategic communications program. This program will amplify NAEYC's impact, champion its core values, and reinforce its commitment to innovation and organizational excellence. Reporting to the Managing Director of Communications and External Affairs, this newly created role offers a unique opportunity to shape NAEYC's communications strategy and create lasting change. The Director will collaborate closely with senior leadership, dedicated volunteers, and allied organizations to achieve organizational goals. Key responsibilities include crafting compelling executive communications, fostering meaningful internal engagement, building strong media relationships, and navigating high-stakes issues with diplomacy and expertise. Duties and Responsibilities Provide strategic and tactical communication support that advances NAEYC's vision, mission, and strategic priorities. Identify and cultivate relationships with partners, subject matter experts, and media professionals that elevate NAEYC's reputation as a thought leader, advocate, and purveyor of high-quality learning standards and programs for the early childhood education profession. Design campaigns, communication plans, and narratives that connect the work of every employee to NAEYC's mission, and build awareness, understanding, and support among key stakeholders including members, media professionals, allied organizations, and partners. Write press releases and prepare information for the media, serving as a key media relations contact for NAEYC. Organize and plan media events or press conferences in support of major projects and initiatives. Support executive communications (background materials, talking points, speeches, op-eds, press releases, etc.) for interviews, meetings, and public appearances. Support and implement reputation management and crisis communication guidelines, planning, and continual improvement. Effectively communicate plans, projects, and developments with internal stakeholders and provide guidance on translating complex policies/statements into content that matches the needs and awareness levels of target audiences. Identify metrics to regularly monitor, measure, and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of communication and public relations strategies, tactics, and action plans to ensure alignment with strategic goals and progress toward achieving objectives. Support the development and implementation of systems that improve internal and external exchange of information that advance NAEYC's strategic and annual priorities. Support the creation and implementation of a repository of stories that exemplify the profession and can be leveraged across multiple channels and departments. Candidate Profile The Director of Communications role at NAEYC calls for a versatile and seasoned professional with a strong foundation in strategic communications. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field, along with a minimum of six years of professional experience in communications. This experience should include expertise in strategic planning, media relations, executive communications, and crisis management, showcasing a proven ability to navigate complex communication challenges with success. The ideal candidate will bring a track record of success as a collaborative leader, adept at managing multifaceted projects across various communication and publishing platforms. Experience in the nonprofit sector is highly valued, particularly when combined with knowledge of the education field. Additional competencies in fiscal accountability and budget management are essential for the role, ensuring the effective allocation of resources. With advanced project-management skills, the Director will oversee the development and execution of both short- and long-term communication plans. Technological proficiency is essential, including expertise in MS365, digital communication tools, content management systems, and social media platforms. A demonstrated commitment to advancing equity through communications is a key requirement, reflecting NAEYC's core values and mission to champion early childhood education and its professionals. Compensation & Benefits Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $128,000 - $160,000 (DC Market) with a generous benefits package. Contact Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at NAEYC_DOC@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential. NAEYC is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, genetic information, disability, or protected veterans status, or any other factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable laws and regulations.
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About National Association for The Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
If the following job requirements and experience match your skills, please ensure you apply promptly. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. The association has a national presence with members of the early childhood community, all committed to delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning. Together, we work to achieve a collective vision: that all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential. NAEYC has 49 affiliates across the country. The affiliates are separate 501(c)3 organizations but are connected to NAEYC through a charter agreement that governs our relationship. In this relationship, we have shared members and branding as well as an aligned vision and mission. NAEYC also has about two dozen Interest Forums where members build community, share knowledge, and deepen learning on a broad variety of shared-interest areas including program, social, professional, and cultural forums. NAEYC has a diverse eighteen-member national governing Board. Twelve members are elected by the membership including all of the executive officers except for the Treasurer. There are also five appointed members who bring backgrounds and expertise from a variety of industries. In addition, a number of commissions and advisory committees have some delegated authority and sit within NAEYC's governance structure. With a more than $20 million annual operating budget, a sizable investment portfolio, and 90+ employees across the U.S., NAEYC is the largest professional membership association for early childhood educators. NAEYC has several sizable revenue-generating business lines, including early learning program accreditation, higher education program accreditation, professional learning—which encompasses conferences and online individualized learning (the annual conference typically attracts between 8,000 and 10,000 attendees)—and publishing (books and journals). At the same time, early childhood education is an undervalued and under-resourced field. We take our role seriously in being strong fiscal stewards of our members', earned, and funders' resources and the field as a whole. Located in Washington, DC, NAEYC's work is increasingly supported by private grant philanthropy with a growth trajectory from $100K to an annual portfolio approaching $3 million. In the policy and advocacy arena, NAEYC is considered the leading voice in the United States on behalf of high-quality early childhood education and the advancement of early childhood educators. NAEYC led a transformative initiative to develop the Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Education Profession and is a sought-after voice in the public square including national broadcast and print outlets. The Opportunity NAEYC, on a mission to elevate the visibility of early childhood education and the professionals who make it possible, seeks a visionary Director of Communications to support the development and lead the implementation of a dynamic, integrated strategic communications program. This program will amplify NAEYC's impact, champion its core values, and reinforce its commitment to innovation and organizational excellence. Reporting to the Managing Director of Communications and External Affairs, this newly created role offers a unique opportunity to shape NAEYC's communications strategy and create lasting change. The Director will collaborate closely with senior leadership, dedicated volunteers, and allied organizations to achieve organizational goals. Key responsibilities include crafting compelling executive communications, fostering meaningful internal engagement, building strong media relationships, and navigating high-stakes issues with diplomacy and expertise. Duties and Responsibilities Provide strategic and tactical communication support that advances NAEYC's vision, mission, and strategic priorities. Identify and cultivate relationships with partners, subject matter experts, and media professionals that elevate NAEYC's reputation as a thought leader, advocate, and purveyor of high-quality learning standards and programs for the early childhood education profession. Design campaigns, communication plans, and narratives that connect the work of every employee to NAEYC's mission, and build awareness, understanding, and support among key stakeholders including members, media professionals, allied organizations, and partners. Write press releases and prepare information for the media, serving as a key media relations contact for NAEYC. Organize and plan media events or press conferences in support of major projects and initiatives. Support executive communications (background materials, talking points, speeches, op-eds, press releases, etc.) for interviews, meetings, and public appearances. Support and implement reputation management and crisis communication guidelines, planning, and continual improvement. Effectively communicate plans, projects, and developments with internal stakeholders and provide guidance on translating complex policies/statements into content that matches the needs and awareness levels of target audiences. Identify metrics to regularly monitor, measure, and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of communication and public relations strategies, tactics, and action plans to ensure alignment with strategic goals and progress toward achieving objectives. Support the development and implementation of systems that improve internal and external exchange of information that advance NAEYC's strategic and annual priorities. Support the creation and implementation of a repository of stories that exemplify the profession and can be leveraged across multiple channels and departments. Candidate Profile The Director of Communications role at NAEYC calls for a versatile and seasoned professional with a strong foundation in strategic communications. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field, along with a minimum of six years of professional experience in communications. This experience should include expertise in strategic planning, media relations, executive communications, and crisis management, showcasing a proven ability to navigate complex communication challenges with success. The ideal candidate will bring a track record of success as a collaborative leader, adept at managing multifaceted projects across various communication and publishing platforms. Experience in the nonprofit sector is highly valued, particularly when combined with knowledge of the education field. Additional competencies in fiscal accountability and budget management are essential for the role, ensuring the effective allocation of resources. With advanced project-management skills, the Director will oversee the development and execution of both short- and long-term communication plans. Technological proficiency is essential, including expertise in MS365, digital communication tools, content management systems, and social media platforms. A demonstrated commitment to advancing equity through communications is a key requirement, reflecting NAEYC's core values and mission to champion early childhood education and its professionals. Compensation & Benefits Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $128,000 - $160,000 (DC Market) with a generous benefits package. Contact Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at NAEYC_DOC@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential. NAEYC is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, genetic information, disability, or protected veterans status, or any other factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable laws and regulations.
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