Messaging and Communications Consultant

Messaging and Communications Consultant

Position Type: Consultant; anticipated 4 - 6 month timeline

Location: NYC preferred

About NYC Public Schools

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) is the largest school district in the United States with nearly 1 million students— from pre-kindergarten to grade 12— across the City’s five boroughs. Of those students, 13.9 percent are English Language/Multilingual Learners, 20.6 percent are students with disabilities, and 71.9 percent are economically disadvantaged. Chancellor David C. Banks has set a goal for the district of preparing every student for a path to a rewarding career, aligned with their passion and purpose and offering long-term economic security and a choice-filled life. 

The Adams-Banks administration has outlined a bold vision to reimagine the educational experience for all New York City public school students so they graduate with real-world skills and experience, a head start on postsecondary, and a strong plan to put them on a path to a rewarding career and long-term economic security. Within the context of this vision, the Office of Student Pathways focuses on the alignment of school curriculum, instruction, and operations to ensure that all students graduate with real-world skills and experience, a head start on life after high school, and a strong plan to put them on a path to a rewarding career and long-term economic security. Student Pathways provides leadership and implementation support for the NYC Public Schools Student Pathways to Economic Security Initiative.

About the Role + Key Elements of the Scope

NYC Public Schools is seeking a consultant to serve as the Deputy Director of Pathways Messaging, a role dedicated to enhancing the communication strategies that support the educational and career pathways for students. Our audiences are substantial and diverse; our existing channels include email, social, SMS, web, and press to reach educators, industry and community partners, families, and students. This role requires embedded membership in several teams within the Office of Student Pathways as well as robust partnership with the Central NYCPS Communications team to align priorities, ensuring consistent messaging across these platforms. 

The scope will involve:

• Developing Strategic Communication Plans: Crafting and leading the execution of comprehensive messaging plans and strategies that align with the objectives of the Pathways initiative.
• Collaborating Across Teams: Working in close partnership with the Central NYCPS Communications team and other stakeholders to ensure messaging consistency and alignment with broader educational goals.
• Managing Comprehensive Messaging Strategy: Overseeing the creation and implementation of two to four campaigns that effectively communicate Pathways resources and initiatives to a diverse audience: one centering student enrollment, another on financial literacy, and a last on personalized advising. 
• Ensuring Inclusive and Diverse Content: Developing content that reflects the diversity of NYC public school students and supports inclusivity across all communications.
• Aligning with NYCPS Values: Ensuring all messaging and communications are in line with the values and mission of NYC Public Schools, promoting a cohesive and positive narrative around student pathways.

This lead will play an important role in moving forward the Adams-Banks administration to transform the educational experience for NYC public school students. It will work within the Office of Student Pathways at New York City Public Schools, which is leading efforts to transform education to be career connected and relevant to students' lives. 

Desired Experience, Skills, And Mindsets

Experience

• Communication Strategy Development: Experience in crafting and leading the execution of communication strategies integrating web, social, press, and email within educational or public sectors. 
• Marketing Funnel Utilization: Measurable success improving and automating audience conversion from lead generation to brand loyalty. 
• Team Management and Media Relations: Proven ability to oversee communications teams and handle media inquiries effectively.
• Organizational Branding: Demonstrated skill in developing branding and messaging that promote organizational objectives and values.

Skills

• Messaging Strategy Execution: Expertise in deploying messaging strategies across multiple channels to engage diverse audiences.
• Leadership and Lateral Management: Strong leadership skills, capable of guiding teams and managing external communications in the context of influential lateral partnership (as opposed to formal directional authority).
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including educators, administrators, parents, and community members.
• Analytical and Feedback Integration: Ability to analyze engagement metrics and integrate feedback to optimize communication efforts.

Mindsets

• Equity and Inclusion: A commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in education, ensuring that student pathways are designed to address the needs of all students, regardless of background or ability.
• Strategic and Values-Aligned Thinking: A strategic thinker with a commitment to aligning messaging with organizational values and missions.

• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate the dynamic nature of education, responding effectively to changing circumstances, policies, and community needs.
• Collaborative Leadership: A collaborative approach to work closely with various stakeholders to refine and implement effective communication plans.

Compensation

The budget for this work is between $60,000 and $100,000. The consultant will be compensated an amount within this range based on the finalized scope of work and deliverables.

How to Apply 

Please submit your application here. The preferred application deadline for this position is April 1, 2024. Please note that we do not guarantee review of applications after this date.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-0lbByJJ6-mvmCbFjZQDAIbtACdO5jk70Zk7UIrEXtc