Director of Marketing & Communication

FirstLine Schools: Director of Marketing & Communication

About FirstLine Schools

Founded in 1998, FirstLine Schools opened the first charter school in New Orleans and now operates several PreK-8 schools. Our mission is to create and inspire great, open-admissions public schools in New Orleans. Our faculty is a diverse and talented group committed to student success and continuous growth. Our school leaders hold themselves accountable for student achievement and teacher development.

Position Summary

The Director of Marketing & Communications leads FirstLine Schools’ strategic branding and messaging efforts to attract families, students, staff, funders, and supporters. This role is responsible for external and internal communications, media relations, and digital content strategy, ensuring brand consistency and impactful storytelling. The Director manages the Marketing & Communications Manager and school-based recruitment ambassadors and collaborates with leadership to drive engagement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Marketing & Brand Management

• Develop and execute FirstLine’s annual marketing & communication plan.
• Ensure consistent branding across materials, digital platforms, and physical spaces.
• Lead student recruitment marketing efforts and oversee recruitment ambassadors.
• Support teacher retention efforts, in collaboration with HR / Talent departments. 

2. External Communications & Media Relations

• Serve as FirstLine’s media liaison, managing press releases and media interactions.
• In collaboration with Marketing & Communication Manager, oversee social media strategy, content creation, and audience engagement tracking.
• Manage crisis communications in collaboration with leadership.
• Coordinate outreach to funders, board members, and the public.

3. Internal Communications & Culture Building

• Oversee internal staff communications, including newsletters, awards, and key messaging.
• Support HR in staff appreciation and retention initiatives.
• Manage communication systems, staff portals, and templates.

4. Content & Digital Media Oversight

• Conduct website management, updates, SEO, and phased redesigns.
• Direct and execute on photography, videography, and graphic design projects.
• Develop and distribute key publications (e.g., annual reports, Meaningful Updates, ESYNOLA Impact Report).

5. Project & Budget Management

• Oversee marketing and communications budget in coordination with the finance team.
• Manage vendor relationships for design, printing, and media production.
• Lead communications check-ins and ensure timely project execution.

6. Event & Community Engagement Support

• Support FirstLine’s professional development days and school-based events.
• Oversee branding and signage for key initiatives and programs.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in marketing, communications, or public relations.
• 7-10 years of experience in marketing, communication or public relations may be considered in lieu of Bachelor’s degree. 
• Proven experience managing digital content and engagement.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or Canva, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Familiarity with CMS (e.g., WordPress), SEO, and Google Analytics.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in education or mission-driven organizations.
• Knowledge of crisis communications and media relations.
• Supervisory experience. 

Reporting Structure

This position reports to the Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer (CSAO) and supervises the Marketing & Communication Manager and school-based recruitment ambassadors. The Marketing and Communication team is part of the larger Marketing and Communication & Development team. 

Physical & Other Requirements

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, talk, and hear.
• Occasional light lifting (up to 20 lbs.).
• Availability to respond to urgent communications after hours and on weekends, as needed.

The base salary for this position is $80k, with additional compensation commensurate with experience.

This role is ideal for a creative, strategic leader passionate about education and community engagement. If you are ready to make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply!

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