Senior Director of Internal Communications

Application Deadline:

Priority deadline for applications is April 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Ascend

Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments where students develop critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students not only to succeed academically but to seize every opportunity that lies ahead.

About the Role

The Senior Director of Internal Communications will lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive internal communications strategy that connects, informs, and inspires staff across Ascend's network of schools and central office. This leader will ensure clarity and consistency in messaging from Ascend's executive team and strengthen staff engagement through compelling, mission-driven storytelling.

Reporting to the President, the Senior Director will serve as the lead strategist, writer, and editor for internal executive communications. They will collaborate closely with the executive team and cross-functional leaders to develop thoughtful communications that support organizational priorities, foster transparency, and reinforce a cohesive, inclusive culture.

This role is ideal for a communications leader who is both strategic and hands-on, someone who can elevate leadership voices, lead storytelling efforts that build community, and bring structure and creativity to internal messaging across a growing network.

Competencies

Strategic Internal Communications

• Strong experience in creating and rolling out effective and proactive internal communication strategies that strengthen the organization's internal voice and create champions out of staff.
• Ability to lead senior leaders' planning, drafting, and editing of all internal messaging.
• Proficient in maintaining a consistent voice, clarity, and impact across leadership talking points, internal memos, and key staff communications, ensuring communications are aligned with Ascend's mission and strategic priorities.

Organizational Storytelling & Engagement

• Craft compelling narratives that showcase Ascend's staff, culture, and impact.
• Strengthens staff connection to the mission and builds a sense of pride and cohesion across the network through storytelling.
• Oversees the production of newsletters, All Staff meetings, and internal updates highlighting progress and shared successes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Change Communication

• Collaborates with leaders across Academics, Operations, Talent, and School Leadership to ensure unified, timely messaging across departments.
• Plays a key role in communicating change initiatives to support staff understanding and engagement during organizational transitions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted thought partner to the President and executive team to shape messaging that reflects Ascend's mission, vision, and values, and builds trust and engagement among staff and key stakeholders.
• Maintain a deep understanding of Ascend's educational model, priorities, and impact to ensure leadership messaging is timely, strategic, and reflective of organizational strengths and opportunities.
• Lead communications efforts around key organizational updates, change initiatives, and network milestones-ensuring clear, empathetic, and inclusive messaging throughout.
• Identify and amplify stories that reflect Ascend's mission and impact, highlighting the work of students, families, and staff through newsletters, leadership updates, and internal platforms.
• Oversee and edit internal communications products (e.g., newsletters, announcements, talking points) and manage the internal editorial calendar to ensure clarity, consistency, and relevance.
• Provide strategic communications support during urgent or sensitive moments, collaborating with executive and legal teams to craft timely, thoughtful messaging.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field is a plus.
• 8+ years of communications experience required, with a strong track record in developing and executing internal communications strategies, writing and editing executive messaging, and leading cross-functional content initiatives
• Demonstrated professional speech writing experience, particularly in preparing remarks and talking points for high-stakes internal events and leadership convenings.
• Proven ability to produce clear, compelling written content for diverse internal audiences; published writing in internal platforms, blogs, or professional outlets is a plus.
• Experience in mission-driven or education-focused organizations is strongly preferred; an understanding of the charter school landscape and/or public education ecosystem is a plus.
• Skilled in managing complex projects and communications calendars with multiple contributors, deadlines, and feedback loops.
• Experience with internal storytelling, employee engagement, and change management communications across various channels (e.g., newsletters, intranet, video, live events).
• Experience providing communications support in high-pressure or crisis situations is preferred, with strong judgment and discretion.