Communications Manager (Non-Profit Educational Association, Fully Remote Org)

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the foremost advocate for quality Montessori education. AMS sets the high professional standards that inform Montessori education as practiced in AMS-accredited schools and taught in AMS-affiliated teacher education programs. AMS provides an information center for its members, the media, and the public; a voice in the public policy arena; and a mobilizing force for the global Montessori community, through support services, research, and professional development events. Thousands enjoy AMS membership globally and attend AMS's premier conference for professional Montessori educators, The Montessori Event, in person and online. AMS comprises over 20,000 members, including 1,300 private and public schools.

AMS is classified as a 501(c) (3) organization. 

The American Montessori Society is seeking a Communications Manager to support teammates in Marketing in all forms of copywriting and strategic public relations. The Communications Manager is responsible for the creation and editing of written communications between AMS and AMS members, stakeholders, and the public, and for developing and executing a strategic public relations plan. Working closely with all AMS teams, especially colleagues within the Marketing and Communications team, the Communications Manager writes, edits, and copyedits external-facing communications across all digital and traditional channels. The Communications Manager is a mission-driven self-starter with an expertise and passion for storytelling, copywriting, copyediting, and creating beautiful and impactful content that supports AMS’s mission to improve global education. This role spans membership and stakeholder communications, public relations, and marketing.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

• Reports to: Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, with a dottted line to the Executive Director
• Liaises with: Works closely to support all AMS teams, and collaborates closely with Engagement and Retention Marketing Manager, Growth Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Manager, Marketing Coordinator, the AMS Executive Director, and all other AMS teams
• Classification: Full Time (1.0 FTE), Exempt
• Worksite: Remote, working Eastern Time, with occasional travel 2-3 times per year. Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Annual Salary: $65,000-$75,000
• To Apply: Only applications complete with a cover letter and resume will be considered. Please also include at least three writing samples (or a link to an online portfolio), and verify your working knowledge of writing style guides such as AP and The Chicago Manual.

Note to the applicant: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No calls please.  

Position Overview  

In this role, you will play a vital role in: 

• Implementing effective communication strategies.
• Developing a PR strategy and building and maintaining media relations.
• Writing and copyediting original digital and print content.
• Maintaining and enhancing existing content.
• Engaging community members.
• Increasing public awareness of AMS’s work.

Responsibilities: 

• Supports the writing, editing, and proofreading of AMS content and publications, including Montessori Life blog, e-newsletters, brochures, social media posts, annual reports, video scripts, conference materials, and misc. marketing materials.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic public relations plan to enhance the organization's image and position within the Montessori and overall educational community.
• Oversee media relations, including building and sustaining relationships with media outlets, journalists, and, in collaboration with marketing colleagues, relevant influencers.
• Collaborate with internal teams, especially fellow Marketing and Communications colleagues, to ensure consistency and alignment of messaging across all communications channels.
• Writing and editing of web content, collaborating closely with teammates in social media and digital marketing, as well as the AMS team(s) responsible for the products, services, or benefits needing explanation and/or promotion.
• Support the executive director with such projects as: the crafting of strategic communications and presentations, quarterly member magazine column, annual reports, special publications, guest invitations, introduction speeches at The Montessori Event, AMS’s annual conference.
• Produce and make use of engagement metrics and reporting to measure the effectiveness of communications and public relations tactics, and make data-driven improvement as needed.
• Craft engaging and informative content that effectively communicates the organization's mission, initiatives, and achievements to diverse audiences.
• Monitor industry trends, news, and developments to identify opportunities for proactive communication and thought leadership opportunities.
• Assist in the development and distribution of educational reports, whitepapers, and other publications that contribute to the organization's publishing goals.
• Utilize, update, and maintain AMS’s writing style guidelines, and help to ensure their cross-departmental implementation.  
• Serve as liaison to the Montessori Life magazine Editorial Advisory Board, and future liaison to AMS podcast advisory board (in development).

• 3+ years of relevant work experience in copywriting and/or public relations. (Note: this is not a social media position, and applicants must demonstrate that their experience extends beyond social media.)
• Stellar written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to the audience.
• Flawless grammar and proofreading skills, and fully trustworthy be the “last set of eyes” on any piece of written copy.
• Demonstrable experience using communications, PR, and/or social media analytics platforms and the ability to make data-driven improvements.
• Working knowledge of SEO best practices in copywriting.
• Strong storytelling and content creation abilities, organizational skills, attention to detail, and creativity.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven team environment. 
• interpersonal skills and ability to handle issues with respect and positivity. 
• Passion for nonprofit work and for AMS's mission and commitment to making a difference in the community.
• An interest in or general knowledge of Montessori is a plus.
• Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The American Montessori Society is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, family responsibility, political affiliation or any other status protected by applicable laws.