ORGANIZATION
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools ("NAPCS") is a national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. Its mission is to lead public education to unprecedented levels of high academic achievement for all students through the fostering of a strong charter sector.
The NAPCS supports policies promoting charter schools as a high-quality public education option. We focus on key priorities like increasing the proportion of high-performing charter schools, closing the funding gap between charters and other public schools, and lifting arbitrary "caps" on charter growth.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is seeking an extremely knowledgeable, determined, and organized Vice President for External Relations with a track record of entrepreneurial leadership that can match the sense of urgency that is a hallmark of the organization. This executive will need to be a creative, visionary thinker capable of increasing NAPCS' brand recognition to Washington based policy makers and their constituents. S/he will be the lead strategist for NAPCS' federal policy objectives and will serve as the principal liaison for all federal government affairs. Candidates for this position must be astute in education policy, public relations and communications.

This is an exciting opportunity for a person who is astute in education policy, public relations and communications and would like to contribute to a growing organization that has a tremendous impact on education reform. The Vice President for External Relations will be a key member of the senior management team and is expected to contribute to the overall strategic vision of the organization.

DUTIES

• Lead the creation of a cohesive and innovative external affairs strategy to increase the federal government's awareness of NAPCS' work, the achievement of charter schools and position the organization as a premier voice on education policy to Washington policy makers and the national media
• Develop and supervise the implementation of sound and innovative federal advocacy initiatives on behalf of the nation's 5,000+ public charter schools; ensure the various factions within the charter movement are aligned on federal initiatives
• Represent the Alliance to Members of Congress and the Executive Branch when education reform efforts are being considered
• Maintain a deep awareness of federal government activity; build strong positive bi-partisan relationships

• Develop and supervise the execution of a multifaceted communications strategy conveying key NAPCS themes of quality, growth, sustainability and accountability to those influential in policy development, the national media and with the general public
• Establish a powerful network of communications professionals from state charter organizations and charter management organizations to coordinate state communications activities with a broader national context
• Oversee the writing and disseminating of press releases, op-ed pieces, newsletters, and feature articles, including prompt, factual responses to controversies about charter schooling (rapid response)
• Manage Federal Advocacy and Communications staff
• Develop and manage an annual zero-based budget

• Bachelor's degree required, master's degree preferred
• Significant knowledge of federal education policy and public charter schools
• Strong competency in media relations required, familiarity with digital communications tools like social networking and videoblogging strongly preferred
• Experience developing policy proposals
• Experience at or working with different levels of government (local, state, federal)
• Must have excellent written and oral communications skills
• Previous managerial experience required

TO APPLY:
 Please e-mail your cover letter, current resume, writing sample, salary requirements, and references to recruit@publiccharters.org or mail to:
Human Resources
NAPCS 1101 15th Street, NW - Suite 1010
Washington, DC 20005
www.publiccharters.org

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and multicultural work environment. The Alliance welcomes applications from all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or any other category protected by law.

Closing Date: Open until filled