PR & Communications Manager

The ideal candidate will be a senior communications leader with deep experience in education or a similar industry who combines strategic thinking, media-savvy execution, and strong stakeholder management to protect and advance the reputation of multiple schools across the U.S. and Canada. This position will be remote with extensive travel required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an integrated regional PR and communications strategy aligned with school and network priorities (enrollment, reputation, and community engagement).
• Build and maintain proactive media relationships with regional and national education, local, and community outlets; secure placements, manage interview requests, and prepare spokespeople.
• Lead regional crisis and issues communications: create response plans, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, advise school Heads, and escalate to central ISP crisis team as needed.
• Craft and approve core messages, press releases, media briefs, talking points, Q&As, and executive communications tailored to school audiences.
• Support admissions and enrollment marketing with reputation-building initiatives, thought leadership, and story-driven content that drives leads and re‑enrollment.
• Work with the Head of Online Performance to coordinate social media amplification and digital storytelling across the portfolio of schools; advise on paid amplification when appropriate.
• Train and coach school Heads and senior leaders on media engagement and message discipline.
• Track and report media coverage, sentiment, share of voice, and campaign performance; provide actionable insights and recommendations to school and regional leadership.
• Ensure all communications respect legal, regulatory and privacy considerations relevant to U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions (student privacy, consent for images, etc.).

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of PR/communications experience with a strong track record in media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement; experience in education or nonprofit sectors strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-site or regional communications initiatives and leading small teams or agency partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, editorial judgment, and executive coaching skills.
• Proven ability to secure regional and national media placements and to produce compelling stories for diverse audiences (parents, alumni, donors, media).
• Familiarity with media monitoring/analytics tools and digital/social platforms.
• Knowledge of privacy and regulatory considerations affecting schools (FERPA, provincial equivalents, consent best practices) or demonstrated ability to learn quickly.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the region.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in independent/private K–12 school environments, boarding schools, or school networks.
• Experience supporting admissions/enrollment and advancement/fundraising communications.
• Advanced degree or PR/communications certification.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.