Communications Manager

Communications Manager
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA

Discovery Education is seeking a

Communications Manager

to plan, develop, and execute high‑impact external and internal communications that elevate our brand reputation, strengthen executive visibility, and deepen engagement across K‑12 and corporate audiences.

This role is within the Corporate Marketing team, reports to the Senior Director of Corporate Marketing, and supports the execution of an integrated communications strategy.

In This Role You Will
Media Relations & External Communications

Support proactive media relations by developing newsworthy storylines, pitching education, business, and trade press, and building media relationships.

Manage reactive media requests and secure high‑quality earned coverage.

Develop external messaging that clearly communicates Discovery Education’s value, leadership, and innovation.

Draft, edit, and publish press releases, media statements, bylines, op‑eds, talking points, FAQs, and briefing materials.

Collaborate cross‑functionally to manage communications for corporate announcements, including product launches, partnerships, research releases, and organizational milestones.

Build and maintain media lists for ongoing relationship development and news opportunities.

Partner with Advocacy, Content Marketing, and Growth to identify and develop partner impact stories and secure earned coverage leveraging partner voices.

Coordinate partner communications to ensure consistent storytelling across collaborations.

Leverage AI tools to enhance communications workflows, including drafting first‑pass content, analyzing message performance, and accelerating research.

Monitor industry coverage and track communications KPIs, adjusting success measures as influence models evolve.

Brand Reputation & Thought Leadership

Amplify Discovery Education’s thought leadership platform through earned media stories in priority areas such as instructional innovation and career readiness.

Support executive visibility, including CEO and senior leader media interviews, quotes, and thought‑leadership placements.

Identify opportunities for podcasts, conferences, and awards that elevate brand credibility, managing submissions end‑to‑end.

Monitor the education landscape, emerging trends, policy topics, and competitor activity to inform messaging and positioning.

Stay current on advancements in generative AI, responsible AI standards, and their implications for communications and K‑12 education; surface opportunities and risks for Marketing leaders.

Internal Communications

Collaborate with HR and leadership to execute the internal communications strategy supporting culture, alignment, and clarity.

Plan and deliver communications for key internal moments, including announcements, change communications, people updates, and organizational initiatives.

Develop repeatable internal communications vehicles such as newsletters, AMA live events, and Coffee with the CEO.

Core Competencies for Success

Communicates Effectively: Crafts clear, concise messages and adapts tone, content, and channel to inform, influence, and build understanding with diverse audiences.

Ensures Accountability: Owns deliverables end‑to‑end, meets deadlines, follows through on commitments, and proactively surfaces risks.

Plans and Aligns: Translates organizational priorities into communication objectives, integrated plans, and weekly execution rhythms; clarifies success measures.

Manages Complexity: Prioritizes competing requests, navigates ambiguity, and coordinates inputs across teams to deliver accurate, on‑brand communications.

Builds Networks: Develops and maintains relationships with media, partners, and internal stakeholders; understands what each audience values and leverages those connections.

Credentials and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field (required).

5+ years of communications, PR, journalism, or related experience, ideally in K‑12, EdTech, technology, or mission‑driven organizations.

Proven experience developing and executing external and internal communications plans with measurable business impact.

Proficiency with communications metrics and media monitoring tools (e.g., Meltwater, Cision, MuckRack).

Exceptional writing and communication skills.

Strong cross‑functional partnership skills and experience coordinating inputs, aligning stakeholders, and delivering communications on deadline.

Experience applying data to refine messaging and prioritize opportunities.

Comfort using communications tools, including AI‑enabled tools, paired with strong judgment, fact‑checking, and brand standards.

Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable communication outcomes and adjust approach based on results.

Experience tailoring messages to key audiences and anticipating questions to improve clarity and resonance.

Legal right to work in the United States.

Travel up to 30% to support conferences and events.

Benefits and Compensation

Salary range: $96,650 – $107,400 annually, plus eligibility for an Annual Bonus.

Hybrid work schedule; split time between Charlotte, NC Corporate Headquarters and remote work.

Professional development opportunities and career growth potential.

Comprehensive insurance package.

Paid time off, parental leave, and other wellness benefits.

Embark on this opportunity if you are a proactive communicator with strong editorial judgment and a proven track record of translating organizational initiatives into compelling narratives.

Discovery Education is an equal‑opportunity employer and one of the top workplace champions for inclusion and disability. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, protected veteran status or disability status, or genetic information.

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