Senior Manager of Communications

Senior Manager of Communications Location: DSST Home Office in Denver, CO
Salary: $80,000-$97,500 based on aligned years of experience up to 10 years
Relocation stipend available for applicants from 75 miles or more from Denver.
Classification: Full‑time, benefits eligible, exempt, in‑person position.
Start date: Immediate.
Key Roles & Responsibilities Strategic Communications Leadership Develop and oversee comprehensive communication plans for internal and external audiences, including staff, families, media, board members, and community partners.
Maintain communication standards (style guide, templates, approved language/FAQs, source‑of‑truth repository) to ensure speed, quality and consistency across the network.
Support DSST's issues management and crisis communication program, including scenario playbooks, spokesperson protocols, rapid message creation and distribution, monitoring and tabletop drills.
Establish network‑wide communications governance (intake, prioritization, approval pathways, risk tiers, and RAPID) to enable fast, clear, and consistent communications without creating bottlenecks.
Develop and maintain DSST's network narrative, messaging framework, and message hierarchy; ensure all communications map to strategic priorities and reinforce trust with families, staff, and community.
Ensure communications and website are culturally responsive, accessible, and inclusive using plain‑language standards, language access/translation workflow, and ADA‑aware digital content practices.
Define and track communications outcomes (clarity, understanding, trust, engagement, behavior/action) beyond delivery metrics; deliver quarterly insights and improvement plans.
Build and maintain stakeholder segmentation and channel strategies by audience; implement two‑way listening systems (feedback loops, message testing) and translate insights into improvements to DSST communications and leadership decision‑making.
Internal Communications Oversee the creation and distribution of internal communications to all DSST staff, including leadership updates, crisis communications and network announcements.
Manage the internal editorial calendar and participate in weekly editorial meetings.
Supervise the production of weekly staff newsletters and daily Microsoft Teams messages.
Maintain and evolve DSST's internal blog, including editing submissions and producing original content.
Serve as the "traffic controller" for internal messaging, ensuring appropriate cadence, clarity, and channel alignment across departments.
Coach leaders and teams on effective internal communication practices.
Support CEO, senior leadership team, and principals with executive communications (talking points, scripts, Q&A, town halls, board updates).
External Communications & Media Relations Lead the development and distribution of network‑level family communications, including the DSST website.
Work with school teams to ensure school websites are regularly updated and accurate.
Oversee monthly newsletters and other community‑facing updates.
Serve as DSST's primary media contact, cultivating relationships with reporters and pitching timely, compelling stories.
Support school and network leaders with public relations guidance, crisis response, and message development.
Ensure DSST's external communications reflect our values, mission, and commitment to equity.
Implement media and reputation monitoring, maintain proactive reporter relationships, and deliver regular reputation briefings and recommended actions to leadership.
Team Management & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Manage and develop communications staff, ensuring clarity of roles, strong execution, and opportunities for growth.
Collaborate closely with the Senior Manager of Creative Marketing and Manager of Marketing Data & System to ensure cohesive storytelling across digital, visual, and written channels.
Partner with student recruitment, talent acquisition, development, STEM, and college success teams to support messaging needs and major initiatives.
Serve as a key connector within the externals team to ensure alignment and shared priorities.
Partner closely with marketing leader to ensure aligned storytelling.

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