Senior Director, Communications & Advocacy

Position Title:

Senior Director Communications & Advocacy

Position Overview:

Advance CTE is seeking a visionary and strategic Senior Director of Communications & Advocacy to lead our efforts in elevating the narrative of Career Technical Education (CTE) and driving federal and state-level policy impact.

As the primary architect of our public voice, the Senior Director will manage a high-performing team to design and execute integrated communications strategies that support our mission: ensuring every learner has access to high-quality CTE programs that lead to success in the career of their choice. The Senior Director will bridge the gap between complex policy analysis and compelling storytelling, positioning CTE and Advance CTE through proactive and effective federal advocacy and engagement strategies.

• Lead a communications strategy and team that supports the full range of Advance CTE’s projects, initiatives, and organizational priorities.
• Ensure Advance CTE’s work is guided by clear and crisp messaging aligned to our mission and vision, has maximum reach and impact, and is visible and accessible to our members and stakeholders
• Protect and enhance the Advance CTE brand, ensuring consistency in voice and messaging across all digital, print, and social platforms.

• Position Advance CTE as the leading voice for CTE and CTE as the best path for each learner
• Manage and contribute to the team’s work in providing direct supports and technical assistance to states
• Manage internal communications, including crisis communications
• Support and coach the Advance CTE team in being effective spokespeople

• Manage and oversee a federal advocacy strategy and team that aligns with member needs.
• Develop and drive advocacy plans for priority federal policy issues, translating Advance CTE’s recommendations into clear change strategies. This includes identifying needed policy shifts, sequencing priorities, and aligning thought leadership and communications to advance those priorities through partner, policymaker, and field engagement.
• Develop tools and resources for state CTE leaders and other champions to effectively communicate the value of CTE with policymakers and other decision-makers, including fact sheets, talking points, and other resources.
• Lead and participate in key national coalitions to amplify Advance CTE’s policy priorities.
• Collaborate with national partners in the business, labor, and higher education sectors to build broad-based support for CTE funding and policy.

• Develop and lead a proactive media engagement strategy, including cultivating and maintaining relationships with key education and workforce reporters at national and trade outlets.
• Monitor the media landscape to identify opportunities for Advance CTE to provide expert commentary on workforce development and education policy.
• Draft and coordinate the placement of op-eds, blogs, and other written materials to elevate Advance CTE and high-quality and accessible CTE.
• Serve as an organizational spokesperson and content expert for members, the media, partners, and other key stakeholders.

• Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organizational health and strategic decision-making.
• Identify and pursue strategic opportunities that will advance the organization’s position and ability to serve its members.

• Contribute to Advance CTE’s fundraising and development strategy, including scoping new opportunities and assisting with grant proposals.
• Support Advance CTE’s convenings, including annual fall and spring meetings.

• Maintain an ongoing understanding of CTE and the role of Advance CTE in serving the CTE community.

• A minimum of 15 years of related experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or advocacy - preferably within the education or non-profit sector - including at least five years in a leadership role. Advance CTE values relevant combinations of education and work experience over a specific degree; in your cover…