Senior Director of Public Affairs

Senior Director of Public Affairs

Location: Hybrid / Remote

Reports To: Superintendent

Position Type: FullTime

About Us:

North Carolina Cyber Academy is a leading statewide virtual charter school committed to innovation academic excellence and flexible learning for K12 students across North Carolina. We empower students to succeed in a rapidly changing world by delivering highquality accessible education.

Position Summary:

The Senior Director of Public Affairs serves as a critical member of the executive leadership team providing strategic leadership for the schools policy development government relations stakeholder engagement and communications initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Superintendent the Senior Director will shape and execute the schools external and internal communications strategy enhancing its public profile and influencing education policy to support the growth of virtual learning in North Carolina.

The Senior Director will supervise and provide strategic direction to the Director of Family and Community Engagement and the Director of Communications ensuring coordinated missiondriven messaging and outreach efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Provide visionary leadership for the Public Affairs division integrating policy advocacy communications and engagement strategies to support organizational goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Superintendent on public affairs and external relations.
• Supervise the Director of Family and Community Engagement and the Director of Communications to build a cohesive highimpact team.
• Develop and execute an integrated public affairs strategy that drives enrollment builds stakeholder trust and advances the schools reputation.

Policy Development & Government Relations:

• Lead advocacy efforts with local state and federal policymakers to advance legislation and policy initiatives supporting virtual education.
• Develop and promote policy proposals aligned with the schools mission and growth objectives.
• Represent the school at state board meetings legislative hearings and other highlevel public forums.
• Build and sustain productive relationships with policymakers education officials advocacy organizations and key community stakeholders.

Communications & Public Relations:

• Oversee the schools internal and external communication strategies to ensure clarity consistency and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Serve as a primary spokesperson for North Carolina Cyber Academy representing the school in the media and at public events.
• Lead branding marketing and advertising efforts to enhance the schools public visibility and drive student enrollment.
• Develop and implement multichannel marketing campaigns using digital media social media traditional media video and print platforms to promote the schools programs and successes.
• Direct and oversee crisis communication strategies when needed.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Oversee the development of initiatives and partnerships that deepen engagement with families students educators community organizations and business partners.
• Ensure that communication and engagement strategies reflect the diverse needs and experiences of the school community.
• Lead efforts to gather and incorporate stakeholder feedback into organizational planning and improvement initiatives.

Research Reporting and Monitoring:

• Monitor legislative regulatory and political developments that impact charter schools and virtual education.
• Prepare policy briefs updates and reports for the Superintendent and Board of Directors.
• Conduct policy analysis and research on best practices in public affairs government relations and stakeholder engagement.

Organizational Structure:

• Reports to: Superintendent
• Direct Reports:
• Director of Family and Community Engagement
• Director of Communications

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Public Administration Public Policy Communications Political Science Education Leadership or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs government relations strategic communications education policy or a related field.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Deep understanding of the legislative process and advocacy strategies.
• Outstanding verbal written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking political acumen and problemsolving ability.
• Commitment to educational equity and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in or with charter schools K12 education systems or virtual learning environments.
• Familiarity with North Carolinas education policy landscape and legislative processes.
• Experience managing marketing media relations and public engagement initiatives.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary Range: $95000 $111308 per year depending on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits Include:
• 403(B) retirement plan with matching
• Health vision and dental insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Supplemental pay opportunities

How to Apply:

Please send your resume cover letter and any relevant work samples to Debra Hunter at .

In your cover letter please highlight your leadership experience in public affairs and your passion for advancing educational opportunities through virtual learning.