VP, Public Relations
Remote
Collaborative Communications
Date Posted: 3/25/2026
The Vice President, Public Relations Director will lead Collaborative Communications’ public relations portfolio—helping mission-driven organizations amplify their stories, shape narratives that matter, and build influence in the education, philanthropy, and social impact spaces. This senior leader will serve as both strategist and practitioner, guiding client teams and executives in developing compelling earned media strategies, strengthening media relationships, and integrating storytelling across channels to advance visibility and impact.
This is a leadership role for an experienced communicator who brings deep media expertise, a proven record of securing coverage in top-tier and education-sector outlets, and a passion for the issues that shape learning, equity, and opportunity. The VP, Public Relations will also play a key role in shaping Collaborative’s own visibility strategy and mentoring team members to deepen our collective capacity for bold, values-aligned storytelling.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Counsel:
Lead the vision and strategy for Collaborative’s public relations practice, ensuring alignment with client goals and firm values.
Advise senior client partners, foundation leaders, and nonprofit executives on media positioning, storytelling, and reputation management.
Translate complex education and social impact topics into accessible, influential narratives that resonate with policymakers, educators, and the public.
Anticipate opportunities and risks within the media landscape; provide proactive counsel and rapid response strategies when needed.
Media Strategy and Execution:
Oversee the development and execution of earned media plans—from message strategy and pitch development to relationship management and coverage tracking.
Cultivate and maintain trusted relationships with journalists, editors, and producers across national, local, and education trade outlets (Education Week, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The 74, etc.).
Lead the creation and placement of op-eds, bylines, press materials, and strategic announcements that elevate clients’ thought leadership.
Experiment with innovative engagement tactics (from briefings and conference participation to desk-side meetings and letter-to-the-editor campaigns).
Visibility, Narrative, and Thought Leadership Integration:
Partner with internal teams to align PR strategy with content, messaging, and broader narrative goals.
Contribute to message frameworks, talking points, and executive briefing materials.
Bring insight and data to evaluate media performance and identify opportunities to refine strategy.
Firm Visibility and Team Development
Advance Collaborative’s brand through selective, strategic media placements and thought leadership opportunities.
Contribute to business development by advising on proposals and identifying new growth areas for PR offerings.
Mentor and coach colleagues, helping to strengthen media instincts and storytelling skills across the team.
Qualifications
8–10 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or integrated communications, ideally within education, philanthropy, or social impact sectors.
A proven record of securing meaningful coverage and building long-term journalist relationships, especially in education and trade media.
Exceptional strategic thinking, news judgment, and writing/storytelling skills.
Comfortable advising and partnering with senior executives and spokespeople.
Experience managing complex projects across multiple clients and issue areas.
Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to mentorship, values-driven work, and continuous learning.
Familiarity with the interplay between earned, owned, and paid media; understanding of how media strategies connect to broader movement-building and engagement goals.
To Apply:
Please combine a cover letter, writing sample, and resume into a single file and email it with the subject line “VP, Public Relations” to jobs@collaborativecommunications.com. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone calls please.
The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for this job.
Collaborative Communications is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that embraces the power of diverse perspectives. We believe that the strength of our organization lies in the unique backgrounds, experiences, and talents of our team members. We promote equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of gender, race, class, sexual orientation, disability, or age.