Integrated Communications and Marketing Director

ABOUT COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF MICHIGAN

At Communities In Schools of Michigan, we are “all-in” for kids. It is our passion—it is our mission. We provide resources and create communities of caring adults who work hand-in-hand with educators to make sure young people have the tools they need to stay in school and achieve in life. We are the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, serving 1.5 million students in 2,400 sites across the country. We achieve this mission by hiring bright, creative, and innovative team members who have a passion for what we do. At CIS we are committed to cultivating an engaged culture where all are recognized and valued for their contributions. We intentionally build experiences and provide space for individual and group voices across multiple dimensions.

We also hold the following talent beliefs:

• Every staff member is passionate and committed to our mission.
• Our work is grounded in the success of our students.
• Our decisions and priorities are guided by how we can fulfill our mission and serve kids with quality.

Join Our Mission to Support Michigan's Students

At Communities In Schools of Michigan, we are dedicated to helping students stay in school and succeed in life. Our team collaborates closely with educators to provide students with the resources and support they need to thrive academically and personally.

Why Work With Us

We are committed to hiring individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on students' lives. Our organization values:

• Merit-Based Hiring: We select candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and commitment to our mission.
• Inclusive Work Environment: We provide a workplace free from discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity for all employees as mandated by federal law.
• Collaborative Culture: Our team works together to create supportive communities for students, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared goals.

Our Commitment

Communities In Schools of Michigan adheres to all applicable federal laws and executive orders, including those related to employment practices and non-discrimination. We are dedicated to maintaining a work environment that complies with current legal standards and promotes the success of our students and staff.

Position Summary

The Director of Integrated Communications and Marketing reports to the Chief Strategy Officer. The Director leads the development and execution of comprehensive communications, marketing, and brand strategies that advance organizational visibility, engagement, and impact. The role is responsible for overseeing strategic communications, media relations, storytelling, digital engagement, and public-facing messaging to strengthen relationships with donors, community partners, school districts, policymakers, volunteers, and families. The position also provides leadership for internal communications initiatives, vendor and contractor management, budget oversight, and the use of analytics and performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform future communications strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A combination of 5-7 years of work or educational experience in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit, advocacy, policy, or public affairs communications strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in developing integrated communications and marketing strategies.
• Strong writing, editing, public speaking, and storytelling skills.
• Experience managing media relations and serving as a spokesperson.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with digital marketing, website management, social media strategy, and content development.
• Strong familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Google Suite.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using KPIs and performance metrics to guide strategy.
• Supervisory and vendor management experience preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Integrated Communications & Brand Strategy

• Develop and execute an integrated communications and marketing plan designed to engage donors, community partners, school district staff, volunteers, policymakers, and students and families.
• Develop an integrated communications plan that is diverse and adaptable to the varying levels of statewide, regional/citywide, schoolwide, and individual needs of students and families.
• Develop and improve communications and marketing assets to strengthen relationships with community partners, school districts, industry leaders, and other organizations to expand awareness and engagement with CIS of Michigan.
• Lead marketing campaigns that strengthen community engagement, support organizational priorities, and elevate CIS of Michigan’s visibility and impact.
• Drive strategic communications and ensure messaging consistency with the CIS National Office and across departments and regions.
• Lead and maintain CIS of Michigan’s brand identity across all communications platforms and materials. Ensure consistency in visual identity, tone, messaging, and organizational voice across print, digital, social media, and public-facing communications.
• Train all members of the organization on communications, messaging, and storytelling with the aim of developing staff as brand ambassadors in their respective communities.

Leadership & Management

• Manage relationships with external vendors and contractors (including the graphic design and social media specialist and videographers) to ensure high-quality and cost-effective deliverables.
• Oversee communications and marketing-related budgets in collaboration with executive leadership and development teams.
• Manage the purchasing of uniforms, marketing materials, and other assets as needed.
• Lead internal communications initiatives that strengthen organizational alignment, employee engagement, and mission awareness across the organization.
• Utilize analytics and key performance indicators (KPIs), including website traffic, engagement metrics, SEO performance, donor conversion rates, and media reach, to evaluate campaign effectiveness and inform future strategy.

Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Draft press releases, statements, media advisories, talking points, and responses to media inquiries.
• Coordinate media interviews and prepare leadership and subject matter experts for public appearances.
• Identify and secure earned media opportunities, including feature stories, interviews, and op-eds.

Content Development, Storytelling, & Publications

• Collaborate with National leadership and key staff to develop compelling content and storytelling strategies that engage diverse audiences.
• Lead the Ethical Storytelling team, and work collaboratively with staff and stakeholders to develop sensitive, ethical, and trauma-informed success stories and impact narratives.
• Build upon existing policies and procedures to ensure all communications and storytelling uphold confidentiality, dignity, equity, and student voice.
• Oversee the development, production, and distribution of all print and digital collateral, including: annual reports, newsletters, brochures, campaign materials, social media content, videos, legislative briefings, website content, and fund development materials as needed.

Digital Strategy & Web Presence

• Lead digital communications strategy across all platforms to drive engagement and audience growth. Oversee website development and maintenance, ensuring accessibility, usability, SEO optimization, and timely content updates.
• Manage and grow social media presence through consistent and engaging content.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Primarily a remote work environment with regular virtual collaboration.
• Statewide travel required to support partnerships, events, and CISM initiatives as needed.
• Consistent and reliable attendance to effectively support organizational priorities.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Mileage reimbursement at current IRS rate.
• Ability to work from home regularly
• Employee cell phone reimbursement ($30/month)
• Two health insurance plan options, including one fully employer-paid, and access to employee-paid insurance for dependents; a stipend offered to medical coverage opt-out.
• HSA and FSA available
• Access to employee-paid vision, dental, and life insurance plans available
• Employer-paid short-term disability and access to employee-paid long-term disability
• 401k employer match up to 3.5%
• 3 weeks’ vacation, 10 holidays, and the week of July 4th off
• One sick day a month
• Salary: $60,000-$64,000

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to mix@cismichigan.org by June 5th.