Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships

American Paradigm Schools

8101 Castor Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19152

Discovering Excellence Through Cultivating Differences

American Paradigm Schools are dedicated to equity and excellence for all learners, while celebrating the uniqueness of our communities. Our values drive our dedication to providing a world class education.

Job Title: Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships

Position type: Full Time

Position location (School): American Paradigm Schools

Reports to: APS' CEO

Employment status: Exempt

Employment duration: 12 months

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships. to lead and enhance American Paradigm Schools' relationships with the community, civic associations, academic institutions, and student bodies. This role involves advocacy, community outreach, building strategic partnership, and engaging in mentorship opportunities to support our mission and goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Advocacy for School Choice

• Represent American Paradigm Schools at city council meetings, advocating for policies and initiatives that support our mission.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local government officials and agencies.
• Engagement with Civic Associations
• Collaborate with local civic associations to promote community well-being and address common concerns.
• Attend meetings and events to foster strong community ties and ensure American Paradigm Schools' presence and voice in local matters.
• Community Group Outreach

• Engage with various community groups to understand their needs and perspectives.
• Develop programs and initiatives that respond to community interests and enhance our organizational impact.
• Academic Partnerships

• Establish and nurture partnerships with academic institutions to support educational initiatives and collaborative projects.
• Coordinate with schools, colleges, and universities to create opportunities for students and educators to engage with American Paradigm Schools.
• Community Partnerships

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with other community organizations and stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration that align with our mission and benefit the broader community.
• Engagement with Student Government:

• Partner with student governments to foster a sense of civic responsibility and involvement among students/
• Collaborate on initiatives and programs that encourage students participation in community activities and governance
• Mentorship Opportunities
• Development and implement mentorship programs that connect students with professionals and community leaders
• Facilitate opportunities for students to gain practical experience and guidance in their areas of interest.
  
  

Qualifications

• Proven experience in community engagement, partnership development, or related fields.
• Strong advocacy skills with experience in interacting with government officials.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse community groups and organizations.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
  
  

Education

• Bachelor's Degree (required)
• 5 years of previous public relations experience (preferred)
  
  

American Paradigm Schools are Caring School Communities.

Relationships are the foundation of classroom and school life and underpin teaching, learning, and prosocial development. Building relationships and fostering students' sense of community are a critical part of our work at APS and as such, we have partnered with the Collaborative Classroom to implement the Caring School Community Model in all of our schools.

Caring School Community model builds positive classroom and schoolwide communities while developing students' social and emotional learning (SEL) skills and competencies. It is designed to help students become caring, responsible members of their school communities and, ultimately, to grow into humane, principled, and skilled citizens of a democratic society. The lessons in the program help faculty and staff create a warm, safe, and disciplined school environment where all community members can develop the skills and dispositions they need to interact constructively with others.

All employees at American Paradigm Schools are expected to be true champions of the Caring School Community Program.