VP, External and Internal Communications

At Curriculum Associates, we believe in the potential of every child and are changing the face of education technology with award-winning learning programs like i-Ready that serve a third of the nation’s K–8 students. For more than 50 years, our commitment to making classrooms better places, serving educators, and supporting accessible learning experiences for all students has driven the continuous improvement of our innovative programs. Our team of more than 2,500 employees is composed of lifelong learners who stand behind this mission, working tirelessly to serve the educational community with world-class programs and support every day.

The Vice President, External and Internal Communications, will play a critical role in shaping and executing the company’s comprehensive communication strategy across the U.S. market. This position leads the development and delivery of integrated internal and external engagement efforts, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives and cultural values. The AVP will oversee communication with key stakeholders—including policymakers, media, educational institutions, industry partners, and employees—to build and protect the organization’s brand, influence public and policy discourse (in collaboration with the Government Relations team), and foster a high-performing, engaged workforce. This role is also responsible for crisis communication planning, reputation management, and establishing governance standards for consistent, impactful messaging across all audiences. 

The impact you'll have:

• External Relations Strategy Development: Develop and lead the execution of the U.S.-focused external relations strategy to enhance the company’s brand, reputation, and market presence in the U.S. education sector. Align strategy with broader company objectives and regional goals. 
• Internal Communications: Leads the development and execution of communication strategies that align with organizational goals and elevate the company’s reputation. Oversees internal communications to strengthen employee engagement and ensure consistent alignment with company messaging. Establishes internal communication policies and governance standards, ensuring consistent application and enforcement across the organization. 
• Government and Policy Relations: Lead the company’s communication efforts in engaging with U.S. federal, state, and local government agencies on education policy, regulations, and funding opportunities. Advocate for policies that support the company’s mission and interests, including building relationships with education-focused committees and relevant agencies. Create clear plans to navigate the rapidly evolving educational landscape in the United States. This work will be done in close partnership with both the Government Relations and Strategy teams.  
• Media Relations & Public Affairs: Drive media relations strategies in the U.S., crafting compelling narratives and building relationships with journalists and media outlets that cover the US edtech and related industries. Respond to media inquiries and proactively secure media coverage to increase the company’s visibility. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and maintain relationships with key U.S. stakeholders, including school districts, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and education-focused advocacy groups. Cultivate partnerships that advance the company’s mission and create new business opportunities.  
• Crisis Management & Reputation Protection: Oversee external communications during a crisis or reputational challenge. Ensure swift and effective communication strategies are implemented to protect the company’s image. Lead communications and responses to changes and events in the US educational landscape. Lead communications and responses to changes and events in the US educational landscape. 
• Thought Leadership & Advocacy: Refine and execute a thought leadership strategy focused on the U.S. education technology sector and promote edtech innovation through participation in industry conferences, content creation (white papers, op-eds, webinars) and speaking engagements that align with the company’s vision. 
• Strategic Partnerships & Business Development: Identify and forge strategic partnerships with key players in the education technology ecosystem in the U.S. Work with internal teams to align external relations efforts with business development goals to maximize partnership opportunities. 
• Content Creation & Communications Support: Lead the creation of high-impact content, including presentations, op-eds, blog posts, and press materials, to promote the company’s messaging and values. Collaborate with internal teams to amplify the external communications effort. 
• Social Media: Oversee team responsible for strategy and management of brand accounts across multiple social channels, lifting the presence of CA to customers and prospects. 
• Event Representation: Contribute to national event strategy and represent the company at key industry events, conferences, and roundtables. Ensure the company’s presence and messages are effectively delivered to diverse U.S. audiences, including educators, administrators, policymakers, and potential clients. 
• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Track and report on the effectiveness of external relations activities, including media coverage, stakeholder engagement, and public policy outcomes. Use data to refine strategies and improve outcomes for the company’s external engagement efforts in the U.S. 

What we're looking for:

• In-depth understanding of the U.S. education system, including K-12 and higher education, and key challenges in the edtech landscape. 
• Proven track record in managing media relations and public affairs campaigns. 
• Strong ability to develop and execute strategies that influence public policy and enhance corporate reputation. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft and deliver compelling messages for diverse audiences. 
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and journalists. 
• Proven leadership and team development, and management experience. 
• High level of political acumen, particularly in navigating complex policy and regulatory landscapes. 

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, political science, business, or a related field. A master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MPA) is strongly preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in public relations, external communications, or government relations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience in the U.S. education or education technology sectors is highly preferred.

Benefits and Pay Range:

Pay Range – This role’s range is $149,500 - $275,500. The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that Curriculum Associates considers in making compensation decisions based on our Compensation Philosophy. Actual base pay within that range will vary based upon several factors, including but not limited to, prior experience and relevant skill sets. At Curriculum Associates, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are

dependent on the facts and circumstances for each case. This role is also eligible to participate in the company bonus plan. The Company recognizes that minimum wage varies by location and will ensure all compensation decisions comply with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits – Benefit-eligible employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees can enroll in our company’s 401k plan and receive an employer match. Employees have access to a flexible vacation and sick policy in addition to twelve paid holidays and a winter office closure between Christmas and New Year's, as well as a number of additional perks and benefits.

Travel: Less than 10% to company offices

Working Environment: Office Environment

Classification: Exempt 

People Manager/Individual Contributor: People Manager 

Hours: 40 

Background Check and Frequency: Criminal

Hours and Frequency of Mandated Sexual Harassment Training: Up to 2 hours annually

The application window for this role will remain open until July 4th and is subject to change based on applicant volume.