Director of Communications

Summary

Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) seeks an experienced and entrepreneurial minded Director of Communications to join our passionate team. This is an exciting new position for a creative professional who thrives in developing strategy and finds joy in a growing nonprofit environment. The Director of Communications will lead VTAEYC’s communications efforts, overseeing strategy, content, and brand management. This new role will be a member of the Leadership Team and will be responsible for organizing existing communications efforts, and building new systems and processes. The Director will supervise the Communications Specialist and work closely with the Executive Director and the Leadership Team to ensure that VTAEYC’s programs and opportunities are effectively communicated to early childhood educators, partners, funders, and the public.

Duties

1. Strategy Development & Content Leadership 

• Lead the development and implementation of a clear, multi-channel communications plan that supports VTAEYC’s mission and strategic goals.
• Build systems and processes for content creation, approval, scheduling, and distribution across email, social media, website, and print materials.
• Write, edit, and oversee press releases, newsletters, donor communications, impact reports, and advocacy communications. 
• Ensure messaging is consistent and aligned across internal teams, programs, and external partners.
• Track and analyze engagement for continuous improvement.

2. Brand Management

• Maintain VTAEYC’s brand across all platforms and materials, ensuring a consistent and professional look and voice. 
• Partner with outside contractors to design VTAEYC swag, business cards, name tags, and ensure compliance with national association guidelines.
• Support staff in using branding consistently, including external presentations, email signatures, letterhead, and program materials.

3.  Media, Public Relations & Event Support 

• Serve as the main point of contact for media, managing inquiries and cultivating relationships with journalists and key stakeholders.
• Support the Executive Director and staff with communications for events, conferences, campaigns, and advocacy initiatives.
• Contribute to grant writing and reporting as needed to help tell VTAEYC’s story and impact.

4. Supervision & Team Leadership

• Supervise the Communications Specialist, providing direction and supporting professional development. 
• Oversee contractors, as needed, to supplement support for communications activities.
• Collaborate with the Grants team to manage the communications budget across programs. 

Requirements

KEY COMPETENCIES

Leadership & Project Management

• Lead and support a small team of communications direct report and consultants.
• Build effective systems and workflows with clear directives, deadlines, and goals.

Strategic Thinking 

• Develop and execute a communications strategy that aligns with organizational goals and programs.
• Use analytics and metrics to guide improvements in communications strategy.

Communication 

• Demonstrate excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills. 
• Comfortable translating complex topics for a variety of audiences.

Collaboration & Relationship Building 

• Collaborate and build trust internally to meet the communication needs across the organization.
• Build connections with early childhood education programs, members, and external partners to understand and communicate with the early childhood education field.

EDUCATION & TRAINING 

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Communications, Nonprofit Development, Journalism, or Marketing
• 5+ years experience in communications or public relations and 1-3 years in a management role
• Understanding of nonprofit membership organizations, fundraising, and advocacy
• Knowledge of Early Childhood Education field and/or Vermont state agencies a plus
• Experience building communications systems, processes, or strategies 
• Familiarity with digital platforms, social media, and cloud-based collaboration tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Flexible work location within Vermont; work remotely from home or work out of VTAEYC’s shared office in Washington County
• Hours: primarily daytime, Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required
• Travel: Some travel in-state will be required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Benefits

• Generous Employer Funded Health Plan or Health Reimbursement Account
• Vision, Dental, Dependent Care
• Life, Short and Long Term Disability
• Flex Office Stipend
• Mileage Reimbursement 
• Employer Funded Retirement Savings Account
• Generous vacation and paid time off

About Us

About VTAEYC

The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) advances excellence and equity in early childhood education as the state’s largest membership organization for early childhood educators and is the state affiliate of NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. As a nonprofit organization formed by a grassroots effort 50+ years ago and now with nearly 700 members, VTAEYC offers advocacy, workforce development, professional development and other resources to its membership and others in the early childhood education field. VTAEYC aims to meet the needs of today’s early childhood education workforce and create a stronger, more equitable early childhood education system for the future.