Senior Managing Director (SMD) of Communications and External Affairs

Senior Managing Director of Communications and External Affairs

Reports To: DC Deputy Director
Direct Reports: Manages a Team of 3–4
Location: Onsite in Washington, DC, 4 days each week

About Flamboyan Foundation

Guided by the belief that all children deserve the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, the Flamboyan Foundation works to ensure every child in the U.S. and Puerto Rico receives an outstanding education.

• Puerto Rico: Focused on improving reading proficiency for early-grade students and revitalizing the island through strategic investments in arts, culture, and education.
• Washington, D.C.: Strengthening family engagement in schools and school systems through trainings, fellowships, and school-based partnerships.

Role Overview

Based in Flamboyan’s Washington, DC office, the Senior Managing Director (SMD) of Communications and External Affairs sets the vision, strategy, and long-term management of communications, branding, marketing, and external relations for the DC office’s priorities.

Core Responsibilities:

• Craft and execute communications strategies to increase visibility of Flamboyan’s flagship programs in DC public schools.
• Promote Flamboyan’s brand across various audiences and channels.
• Collaborate with team leads to create messaging and secure speaking engagements.
• Partner with the SMD of Communications in Puerto Rico to strengthen the organization’s overall brand and social media reach.
• Ensure internal and external messaging consistency.

The ideal candidate will bring a commitment to equity, an uplifting leadership style, and a passion for Flamboyan’s mission.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Visioning & Implementation of Marketing & Communications

• Develop and implement a vision and strategy for Flamboyan’s marketing and communications, with clear goals and metrics.
• Lead a press and media strategy to increase brand awareness.
• Define and implement a strong brand narrative and cohesive organizational image.
• Develop and optimize a social media strategy, including performance tracking.
• Identify communications-related technology needs and create a roadmap for implementation.

Expand External Recognition & Influence

• Translate research and data into compelling storytelling for system-level leaders.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of Flamboyan’s communications function in the DC office.
• Build relationships with key education reporters and journalists.
• Manage event sponsorships and incorporate equity into branding efforts.

Team Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive communications team.
• Set measurable success metrics for communications, including media coverage and thought leadership.
• Steward a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Oversee the communications and external affairs budget.

Organizational Stewardship

• Serve as an ambassador for Flamboyan’s brand.
• Model and foster Flamboyan’s core values: People, Impact, Catalytic Action, and Equity.
• Commit to continuous learning and equity-centered contributions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in strategic communications, marketing, or public affairs.
• 12–15+ years of professional experience in agency or in-house communications roles.
• 5+ years leading a communications or marketing division in education, social service, or nonprofit contexts.
• Proven track record of leading successful marketing and communications campaigns.
• Experience in brand narrative development and engaging owned and earned media platforms.
• Strong writing and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead diverse, inclusive teams.

Compensation

Salary: $158,610
Benefits:

• Employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Access to FSA and HSA plans.
• Retirement plan with employer matching.
• Generous paid time off.

Work Location, Schedule & Vaccination Requirements

• Location: Based in Washington, DC. Office located at 1730 Massachusetts Avenue NW.
• Schedule: Hybrid schedule with 4 in-office days (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) and 1 remote day (Wed) weekly, plus 1 fully remote week per quarter.
• Vaccination: All staff must be fully vaccinated and boosted unless granted a medical or religious exemption.

How to Apply

Flamboyan Foundation has retained LeaderFit to lead this search. Submit a cover letter and resume via the LeaderFit application portal.

Click HERE to submit your application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.