Director of Communications

Currently, we operate multiple elementary and middle schools in the Bronx, Upper Manhattan , and Queens. We plan to grow and open 1-2 schools each year because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. Join our growing team today, and be a change agent for children.

Our Network office is located at 401 W. 218th St., New York, NY 10034. Our Network team follows a hybrid work schedule: we work in-person from our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays with optional remote days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, if your team’s scope of work permits.

To achieve our vision, we are searching for a Director of Communications with a Bachelor's degree (preferably in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field), and at least 7-10 years of experience with a proven record of leading high-stakes communications strategy, managing staff, and developing compelling content across stakeholder audiences.

In this role, the Director will serve as Zeta’s organizational editor-in-chief--shaping and elevating Zeta’s public identity through consistent messaging, strategic storytelling, and strong internal communications systems. The Director will lead all communications strategy and execution across media, PR, executive communications, and family-facing messaging.

A strong candidate will bring outstanding writing skills, editorial rigor, project management expertise, and an ability to align messaging across audiences--from families and funders to media and policymakers.

• Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy that aligns Zeta’s public voice with its mission, vision, and values

• Lead messaging across internal and external channels, supporting consistent and coherent storytelling that builds stakeholder trust

• Author and refine high-impact communications including press releases, executive communications (including op-eds), board updates, internal staff messaging, and family-facing materials

• Manage media relationships, proactively pitch stories, and coordinate earned media coverage to expand visibility for Zeta and its CEO

• Serve as thought partner to senior leadership on executive communications and key change initiatives

• Maintain editorial standards and quality control across all messaging, ensuring excellence in voice, tone, accuracy, and brand alignment

• Oversee vendor partnerships (e.g., PR firms, writers, consultants), ensuring deadlines, quality, and budget are met

• Collaborate cross-functionally with the Marketing, Outreach, Schooling, and Executive teams to unify messaging efforts

• Support the implementation of Zeta’s communications protocols, timelines, and stakeholder sequences in line with our policies and procedures (P2) standards

• Wear multiple hats as a part of a lean scale-up team, supporting the work of others on the team and taking on new projects and tasks as needed

• We are humble, willing to put the team's needs ahead of our own, and committed to contributing to a collaborative work environment

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. The salary range for this position is between $110,000 and $130,000. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant experience and internal equity.

Compensation is based on our salary scales.

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses (Gym memberships, salon appointments, concerts – it's up to you!)

• 4 live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace, and a free Headspace subscription

• MacBook Air, and specified monthly reimbursement for use of mobile phone