2026- 27: Director of External Affairs

Job Details

Job Location: Nashville, TN 37209

The Role

RePublic Schools is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Director of External Affairs to lead the organization’s external engagement strategy across communications, public awareness, philanthropy, and community partnerships.

This leader will play a central role in shaping how RePublic is understood and experienced in our communities. The Director of External Affairs will ensure our story is told with clarity and authenticity, deepen relationships with key community partners and supporters, and help strengthen the long‑term sustainability of our organization through philanthropic engagement and board partnership.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role works closely with network leaders, school teams, and the Board of Directors to build visibility, trust, and support for RePublic’s mission. This position is based out of Jackson, Mississippi but will support schools in both Jackson and Nashville regions. Occasional travel to Nashville, TN is required.

Tell the RePublic Story

• Lead the strategy and execution for how RePublic communicates its mission, values, and impact.
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive communications and storytelling strategy across digital, print, and media channels.
• Craft compelling narratives that highlight the experiences of scholars, families, and educators across the network.
• Manage the organization’s website, social media platforms, newsletters, and major communications campaigns in partnership with our communications and marketing vendors.
• Analyze communications data and performance metrics to refine strategy, optimize campaigns, and clearly report on impact.
• Create high‑quality messaging and materials that clearly communicate RePublic’s impact and priorities.
• Monitor press and social media coverage and develop thoughtful response strategies when needed.
• Build relationships with local media to generate positive coverage and elevate stories from RePublic schools.

Shape Public Awareness in Jackson and Nashville

• Develop and execute strategies that increase awareness and understanding of RePublic’s work across Jackson, MS and Nashville, TN.
• Identify opportunities for RePublic leaders, scholars, and educators to share their work through community events, media, and public forums.
• Cultivate relationships with civic leaders, community organizations, and local partners who influence public perception.
• Support external messaging during moments of heightened public attention or organizational change.
• Ensure RePublic’s brand is consistently represented across all public‑facing materials and engagements.

Support Sustainability Through Philanthropic Partnerships and Board Engagement

• Support the development and stewardship of philanthropic relationships that advance RePublic’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Partner with the chief team and the Board of Directors to cultivate and steward donors and community supporters.
• Develop compelling materials and messaging to support fundraising efforts and philanthropic engagement.
• Coordinate external events, communications, and opportunities that deepen relationships with supporters.
• Help ensure board members are equipped with the tools and messaging they need to effectively advocate for RePublic in the community.

Strengthen Community Engagement

• Develop and lead strategies that deepen engagement with families and community stakeholders.
• Represent RePublic at community meetings, events, and partnership opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to partner with local organizations that align with RePublic’s mission and support scholars and families.
• Create avenues for families, alumni, and community members to become ambassadors for RePublic schools.
• Ensure community voices inform how RePublic engages and communicates externally.

Qualifications

• Exceptional storytelling and communication skills: Ability to translate complex work into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Relationship builder: Emotionally intelligent, self‑aware, and comfortable building authentic relationships with families, community leaders, donors, and partners.
• Strategic thinker and executor: Ability to set priorities, manage multiple initiatives, and deliver high‑quality results.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: Comfort working in dynamic environments where systems and strategies continue to evolve.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit leadership, education, or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience in development, communications, external affairs, fundraising, or community engagement; experience in education or a mission‑driven organization preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with donors, families, board members, community leaders, and external stakeholders while also operating independently.
• Broad and deep knowledge of fundraising, communications, and marketing, and an understanding of how these functions work together to support a strong advancement and external affairs strategy.
• Strong project management and relationship‑building skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strongly preferred: Experience supporting executive leadership and/or boards in external engagement and community partnership efforts.

Benefits

• Retirement Plans: Employees may participate in TCRS retirement plan in Nashville, TN, or the Principal retirement plan in Jackson, MS.
• Paid Leave Programming: Employees are eligible for maternity or paternity leave based on length of service. Employees who have been employed for less than one year are eligible for up to 4 weeks of leave at 100% pay. Employees with more than one year of service are eligible for up to 9 weeks of leave at 100% pay, followed by an additional 3 weeks at 40% pay.
• Comprehensive Benefits Program: The organization offers $10,000 in employer‑paid life insurance at 100% coverage, term life and disability insurance, as well as Carrot Fertility benefits, with 100% of the premiums covered.