Director, Strategic Communications

Remote

Full Time

Brand and Communications

Experienced

Job Title: Director, Strategic Communications
Department: Brand and Communications
Location: Remote
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Vice President, Communications

Salary: $115,000-$125,000/year

Job Posting Close Date: August 6, 2025 at 7pm ET

About Illustrative Mathematics (IM)

IM is dedicated to creating a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics. As a problem-based curriculum developer, we foster equity and deep understanding in math education through high-quality materials and professional learning. Our collaborative and mission-driven environment supports innovative thinkers who are passionate about transforming math education.

Position Overview

The Director, Strategic Communications provides strategic leadership for IM’s messaging, voice, and public presence. This role is responsible for media relations, thought leadership, internal communications, brand positioning, and executive visibility—ensuring IM shows up clearly, consistently, and credibly across all channels. As a Director at IM, this position is responsible for aligning the team’s work with IM’s strategic goals, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver high-impact communications in service of IM’s mission.

The Director will oversee planning, budgets, and team performance, with a focus on elevating IM’s brand reputation, shaping public narrative, and strengthening staff and stakeholder engagement in key regions and at the national level.

Key Responsibilities

Provide the strategic vision and direction for the Communications team—aligning messaging, voice, and engagement with organizational priorities and the broader Communications Department vision.
Oversee internal and external communications strategy—ensuring consistent, timely, and mission-aligned messaging for staff, stakeholders, and the public.
Lead media relations, thought leadership, and brand positioning to strengthen IM’s reputation and influence within the math education community and beyond.
Partner across departments to align messaging, elevate success stories, and ensure external communications reflect the full breadth and impact of IM’s work.
Monitor and optimize communications resources and performance—managing budgets, vendors, and data to maximize reach, impact, and efficiency.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

At least 7 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, brand messaging, or related fields.
At least 3 years of experience managing communications functions.
At least 3 years of experience leading direct reports.
Demonstrated ability to use data and audience insights to shape communications strategy, measure effectiveness, and refine messaging over time.
Must reside in and be legally authorized to work in the USA.

Preferred:

Existing relationships with education reporters and media.
Experience working in a remote environment is a plus.
Strong computer skills with cloud-based systems, especially Google Workspace applications, Asana, Notion, Zoom, and Slack.

What We Value at IM

At IM, we are committed to:

Workplace Culture: Creating an atmosphere where everyone is all represented and all voices are valued.
Collaboration: Working together to solve complex problems and foster innovation.
Continuous Learning: Encouraging personal and professional growth.
Impact-Driven Work: Making a difference in math education through meaningful contributions.

Why Join IM?

Supportive and mission-driven team culture
Collaborative and inclusive workplace culture
Remote work environment with flexible scheduling
Competitive salary and benefits package, including flexible PTO (for eligible employees)
Opportunities for professional development and career growth

How to Apply

To apply, submit your resume and complete the online application.

https://illustrativemathematics.applytojob.com/apply/1UTKkEMcnA/Director-Strategic-Communications

Illustrative Mathematics is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate identity representation and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Please complete all areas that are indicated as required (*) on the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Illustrative Mathematics is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not discriminate against any applicant, candidate, or staff member on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Applicant Workplace Posters

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired for employee roles will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Apply for this position

Required*

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

Address

Resume*

We've received your resume. Click here to update it.

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

What's your citizenship / employment eligibility?*

How many years of experience do you have in strategic communications, media relations, brand messaging, or related fields?*

How many years of experience do you have managing communications functions and leading direct reports?*

How many years of experience do you have leading direct reports?*

Please upload one sample of a work product you personally led (i.e., messaging guide, press release, brand guidelines, internal comms plan).*

Briefly describe your role in the above product's development.*

At IM, we are committed to cultivating a workplace culture where all voices are valued, perspectives are respected, and employees feel a strong sense of belonging. This commitment is essential to our mission of creating high-quality, engaging, and accessible math education for all students. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of our team help us better understand and support the student communities we serve.
Can you share an example of how you have contributed to creating an environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered in your previous roles or personal experiences? How do you envision fostering this kind of culture in your work at IM to positively impact the educators and students we serve?*

We recognize that gender and race are social constructs and that survey questions that ask respondents to check boxes are inherently reductionist. By asking the questions below, we in no way intend to invalidate the complexity of identity and intersectionality. Our goal is to collect data on our applicants at-scale based on the categories recognized by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in order to evaluate our own screening and hiring practices for fairness and equity.*

The following questions are entirely optional.

To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.

Gender

Race/Ethnicity

Human Check*

Submit Application

Thanks for visiting our Job Board. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.