Senior Director of Public Affairs

Senior Director of Public Affairs 
Location: Hybrid / Remote 
Reports To: Superintendent 
Position Type: Full-Time 
About Us: 
North Carolina Cyber Academy is a leading statewide virtual charter school committed to innovation, 
academic excellence, and flexible learning for K–12 students across North Carolina. We empower 
students to succeed in a rapidly changing world by delivering high-quality, accessible education. 
Position Summary: 
The Senior Director of Public Affairs serves as a critical member of the executive leadership team, 
providing strategic leadership for the school’s policy development, government relations, stakeholder 
engagement, and communications initiatives. 
Reporting directly to the Superintendent, the Senior Director will shape and execute the school’s 
external and internal communications strategy, enhancing its public profile and influencing education 
policy to support the growth of virtual learning in North Carolina. 
The Senior Director will supervise and provide strategic direction to the Director of Family and 
Community Engagement and the Director of Communications, ensuring coordinated, mission-driven 
messaging and outreach efforts. 
Key Responsibilities: 
Strategic Leadership: 
● Provide visionary leadership for the Public Affairs division, integrating policy, advocacy, 
communications, and engagement strategies to support organizational goals. 
● Serve as a trusted advisor to the Superintendent on public affairs and external relations. 
● Supervise the Director of Family and Community Engagement and the Director of 
Communications to build a cohesive, high-impact team. 
● Develop and execute an integrated public affairs strategy that drives enrollment, builds 
stakeholder trust, and advances the school’s reputation. 
Policy Development & Government Relations: 
● Lead advocacy efforts with local, state, and federal policymakers to advance legislation and 
policy initiatives supporting virtual education. 
● Develop and promote policy proposals aligned with the school’s mission and growth 
objectives. 
● Represent the school at state board meetings, legislative hearings, and other high-level public 
forums. 
● Build and sustain productive relationships with policymakers, education officials, advocacy 
organizations, and key community stakeholders. 
Communications & Public Relations: 
● Oversee the school’s internal and external communication strategies to ensure clarity, 
consistency, and alignment with organizational priorities. 
● Serve as a primary spokesperson for North Carolina Cyber Academy, representing the school 
in the media and at public events. 
● Lead branding, marketing, and advertising efforts to enhance the school’s public visibility and 
drive student enrollment. 
● Develop and implement multi-channel marketing campaigns using digital media, social media, 
traditional media, video, and print platforms to promote the school’s programs and successes. 
● Direct and oversee crisis communication strategies when needed. 
Stakeholder Engagement: 
● Oversee the development of initiatives and partnerships that deepen engagement with 
families, students, educators, community organizations, and business partners. 
● Ensure that communication and engagement strategies reflect the diverse needs and 
experiences of the school community. 
● Lead efforts to gather and incorporate stakeholder feedback into organizational planning and 
improvement initiatives. 
Research, Reporting, and Monitoring: 
● Monitor legislative, regulatory, and political developments that impact charter schools and 
virtual education. 
● Prepare policy briefs, updates, and reports for the Superintendent and Board of Directors. 
● Conduct policy analysis and research on best practices in public affairs, government relations, 
and stakeholder engagement. 
Organizational Structure: 
● Reports to: Superintendent 
● Direct Reports: 
○ Director of Family and Community Engagement 
○ Director of Communications 
Qualifications and Skills: 
● Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, 
Political Science, Education Leadership, or a related field. 
● Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs, government 
relations, strategic communications, education policy, or a related field.  
● Proven leadership and team management experience. 
● Deep understanding of the legislative process and advocacy strategies. 
● Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
● Strong strategic thinking, political acumen, and problem-solving ability. 
● Commitment to educational equity and innovation. 
Preferred Qualifications: 
● Experience working in or with charter schools, K–12 education systems, or virtual learning 
environments. 
● Familiarity with North Carolina’s education policy landscape and legislative processes. 
● Experience managing marketing, media relations, and public engagement initiatives. 
Salary and Benefits: 
● Salary Range: $100,000 – $110,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. 
● Benefits Include: 
○ 403(B) retirement plan with matching 
○ Health, vision, and dental insurance 
○ Paid time off and holidays 
○ Supplemental pay opportunities 
How to Apply: 
Please send your resume, cover letter, and any relevant work samples to Debra Hunter at 
[email protected].  
In your cover letter, please highlight your leadership experience in public affairs and your passion for 
advancing educational opportunities through virtual learning.