Frontwood Strategies: Vice President, Education

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Frontwood Strategies is a boutique strategic communications and public affairs firm specializing in advocacy and nonprofit communications. Frontwood Strategies works at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and politics — helping mission-driven organizations navigate complex landscapes and drive meaningful change. Our portfolio includes campaigns focused on education, health care, climate solutions, housing and economic mobility, and technology policy. We are hiring a ** Vice President to lead our Education practice.** This is a senior leadership role for a strategic communicator who is as comfortable setting direction as they are rolling up their sleeves — and who is energized by the chance to build something.

The Role

As VP of Education, you will serve as the lead strategist and day-to-day relationship manager for a portfolio of public charter school and education advocacy clients in the DC metro area and beyond. You will direct client strategy, manage and mentor junior staff and subcontractors, and play an active role in growing the practice through new business development. This role reports to firm leadership and is central to Frontwood's next chapter of growth.

What You'll Do

• Lead strategy and client relationships across the Education portfolio, serving as a trusted advisor to client contacts

• Direct the development of communications plans, messaging frameworks, earned media campaigns, and digital content strategies

• Manage and mentor practice team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth

• Collaborate on new business development, including identifying leads, developing proposals, and expanding existing client relationships

• Maintain and grow relationships with relevant journalists, advocacy partners, and sector stakeholders

• Oversee quality and consistency of all client deliverables

• Contribute to firm leadership, culture, and strategic direction

What We're Looking For

• 8 – 12 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, or a closely related field

• Deep content expertise in K–12 education or education policy, ideally in the DC context

• Demonstrated success leading earned media campaigns and managing client relationships with relative independence

• Strong writing and editing skills; ability to produce and review client-ready materials

• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to effectively reach different audiences

• Exceptional judgment and ability to make decisions in a dynamic, fast paced environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines

• Experience leading and managing staff and/or contractors

• Proven track record of new business development and growing client relationships

• Crisis communications experience a plus

• Must be based in the Washington, DC area with the ability to be on-site with clients and in the office multiple times per week