Director of External Affairs

Overview

Location:  Remote (must be located in the US, East Coast strongly preferred)

Travel:  About 10% National travel, primarily East Coast, sometimes on short notice

Manages Others: Yes, 2-3 direct reports

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree required (Communications, Business, Journalism, Political Science or related), Master’s Degree nice to have

Experience:  10 years of experience in communications, experience navigating complex political landscapes and supporting C-Suite and/or other high-level public officials, track record with working effectively with media 

THE OPPORTUNITY:

As the Director of External Affairs, you will be tasked with sharing and shaping the story of the leading school bus camera safety company in North America. You will be placed in the driver’s seat to help communicate our safety mission and demonstrate how our cutting-edge technology and turnkey programs help to protect the millions of children that rely on pupil transportation every day.

You will help manage and enhance the company brand and reputation, identify opportunities to position BusPatrol in public-facing settings to highlight our unique value proposition, anticipate and analyze threats as they materialize to ensure a timely and appropriate response, and serve as a valued resource for both external stakeholders and employees alike. In addition, you will work closely with the executive leadership to develop and implement a robust strategic communications plan that advances enterprise goals while ensuring that our safety mission and culture remain front and center.

Responsibilities

• Serve as company spokesperson to drive clear and impactful messaging to enhance and protect corporate reputation
• Think strategically, act decisively: You'll develop clear, concise messaging and identify new communication channels that elevate our brand
• Oversee external and internal communications through a holistic approach
• Oversee the media strategy for launching individual school bus safety camera programs around the country
• Educate the public on the State laws that govern the program in those communities as well as generate content and earned media activities that reinforce the safety mission
• Turn around press releases and content quickly and on a short deadline
• Social media savant: You'll develop and execute a winning social media strategy, defining our voice and establishing clear end goals across all platforms
• Oversee the creation, execution, and coordination of public relations activities, company e-newsletters, events, trade shows, and web-based and online digital tools to inform the public on the benefits of products and services
• Playbook for success: You'll create comprehensive communication plans, including playbooks for crisis communication, community engagement, and long-term organizational framing for diverse audiences
• Develop and manage budgets for various projects
• Create and maintain PowerPoint presentations, and client reports
• Manage PR and marketing agency relationships to ensure client deliverables are met on time
• Train employees in preferred corporate linguistic terms such as creating a stylebook
• Manage content creation for PowerPoint decks as part of regular business updates with Board of Directors and investors
• Work with Executive Team to prepare agenda and run All-Hands meetings
• Work with HR to inform and engage employees on best practices, compliance, trainings, and other activities
• Provide regular updates to company leadership team on communication activities, OKRs and other reporting metrics
• Master of all trades: You'll effortlessly communicate with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from media outlets and employees to elected officials and the general public.

Qualifications

• You have a minimum of 10 years of direct media experience, with a proven track record of securing placements in major markets (think national publications and top-tier broadcast outlets)
• A strong "political antenna": High political acumen with experience navigating complex political landscapes
• Experience supporting C-Suite and/or other high-level public officials required
• Experience as a press secretary or communications director in the public sector preferred
• Experience working on a political campaign or for an elected official an asset
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong media relationships
• Words are your weapon: Your verbal, written, and persuasive communication skills are top-notch
• Exceptional storytelling skills with a knack for thinking outside the box
• Comfortable churning out high-quality press releases on short deadlines
• Ability to multi-task, meet critical deadlines, and navigate crises
• Familiarity with Cision, Meltwater or other media relations tools
• Ability to synthesize complex problems or issues and translate them into compelling narratives
• Pre-existing relationships with education, government and/or national media a plus
• Ownership mindset is required, must have the ability to stay on top of media markets, and own and build communications at BusPatrol
• Degree in Communications, Business, Journalism, Political Science or related field.

BusPatrol Value Proposition

WHO WE ARE

BusPatrol is a technology company with a public safety mission. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are strengthening trust, safety, and transparency across the student transportation space and making the trip to and from school safer for students.  As a leader in smart transportation, BusPatrol brings cutting-edge AI, machine learning and IoT safety tech solutions to school buses across North America. BusPatrol’s technology has been deployed onto more buses and has been used to issue more school bus stop arm citations than any other company in the world.

WHAT WE OFFER

BusPatrol employees get:

• A competitive salary and benefits package 
• Comprehensive personal time off, including volunteering and birthday days off
• An opportunity to help build a company dedicated to children’s safety 
• The chance to join an innovative and dedicated team, focused on leading edge technology 
• The occasion to participate in BusPatrol’s culture of safety, learning, and teamwork 

BusPatrol’s school bus safety programs are violator-funded, meaning that those who break the law pay for the technology that protects children. We build solid partnerships in the communities in which we operate which, coupled with our innovative business model, leads to sustainable efforts to change driver behaviors.

HOW WE WORK

On our mission to make the journey to and from school safer for children, the way we work together and with our partners is built on foundational cultural pillars.

• SAFETYSafety is our focus, for the children we protect and for each other. We follow the letter and spirit of occupational safety law, relentlessly employ safety best practices, and foster learning and development on our worksites. We are safe to be ourselves and to make mistakes, and we create safe environments for our teams.
• CONNECTIONWe build strong relationships and teams in support of our mission. We promote and provide opportunities for employees to grow together.
• EXCELLENCEWe commit to innovation and quality work in support of our mission and each other. The children we safeguard are at the forefront of our decisions and actions and we excel on their behalf.
• IMPACTWe measure success by fulfilling our mission and keeping the company strong. We invest our time and energy in the actions that deliver results for students and for their communities.

We are looking for a valued member of the BusPatrol team to assist us in our quest to improve children’s safety. This is an important role for us and a great opportunity for the right candidate. Our environment is inclusive, diverse, ignited, built on integrity, and deeply committed.

The US salary range for this position is provided in this posting. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your Talent Partner can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location and skill level during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, and/or commission (if applicable) or benefits. 

EOE/AA Disability-Veteran

Minimum US Base Salary

Maximum US Base Salary

Salary : $145,000 - $203,580