Good messaging without a team structure to carry it fades fast. We paired the story with a plan for the communications department so the work could keep going after we left.
Innovate Public Schools had just completed a theory of change process that repositioned the organization as a power-building organization centered on the voices of parents and families. A new theory of change only helps if people can say it the same way. Leadership wanted a pitch for external audiences and a clearer communications function inside the organization, and it wanted both built around the new direction.
The organization had new mission, vision, and belief statements, but no single set of words or presentation staff and leaders could use to explain the work to funders and partners.
Staff survey results showed that many people were unsure who to go to for communications help, what their own role was, and where to find the team’s tools.
The communications function was in demand across storytelling, impact reporting, and events, but it needed priorities, a structure, and a calendar to match the new strategy.
Surveyed Innovate staff on who they turned to for communications support, how well current tools worked, and where they wanted more help, then shared group-level results with Innovate’s communications leads.
Worked with Innovate’s communications leads in a running series of working meetings to draft and revise a theory of change pitch deck, presentation talking points, a one-page overview, and a messaging North Star document, reviewing the messaging with Innovate’s CEO along the way.
Paired the messaging work with recommendations for the communications department, including goals, a team structure, standard workflows, and a plan and calendar that built in the survey feedback.
A new theory of change needs a story people can tell. Innovate gained a shared set of messages, a pitch ready to present, and a clear plan for the team that carries them.
Stronger Consulting partners with mission-driven organizations to turn complex challenges into clear, practical action, from strategy through implementation.
