The Director of Marketing & Communications, working collaboratively with members of the Deans Council, reports directly to the Head of School to support the strategic communication efforts of the entire school, including the management, alignment and promotion of the LFA brand.  The Director is responsible for the development and execution of an overarching, strategic communications plan for Lake Forest Academy, including public relations, brand awareness, and traditional and new media.    

All candidates are expected to submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample through Lake Forest Academy’s online application: www.lfanet.org/about-us/employment. 

Responsibilities include:

Traditional /New Media Materials – working with Advancement and Admissions, provide creative and editorial content development, management, production, and distribution assistance for: 

1. The Review (school magazine published 2x/year)
2. Admission Viewbook and other admission materials/brochures (published annually) 
3. Fundraising marketing and engagement materials 
4. Special Event marketing materials (Alumni Weekend and Reunion, Parents Weekend, Gala, and other Alumni and/or Parent gatherings) 
5. College Counseling materials (School profile)
6. Other collateral publications as needed (e.g. Faculty Recruitment brochure)

Website and Social Media

1. Manage, develop, and edit LFA’s website content and SEO 
2. Coordinate all LFA social networking activity, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, SmugMug, YouTube, Vimeo, and Merit 
3. Work collaboratively with the Athletic department regarding news and announcements
4. Coordinate and publish a weekly Parent E-news; oversee general blast email communiqués 

Public Relations Program

1. Send regular press releases and story pitches in advance to media outlets covering all areas of LFA life, including arts, athletics, and academics
2. Check sources for stories related to LFA and maintain files of media coverage 
3. Manage crisis communications, both internally and externally, including drafting communiqués for the Head of School and being the spokesperson to the media
4. Assist with neighbor relations and campus master plan communications  

Advertising

1. 1. Develop and execute an advertising strategy to include print and digital platforms 
   2. Work collaboratively with Admission to create advertising materials

Photography & Video 

1. Oversee LFA photography and video, including managing freelance photographers, videographers, and LFA photographic archives
2. Take photographs at various school events including evenings and weekends 
3. Take photographs of school day collaborating with faculty
4. Oversee the selection of photographs and videos for various publications
5. Provide/share photo and video resources with the internal and external community

Budget and Department Management

1. Manage Communications budget
2. Manage members of the of Communications department

Educational & Experience Requirements:

1. A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university (Masters preferred)
2. At least 5 years experience in communications, marketing and/or public relations 
3. Strong writing, editing, speaking, technical, organizational, interpersonal, and creative skills
4. Can-do attitude and ability to work with competing needs within the school
5. Knowledge of independent, boarding, and college-preparatory school culture and values
6. Strong references that convey a track record of success in the communications field

Other required characteristics:

• Supports and acts in accordance with LFA’s mission and values
• Upholds LFA standards of professional courtesy, punctuality, discretion and confidentiality
• Demonstrates appropriate planning and preparation
• Supports departmental goals and colleagues
• Willingness to work on a team and a desire to become involved in the life of LFA