POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing leads all communication strategies and marketing initiatives in the School, working with various constituency groups and community members to provide strategic vision in these areas. The individual must be a strong communicator, have excellent written, presentation, oral communications and interpersonal skills.  The individual must possess strong leadership skills, be able to motivate and influence others. S/he must be able to think creatively and strategically, have excellent judgment and be able to work in a changing environment.

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to its success.  That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities.  Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified.  It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Works with all school constituency members including students, faculty, parent volunteers, and alumni.

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS

A major part of this position is articulating the narrative of our community. Using imagination, creativity and an exceptional command of language to weave together the stories of Heathwood Hall takes a particular gift. The School needs someone who can create with words, pictures, and ideas the rich life of our school in a way that engages alumni, parents, friends of the School, and potential families/supporters of the School. This is a high-profile position which requires a strong ability to enhance the relationships between the School and the multiple external constituencies that contribute to the School’s success.

This position has responsibilities for working with all members of the School and senior volunteers to develop and implement marketing and communications strategies and approaches. Strong leadership, appropriate procedures, correct information, foresight and diplomacy are essential skills. The candidate selected will understand the importance of communication strength and will uphold the standards of excellence required for success. 

Strategy Development and Oversight

• Provides strong, effective and highly-visible, strategic leadership in the School’s Marketing and Communications
• Develop and recommend an annual strategic plan for the Marketing and Communications department.
• The plan will set out objectives, plans, and specific activities to be pursued in each area of responsibility.
• This plan will be developed in the context of the School’s strategic and operating plans and will be directed at supporting the objectives established in those plans.

All-school Publications

• Annual School Magazine
• State of the School mailer

The Week Ahead and Newsletters 

• Create the All-School Shout Out section of the weekly newsletter
• Create and publish end-of-year newsletter of honor rolls and accolades

Website

• Maintain and update copy and photography on website

Ads and Media

• Create, schedule, purchase and budget for marketing ads

Photography and Video Production

• Curate, inventory, and manage photography and videos for the School in conjunction with the Visual Communications Director

Head of School Correspondence

• Provide writing and editing to support the Head of School’s office

Support Additional On-Campus Departments

• Offer support for Admissions, Development, Academic Divisions, and The Highlander Club (Athletic booster club)

Brand and Branded Materials

• Update style guide annually
• Review branded materials to ensure adherence to our brand standards

Press Releases and Media

• Write and submit press releases to local media when needed
• Serve as the School’s primary point of contact with the media—field questions, respond to requests for interviews, etc., be present with the media when they’re on campus and/or interviewing Heathwood employees

Event Promotion

• Promote events school-related events and opportunities

Budget

• Manage department budget, pay invoices, hire, pay, and manage freelancers

Proofreading

• Provide writing and editing support to anyone on campus as needed

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, social media, communications, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Individuals must possess a minimum of three years combined marketing and communications experience in an organization involving a significant number of people with diverse and varied interests and backgrounds.
• Experience must include strategic planning, communications planning and management, marketing and media relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills along with copy editing experience. Also required are marketing, advertising, and media experience, particularly in the area of social media.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing works throughout the year. Work is performed largely independently, in consultation with the Head of School and senior administration. Some evening commitments are required. Position to begin August 1, 2022.

Compensation for this position is dependent upon experience. 

Excellent communication skills - both oral and written - are a must.  This position will require a Criminal Background Check.