Director of Communications and Marketing

Job Title: Director of Communications and Marketing

Report to:  Head of School

Receive Guidance From: Head of School

Collaborate Closely With: Head of School, School Leadership Team                        

The Director of Communications and Marketing will develop and manage the school wide communications/marketing strategy in partnership with the Director of Development and the Director of Enrollment Management. This Director will be responsible for the development of key messages for the school and oversee their dissemination as a member of the School Leadership Team.

LEADERSHIP

• Lead all efforts to ensure brand consistency across the school
• Lead and manage the marketing/communications staff. 
• Develop key messages for multiple constituencies (admissions, publications, marketing  materials, academics, etc.). 
• Manage consistency and effectiveness of brand, messaging, etc. 
• Possess experience in marketing, communications, public and media relations, editing, and publishing. 
• Function as creative architect for marketing initiatives. 
• Develop and execute the strategic marketing and communications plan for the school. 
• Oversee production of all print and electronic communications (Compass, Navigator, Viewbook, etc.), and social media, working in partnership with the Admission and Development Offices to achieve their objectives
• Serve as primary media relations contact. Perform press training for admin team members. Cultivate relationships with writers, editors and other media personnel - both  electronic and print, local and beyond. 
• Serve as spokesperson for school when designated. 
• Oversee website, portal, and communication strategies (web, social media) 
• Serve as executive editor for publications and community communications - ensuring consistency across publications 
• Oversee coordination of graphic design, ads, photography, videography, writing, editing,  graphic identity, and speeches/remarks and website. 
• Conduct goal setting meetings and performance reviews with coaches and department staff in accordance with school policies.
• Maintain appropriate long-term records of evaluation-related conversations.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND INNOVATION

• Represent the school in regional and national professional associations, sharing with the school community information that can support the community’s growth in accordance with the school’s core values, mission, vision and strategic plan.

COLLABORATION and COMMUNICATION

Collaborating and communicating with fellow administrators, program leaders, faculty, parents, staff and students to create a shared sense of purpose, direction and vision for the school; maintaining a positive, supportive, optimistic atmosphere divisionally and school-wide

• Collaborate with the Head of Lower, Middle, and Upper School and the Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning to ensure that messaging around our academic program is clear and effective at helping families understand the school.
• Serve as a member of the School Leadership Team, contributing to school-wide strategic planning, vision and communication.
• Develop and maintain positive and mission-appropriate relationships with faculty, staff, students and parents; understand the needs of diverse groups within the school.
• Communicate with faculty, counselors, parents, staff and students, through emails, public speaking, private meetings and faculty meetings in a clear, timely and effective manner.

DEPARTMENTAL OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT

Managing all departmental operations

• Advise the Head of School on all issues related to the Communications and Marketing department.
• Develop and oversee the department’s budget, bearing primary responsibility for achieving the school’s financial goals within the department.
• Develop and maintain connections between divisions, departments, administrative groups and other areas of school life.
• Oversee conduct and accountability among department staff for standards set forth in the Employee Handbook.
• Supervise the department staff to ensure efficient and effective administration in the daily operation of the school.
• Oversee creation and management of a calendar for school communications..
• Perform other tasks as directed by the Head of School.

Qualifications

• Expecting five years of progressively increasing management responsibility
• Commitment to the core values and mission of University Liggett School
• Experience providing leadership guidance and training
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills
• Ability to plan, organize and manage a marketing/communications staff
• Strong computer skills 
• Desire and ability to use critical thinking skills and work independently
• Excellent analytical skills, as well as the ability to effectively multi-task
• Undergraduate degree

Screenings – TB assessment        Livescan Background Check

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional school environment. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time, twelve-month position.  Limited travel and occasional weekend and evening work will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

Liggett is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution.   It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity,

and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, misdemeanor arrest record, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by federal or Michigan law. 

This policy governs all aspects of employment at Liggett including hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, discipline, discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment. This policy applies to all conduct on school premises, during school-sponsored activities on or off campus, and in connection with all school-related duties or functions. This policy also applies to all conduct and communication by vendors or other third parties while on school premises or in connection with providing services to the school.

University Liggett School has engaged DovetailED to lead this search. Interested candidates should email a cover letter (addressed to Head of School, Tom Sheppard), a resume, and a list of at least three professional references consolidated as a single PDF document to Lynda Hamilton-Kirk at lynda@dovetailedsourcing.com. Please do not contact the school directly. 

University of Liggett School Director of Communications and Marketing opportunity statement: https://bit.ly/42Va7NF. 

About University Liggett School

The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 600 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passion and explore it in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing graduates to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning. The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. We challenge students to excel and to achieve their highest potential. We create opportunities for discovery and achievement by developing a faculty who foster the strengths o...f each student through the Curriculum for Understanding. We teach and practice the values of respect and responsibility in an emotionally and physically safe environment.

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