What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Communications position at American School for the Deaf?
THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSING DATE: UNTIL FILLED
REV: 12/18/2024
POST: 12/18/2024
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.
ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools. There is also much to do in West Hartford. There is a wide array of parks and recreation. There are pools and hiking trails. There are historic sites to visit as well. If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.
SCOPE OF DUTIES
ASD is at a pivotal moment. Over the past five years, we have experienced remarkable growth, now serving over 550 students worldwide. Building on this momentum, we have charted a bold vision for our future in our strategic plan—aiming to strengthen our impact as a leader in the field of Deaf Education and expand our global footprint. Core initiatives in the strategic plan include rapidly growing the presence of our Online Academy, building premiere facilities for our PACES Residential Treatment Program and Autism Expansion, and continuing to pilot innovative programming to serve as models for educators worldwide. To fuel this ambitious plan for our future, ASD leadership has partnered with external consultants and key institutional stakeholders to evaluate fundraising capacity and build a runway for growth. Over the next several years, ASD will continue to invest in the growth our regional and national network of donor support towards executing our most ambitious fundraising campaign to date and ensuring ASD’s mission and vision is furthered by philanthropy for generations to come.
Summary:
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Communications will be responsible for crafting and promoting ASD’s story while expanding the school’s impact locally, nationally, and globally. This key role will communicate with both internal and external audiences using a variety of platforms.
PRIMARY DUTIES
Leadership Responsibilities
- Serve as a key leader at ASD, partnering with Executive Leadership to ensure alignment in messaging that is consistent with the school’s branding.
- Seek to unify by identifying common objectives within ASD’s programs and bridging those objectives through communications.
- Work with Executive Leadership to deliver critical information internally to members of the ASD community, including staff and the Board of Directors.
- Manage and respond to external requests for information from various constituency groups and coordinate all media relations
- Extend the reach of ASD by placing stories and content in targeted media outlets that raise the school’s visibility and increase awareness about ASD and our programs.
- Staff the Institutional Advancement/Marketing Committee of the Board of Directors, providing meaningful engagement opportunities related to ASD’s communications and marketing initiatives.
Communications/Marketing
- Develop promotional materials for internal and external dissemination
- Write and produce print materials for the Executive Director, including speeches, reports, and presentations
- Provide support to the Executive Leadership Team regarding all aspects of legislative relations
- Manage marketing efforts to increase enrollment in targeted program areas
- Oversee ASD’s social media presence and develop content that promotes ASD’s mission, programs, and reputation
- Monitor website content to ensure accuracy and timeliness
- Develop school publications, including American ERA magazine/annual report
- Provide written support to ASD’s strategic planning and accreditation efforts
Community Engagement
- Develop and cultivate relationships with various community leaders and constituency groups
- Manage external special events, including legislative visits, press conferences, and campus tours
- Maintain positive relations with key constituents, including alumni, legislators, board members, and neighbors
Experience, Skills & Attributes:
- Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of senior communications experience preferred
- Demonstrated experience providing leadership and strategic direction for communications
- priorities
- Ability to write for diverse audiences using a variety of formats including web, email,
- print, news media, and social media
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work among a team while respecting opposing points
- of view
- Ability to utilize good judgement and tact
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks
- Excellent attention to detail, along with strong time management and organizational skills
- Practices discretion and maintains strict confidentiality
- Familiarity with the Deaf Culture is a strong asset, including knowledge of or willingness to learn some American Sign Language (ASL).
SALARY AND BENEFITS
- 12-Month position
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Retirement, group health insurance, and other fringe benefits are available
- $1,000 sign on bonus after one year of service
ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation for applying to this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.
The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).
All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.
