Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications

Position Summary

he Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications is a dynamic and innovative leader who plays a pivotal role in shaping and augmenting the brand image and reputation to firmly position New England Innovation Academy (NEIA) as a premier school that delivers innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual competencies. Known for impeccable writing, editing, and narrative skills, this person is regarded as the school’s chief storyteller and brand ambassador. The Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications plays an active and visible role in day-to-day school and community life. They are responsible for running a fast-paced leading edge strategic communications and marketing program that rapidly expands awareness and visibility for the school. The Director of Marketing and Communications is the media contact for all constituents and external media and will be the keeper of the school brand.

The Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications is a team player whose working style models the school’s ethos of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. They will collaborate regularly and closely with the school leadership, teachers, staff, and students, to showcase and disseminate the school’s institutional story and success and help achieve the school's enrollment and programming goals. This Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications is a member of the leadership team and will report to the Head of School.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Communications

• Execute and enhance a comprehensive communications plan and content strategy that effectively conveys NEIA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Produce first-rate high-profile enrollment and editorial materials such as admission print viewbooks, digital and/or print magazines, and the school website, microsites, and third party website profiles.
• Ensure consistent and clear messaging is delivered appropriately across all print and digital communication and marketing materials and channels for both internal and external audiences.
• Develop compelling on-brand high quality multimedia content for various channels, including digital, social media, email, press releases, and print materials internally and with media agencies.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans and strategies in partnership with the Head of School.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Secure media coverage and manage PR efforts to enhance the NEIA’s visibility.
  
  

Marketing

• Implement a cohesive marketing strategy that aligns with the NEIA’s emerging goals for growth and expansion.
• Drive brand awareness and increase enrollment and retention through coordinated digital and print marketing, advertising, and word of mouth campaigns.
• Direct marketing tools and technology such as SEO, SEM, social media advertising, geotagging, and email marketing.
• Manage the spend and provide quantifiable adjustments and determine ROI and cost per conversion (CPC) across all channels.
• Monitor market trends and analyze digital performance metrics to optimize campaigns.
• Monitor market trends and competitor school's activity to inform strategy and position NEIA as an innovative leader in education.
  
  

Brand Management

• Steward the school mission, vision, and values and brand with authenticity and depth.
• Safeguard and promote the organization's brand identity, ensuring consistency in messaging, design, and visual standards.
• Develop and enforce brand guidelines.
  
  

School Engagement

• Implement an interconnected engagement strategy that brings together NEIA affiliates and community members.
• Foster positive relationships with NEIA community members and key stakeholders for all school events and functions.
  
  

Budget Management

• Lead and manage a marketing, branding and communications team.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to all NEIA staff to achieve timely and effective communications, marketing, and engagement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support organizational objectives.
• Manage the marketing and communications budget, allocating resources effectively to maximize value and ROI.
• Manage freelance contractors and professional relationships.
  
  

Qualifications

• Exceptional written and verbal communication and storytelling skills.
• Experience with multimedia content and video production, a plus.
• Strong, professional leadership and project management capabilities.
• Proven track record of building and improving marketing and communication programs and successfully executing its strategic plans.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a setting that’s fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and entrepreneurial spirit who is excited to engage in an exciting, developing, and changing environment.
• Proficiency in digital marketing, communications, social media and analytics tools and platforms (ie. CRM, SEO, SEM, CMS, and Wordpress, MailChimp, Finalsite, and other websites and social media channels).
• Passion for staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies and capabilities.
• Have a strong eye for design and detail.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5-8 years of progressive experience in marketing and communications.
• At least 3 years of management experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Suite of Products, Google Workplace tools, Adobe Creative Cloud, and WordPress.
• International marketing experience is desired.
• Proficiency in Mandarin, a plus.