Director of Communications

Director of Communications

Supervisor: Assistant Head of School, Finance & School Operations

Location: South Kent, Connecticut

Status: Full-Time

Mission: South Kent School prepares young men to succeed in college and thrive as thoughtful and engaged citizens in a rapidly changing and intensely competitive world.

South Kent School, established in 1923, is a college preparatory school for boys in grades 9 through 12, nestled in the hills of picturesque northwestern Connecticut. South Kent School’s academic, athletic, and community life programs align to develop thriving young men. Using our contemporary expertise in male adolescent education, we are constantly evolving and adapting our instruction to ensure we are providing students with the skills and character development they need to succeed in college and the world beyond.

Job Summary: The Director of Communications is responsible for providing strategic and innovative leadership in all the School’s communication and marketing efforts, including institutional branding, marketing, advertising, social media, promotion of school events, public relations, and print and online communications. The role is charged with implementing an integrated communications and marketing strategy that advances South Kent School’s Mission while meeting its strategic goals and objectives. 

Reporting directly to the Assistant Head of School and working in close collaboration with Advancement and Admissions, the Director of Communications will work to ensure that all constituencies – current and prospective students and their families, employees, alumni, trustees, the media, and the local and global communities – receive targeted, relevant, and consistent messaging across channels regarding South Kent School and its contributions. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and measure the success of a school-wide integrated marketing plan.
• Develop and distribute strategic school messaging and marketing initiatives that directly support the School’s Mission, Values, and goals.
• Oversee the development, production, and distribution of all print and online school publications including, but not limited to, The Pigtail Alumni e-newsletter, Hillside Happenings Parent e-newsletter, Admissions e-newsletter, Head of School blog, Alumni e-newsletter, Admissions viewbook, the Annual Report of Donors, Parents Association Book, the yearbook, and the school’s website.
• Monitor and manage the school’s online presence for all social media platforms and on external websites such as Private School Review, Niche, First Point, etc.
• Coordinate, prepare, and distribute community and emergency/ad hoc communications to all School constituents, including newsletters and letters from School leadership.
• Coordinate and manage content production with third-party agencies for cross-platform placement; this includes written copy, photography, video, design, etc.
• Work collectively with internal staff on campus photography, videography, and events.
• Work with the Advancement Office to oversee their communications calendar and collaborate on materials and solicitations for annual and capital fundraising and targeted messaging.
• Work with the Admissions Office to create and produce admissions collateral that supports the school’s commitment to recruiting talented, diverse applicants domestically and globally.
• Collaborate with additional offices/departments, faculty, and administrators to develop content, outreach strategies, and channels to underscore the merits of the school’s programs.
• Support the Head of School and other School leadership as a primary chief communicator and brand ambassador.
• Cultivate the School brand across platforms (including developing the visual identity).
• Analyze and maintain digital metrics to understand and target key audiences.
• Survey the current and emerging landscape of independent schools and educational trends through data analysis, professional development, networking, and online resources to help position and strengthen the South Kent School brand.
• Research new vendors/partners to collaborate with or tools to utilize for marketing and communications efforts.
• Counsel School leadership, staff, faculty, and communications consulting group in all matters of marketing/communications while acting as a brand advocate internally and externally.
• Supervise and manage direct report(s). Set clear direction and priorities, support their continual growth and success, and ensure their work reflects the goals and work of the department.
• Manage and meet the Communications annual budget goal.
• Manage the relationships, contracts, and invoices with external vendors (i.e., printers, photographers, videographers, consulting groups, website host providers, and other agencies).
• All other duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees, Head of School, and Administration.

Job Education and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree plus 7-10 years of marketing and communications or related experience; experience at an independent school or similar educational institution is preferred.
• Possesses excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to be analytical, creative, professional, and persuasive with a wide range of constituencies.
• Capable of editing and producing error-free copy for a variety of platforms with an institutional voice, often on a tight timeline.
• Strong management skills, both strategic and operational, and a demonstrated ability to manage projects, processes, and people.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and creatively with individuals and a team.
• Possesses skills to navigate various social media platforms, design software, and websites.
• Fluent in Adobe Creative Suite, Desktop Publishing, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office; experience with Canva, Mailchimp, and Blackbaud is a plus.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Highly organized with attention to detail.
• Possess a high degree of professional discretion, integrity, good judgment, and high standards of professional conduct.
• Available to work evenings and weekend special events as needed.
• Must be able to work under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Work experience must include the competencies, skills, and knowledge levels required and general education areas.
• Demonstrate support for South Kent’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Compensation

Compensation is competitive and includes meals when school is in session. Health and retirement benefits, including TIAA-CREF, are part of the compensation package. Funding exists to support advanced degree work and participation in professional growth opportunities such as conferences and workshops.

Interested candidates should submit a brief cover letter, resume, and list of references to South Kent School at employment@southkentschool.org.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts the School’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

South Kent School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for all employees.