What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Communications position at The Awty International School?
Reports To: Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer
Status: Exempt
Type: In-person; This role will be expected to work in-person from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; additionally, this role will be required to attend occasional evening and weekend events.
About Awty
The Awty International School is Houston's premier international school, serving more than 1,800 students from PK3 to 12th grade. Our diverse student body hails from more than 50 countries, and about a third of our students hold citizenship from a nation other than the United States. We offer students a rigorous path to graduating with either the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or the French Baccalauréat (FB) Diploma, and Awty is the only school in Houston to be fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
At Awty, we believe students learn best and faculty perform best in a culture of vibrant diversity. Diversity is an essential quality of our school environment; our commitment to learning and the pursuit of excellence can occur only in such a context. It helps us guide our students to become responsible world citizens. Our commitment to learning about and respecting one another's diversity brings distinct richness to the Awty experience for students, alumni, employees, and parents.
In addition to a challenging curriculum, we emphasize social-emotional learning and character development, empowering students with resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills as they grow to become responsible world citizens. We have two adjacent campuses located in Houston featuring science and computer laboratories, music studios, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, dining halls, two playgrounds, learning gardens, and outdoor decks for class activities.
About The Role
The Director of Communications leads the overall strategy for all of Awty's marketing and internal and external communications. This position is responsible for managing the Communications team, which includes one direct report, and collaborating with stakeholders across the school to create compelling marketing materials that advance Awty's mission. The ideal candidate will bring an innovative mindset and digital fluency to modernize our communications approach and leverage data analytics to drive results.
Responsibilities
Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership
The Awty International School provides salaries commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent medical plans and other benefits, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSA), 403b plans, EAP, life insurance, long-term disability and additional voluntary benefit options.
To Apply
Submit your application through the school's website. All applicants should include a cover letter, current résumé and three professional references (including your most recent direct supervisor).
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Awty International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ethnic or religious beliefs, disability, or any basis protected by federal, state, or local law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, athletic programs, other school-administered programs, or in its employment practices.
Status: Exempt
Type: In-person; This role will be expected to work in-person from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; additionally, this role will be required to attend occasional evening and weekend events.
About Awty
The Awty International School is Houston's premier international school, serving more than 1,800 students from PK3 to 12th grade. Our diverse student body hails from more than 50 countries, and about a third of our students hold citizenship from a nation other than the United States. We offer students a rigorous path to graduating with either the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or the French Baccalauréat (FB) Diploma, and Awty is the only school in Houston to be fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
At Awty, we believe students learn best and faculty perform best in a culture of vibrant diversity. Diversity is an essential quality of our school environment; our commitment to learning and the pursuit of excellence can occur only in such a context. It helps us guide our students to become responsible world citizens. Our commitment to learning about and respecting one another's diversity brings distinct richness to the Awty experience for students, alumni, employees, and parents.
In addition to a challenging curriculum, we emphasize social-emotional learning and character development, empowering students with resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills as they grow to become responsible world citizens. We have two adjacent campuses located in Houston featuring science and computer laboratories, music studios, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, dining halls, two playgrounds, learning gardens, and outdoor decks for class activities.
About The Role
The Director of Communications leads the overall strategy for all of Awty's marketing and internal and external communications. This position is responsible for managing the Communications team, which includes one direct report, and collaborating with stakeholders across the school to create compelling marketing materials that advance Awty's mission. The ideal candidate will bring an innovative mindset and digital fluency to modernize our communications approach and leverage data analytics to drive results.
Responsibilities
Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the overall vision, goals, and strategy for Awty's marketing and communications efforts that:
- Elevate Awty's brand positioning as Houston's premier international school
- Strengthen enrollment pipelines through targeted marketing initiatives
- Articulate Awty's unique value proposition in a competitive educational landscape
- Build community engagement and school pride among current families, alumni, and stakeholders
- Support advancement and fundraising objectives through compelling storytelling
- Increase visibility and recognition of Awty's academic excellence and international character
- Ensure consistent and effective internal communications that keep faculty and staff informed and engaged
- Ensure consistent and effective external communications that enhance Awty's reputation and presence in the community and keep families informed and engaged
- Create and implement comprehensive strategies for:
- Social media content that showcases student achievements and school culture
- Data-driven marketing and advertising campaigns that target key demographics
- Impactful presentations and publications that communicate Awty's mission
- Strategic press releases and earned media coverage to enhance reputation
- Branded school swag that reinforces community identity and school pride
- Manage and steward the Awty brand and visual identity to ensure brand recognition and consistency across all communication channels and materials, including:
- Website
- Social media channels
- Written, visual, video, and audio assets, including printed and digital collateral
- Manage the Communications and Marketing budget and allocate financial and people resources effectively
- Stay up to date on Awty's programs, initiatives, and people in order to ensure departments who communicate with external stakeholders have accurate and updated information
- Research and analyze the independent school landscape in Houston and educational trends more broadly to inform overall strategy and best position the Awty brand
- Implement data-driven marketing strategies using analytics to measure effectiveness and optimize campaigns
- Drive digital innovation in communication through emerging technologies and platforms
- Write and/or approve critical external and internal communications
- Oversee the development and distribution of key communications, including Awty Notes, the annual report, marketing and admissions materials, and press releases
- Prepare and activate school emergency communication for all school closings and other important information
- Lead emergency crisis communications
- Lead school-wide communication initiatives
- Oversee website content strategy and management through Finalsite CMS
- Develop and execute digital communication plans aligned with the school's strategic goals
- Manage, coach, and develop direct reports
- Vet, hire, and manage external consultants and third-party vendors as needed
- Serve as the leader of the Communications team, working with members of the leadership team to ensure all Awty departments receive communication support
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the communications team
- Serve as the public information officer and primary spokesperson with media outlets
- Optimize communications with parents to foster a strong relationship and engagement
- Partner closely with a range of stakeholders across the school to ensure the school's website and social media accounts engage students, alumni, donors, and families
- Collaborate with the admissions and advancement teams to create compelling marketing materials
- Bachelor's degree required, preferably in a related field (e.g., journalism, communications, or marketing)
- 5 years of relevant experience leading communications, preferably in education
- Expert proficiency with:
- Finalsite CMS or equivalent content management systems
- Social media platforms and management tools
- Basic web editing platforms (e.g., WordPress)
- Digital analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media insights, etc.)
- Google Workspace Suite
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated track record of data-driven marketing and communications success
- Experience with AI tools for content creation, analytics, and campaign optimization
- Innovative mindset with the ability to identify and implement emerging marketing and communication trends
- Prior management experience preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong storytelling ability
- Able to work independently and proactively
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
- Existing relationships with members of the Houston media preferred
The Awty International School provides salaries commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent medical plans and other benefits, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSA), 403b plans, EAP, life insurance, long-term disability and additional voluntary benefit options.
To Apply
Submit your application through the school's website. All applicants should include a cover letter, current résumé and three professional references (including your most recent direct supervisor).
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Awty International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ethnic or religious beliefs, disability, or any basis protected by federal, state, or local law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, athletic programs, other school-administered programs, or in its employment practices.
