Director of Communications and Marketing is a 12-month, full-time, non-exempt administrative position in the Communications and Marketing Department. This person in this position is responsible for providing strategic and innovative leadership in all of the School’s communication and marketing efforts, including institutional branding, marketing, public relations, advertising, social media, promotion of school events, and print and online communications. The role is charged with implementing an integrated communications and marketing strategy that advances Berkshire School’s mission while meeting its strategic goals and objectives. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director of Communications and Marketing will serve as a member of the senior leadership team, the Admission and Marketing Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees, and the Crisis Management Committee; they will work in close collaboration with the Director of Advancement and the Director of Admission.
Job Functions/Major Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Head of School on strategic school messaging and initiatives directly supporting the School’s mission and goals
- Support Head of School by coordinating, developing, and editing Head of School communication to varied constituents
- Develop, implement, and measure the success of a school-wide comprehensive communications and marketing plan
- Forecast, manage, and meet the Communications and Marketing annual budget goal
- Maintain and update the School’s Design and Editorial Style Guide to be consistent with the School’s messaging and imagery across all platforms
- Supervise and manage the Communications and Marketing Department staff
- Oversee the development, production, and distribution of all print and online school publications including, but not limited to, the Berkshire Bulletin (alumni and parent magazine), Admission viewbook, newsletters, and the School’s website
- Work with the Admission Office to create and produce admission collateral that supports the School’s commitment to recruiting the most talented and diverse applicants globally
- Manage the Admission Advertising annual budget, select the advertising publications, and produce both print and digital ad campaigns
- Monitor the School’s online presence for all social media platforms and on external websites such as Boarding School Review, Petersons, TABS, NAIS, etc.
- Maintain strategic metrics to provide ongoing measurement and visual reporting of the department’s objectives to improve decision-making and communication prioritization
- Survey the current and emerging landscape of independent schools through data analysis, professional development, networking, and online resources in order to position Berkshire most competitively
- Manage the relationships, contracts and invoices with external vendors (i.e., graphic designers, freelance writers, printers, photographers, website host providers and other agencies)
- Works collectively with the department’s staff on campus photography and videography
Requirements/Qualifications
- B.A. degree required; a minimum of 5-7 years related experience in communications, marketing or public relations.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; exceptional editing skills essential.
- Knowledge and/or experience in Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud NetCommunity, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, and Finalsite software a plus
- Experience in all social media platforms
- Familiarity with independent school culture or work within an educational setting is preferred.
- Availability to work some evenings and weekends to support and/or cover campus events (i.e., Commencement, Reunion Weekend, artistic performances, athletic contests, etc.)
- Position requires the ability to manage several multifaceted projects simultaneously, attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to multitask and meet aggressive deadlines.
- Ideal candidate will be an analytical and creative thinker and a persuasive writer and storyteller, capable of synthesizing data into prose.
- Physical Demands
- Occasional lifting of any variety of items weighing up to 50 lbs, bending, and climbing stairs
- Frequently walking and standing around campus (both inside and outside)