Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

Laguna Blanca School is a college preparatory, coeducational day school located on two campuses in Santa Barbara, California. Grades EK-4 are located on a quaint campus in Montecito, while Grades 5-12 are located on Laguna’s historic campus in idyllic Hope Ranch. Laguna Blanca emphasizes its core values of scholarship, character, balance, and community in its programs.

Job Summary

Laguna Blanca School seeks a full-time Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, a strategic and creative professional who helps elevate the school’s visibility and strengthen its reputation through compelling, mission-driven storytelling. Reporting to the Director of Marketing & Communications, this individual collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders, including the advancement team, faculty, staff, and community partners, to craft compelling messaging, oversee digital and print communications, and support the school’s overall marketing and branding efforts.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communications to develop and implement marketing and communication strategies that align with the school’s mission, goals, and brand standards.
• Use data to guide marketing and communication decisions, monitoring analytics to measure reach and effectiveness, and refine strategies to enhance engagement and visibility across platforms.
• Serve as the school’s webmaster, managing the Laguna Blanca website and MyLaguna portals to ensure an engaging, intuitive, and mission-aligned digital experience.
• Take the lead in developing high-impact content across all communication channels, including social media, weekly e-communications, press releases, and marketing materials—while also serving as editor of the annual Laguna Blanca Magazine (summer).
• Partner proactively with departments across campus (Advancement—Admission/Development, Arts, Athletics, and more) to drive cohesive and compelling storytelling and consistent brand expression.
• Lead communications around key events, ensuring strong promotion, thoughtful coverage, and polished post-event storytelling.
• Support multimedia initiatives, assisting in the planning and execution of photo and video shoots that bring Laguna’s story to life.
• Assist in crisis communications, offering clear, steady, and solutions-oriented support when swift response is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; with strong preference for Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in media relations or marketing, preferably in a non-profit or educational setting.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Highly motivated team player who takes initiative and is well organized.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with meticulous attention to detail in both grammar and design.
• Strong photography and filming skills, with the ability to capture compelling visual content for social media and school publications.
• Publications experience a plus, including serving as editor for print or digital magazines.
• Experience with social media management, website content management systems (CMS), email marketing platforms, and SEO best practices to maximize reach and engagement.
• Familiarity with AI tools for appropriate content creation, research, or workflow enhancement, used responsibly to support communication goals.
• Knowledge of graphic design tools (Photoshop, Canva) and video editing is a plus.
• Embraces feedback and a growth-oriented mindset, with the ability to refine work based on collaboration and input.
• Strong and warm interpersonal skills with a customer-oriented approach.

Laguna seeks dedicated and mission-driven staff who:

• Demonstrate a passion for supporting an engaging, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.
• Contribute to a warm, collaborative, and professional workplace that upholds the school’s values and culture.
• Exhibit strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence in their role.
• Engage in innovative and strategic thinking to enhance school operations, programs, and initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, faculty, and leadership to support the school’s mission and goals.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, families, and staff as appropriate to their role.
• Is committed to the values and the ongoing work of inclusion and belonging. Encourages and maintains a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice, both in the classroom and in the school community.
• Participate as an ambassador of the school to build and support relationships with all key constituents. This support includes participating in a range of school functions including but not limited to admission, alumni, and family events.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Must be able to traverse school facility and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency
• Occasionally bend, stoop, squat and lift up to 40 lbs as part of job duties
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for school-related events or projects
• Have a current TB Assessment
• Must provide a clear fingerprint test and background check
• Have CPR and First Aid certifications or have the ability to become certified upon employment

Note: To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to meet the physical requirements and perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. In compliance with federal and state laws, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Please direct inquiries to Angela Jevons, ajevons@lagunablanca.org, 805-969-1085.

Compensation

Salary range $70,500 - $74,000 depending on experience and credentials. Benefits include medical, dental, vision and retirement.

Laguna Blanca School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any characteristic that is legally protected under applicable local, state, or federal law. This nondiscrimination policy includes but is not limited to admission, financial aid, educational programs, athletics, and employment.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to employment@lagunablanca.org, and complete the online application

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,500.00 - $74,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person