Director of Communication

Description:

Purpose: The Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD) seeks a highly relational and strategic Director of Communication to help shape, coordinate, and amplify the voice of our vibrant school community. In coordination with the Associate Head of School and the PIO/Director of Marketing, the Director leads the planning, development, and execution of comprehensive communication strategies that serve both internal and public-facing audiences. With a strong focus on internal engagement, disciplined project management, and brand adherence, the Director ensures that every message reflects ESD’s mission of igniting lives of purpose and strengthens the School’s reputation as a leading independent school.

Direct Report: Digital Content Specialist and Webmaster

Essential Functions:

Community Engagement & Strategic Partnership

• In partnership with the Associate Head of School, PIO/Director of Marketing, and key school areas, lead the development of messaging and comprehensive communication strategies that advance the School’s mission, institutional priorities and community engagement.
• Conduct market research and analyze findings to understand constituent trends, needs, and preferences; utilize insights to refine and develop targeted communication strategies.
• Serve as the primary communications liaison to the Divisions, Advancement, the Parents’ Association, and the Athletics Department.

Content Development, Editorial Leadership & Publication

• Lead the planning, writing, editing, proofreading, and distribution of community and school-wide communications, including the school’s annual marquee magazine, The Crest, and the annual report of giving.
• Partner with members of the Marketing & Communications Team to tell the ESD story through effective communication strategy and collaborative and creative content development.

Digital Strategy, Website & Vendor Management

• Exercise overall responsibility for the School’s website, including content oversight, sitemapping, user experience, and strategic alignment with institutional goals.
• Regularly review SEO performance and site analytics to inform digital content strategy and decision-making.
• Manage external suppliers, including website vendors, print production houses, and signage companies, ensuring high-quality output and adherence to timelines and brand standards.

Internal Communications Leadership

• Co-lead with the Associate Head of School a bi-monthly communications clearinghouse meeting to ensure coordination and collaboration of department representatives from all facets of school life; specifically focused on the weekly newsletter, Veracross composer emails, and all mailed correspondence from the school to our constituents.
• Prioritize communications for faculty, staff, and parents to strengthen engagement and community connection.,Ensure consistent messaging that promotes, affirms, and protects the ESD brand.

Team Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Provide direct oversight of the Digital Content Specialist and Webmaster.
• Perform other duties in support of the School’s communications and marketing efforts, as assigned by the AHOS

Abuse Risk Management Standards:

• Adheres to policies related to boundaries with students.
• Attends required abuse risk management training.
• Reports suspicious and inappropriate behaviors.
• Follows mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Working Environment:

• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, as well as driving between campuses.
• Generally 70% sitting, 10% walking and 20% standing
• Minimal temperature variations with some outdoor work required
• Generally hazard free environment.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Generous vacation and paid time off, and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and tuition assistance for qualified children.
• Access to campus facilities and events.
• Vibrant, diverse, and inclusive work environment.
• Complimentary chef-prepared lunch during the school year. Self-pay hot breakfast is also available

The Episcopal School of Dallas is a faith-centered, co-educational, college preparatory, independent day school with students age 3 – Grade 12. The policy of The Episcopal School of Dallas is to recruit, hire, train and promote employees without discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other status protected by law. In our recruitment practices, we strive to create a diverse school community whose members embrace the Mission and Vision Statement of the school.

• New to the area or interested in learning more about Dallas, TX? Please see the link: https://sayyestodallas.com/

Requirements:

• Experience: B.A. degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field, with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Editorial Mastery: Exceptional writing and editing skills with demonstrated expertise in AP Style.
• Digital Savvy: Deep understanding of digital communication trends, SEO, content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, research, and reporting.
• Organizational Agility: Ability to prioritize complex timelines in accordance with institutional goals while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to shifting needs.
• Collaborative Spirit: A team-player mentality is essential.
• Relationship Builder: Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of personnel, departments, and volunteers.