Director of Marketing and Communications

Director of Marketing & Communications

Position Summary

The Director of Marketing & Communications plans, develops, and implements all of the school’s branding, marketing communications, and public relations activities, both external and internal, to support the school’s enrollment, fundraising, strategic plan, and image goals. The individual in this position works in a manner that advances and upholds the mission and philosophy of Winchester Thurston School.

The Director of Marketing & Communications performs under the general direction of the Head of School and under the daily supervision of the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. As a member of the senior leadership team, the individual in this position works closely with the Head of School and Head’s Council in overseeing the evolution of the WT brand, and in advising and carrying out marketing communications strategies.

The Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for overseeing the Communications Office. The individual in this position must have a high degree of professionalism and be able to maintain confidentiality, meet multiple deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment. In particular, the Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for the following:

Marketing Strategy:

• Develops and drives WT’s overall marketing and communications plan, translating institutional goals into marketing and communications strategies, overseeing the conceptual development of creative messages and campaigns, and applying data to assess the effectiveness of marketing communications activities
• Works closely with the Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, Digital Communications Specialist, Advancement and Admission Offices, Academics Department, and administrators, staff, and faculty throughout the school to direct, design, and develop integrated marketing plans and campaigns
• Ensures brand standards are consistently applied
• Performs other duties as assigned

Marketing Communications and Public Relations:

• Develops and implements cohesive, compelling, consistent messaging
• Supervises the Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications and the Digital Communications Specialist in their work related to web, email, and social media content and strategy to ensure WT’s web presence (main site, micro sites, podcasts, blogs, and portals) is in alignment with overall marketing and brand strategy
• Works closely with the Head of School on crisis communications and/or other urgent communication needs
• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, develops and maintains responsibility for vendor, advertising, and media relationships; oversees contract designers, writers, printers, developers, and others
• Provides oversight of all direct mail, advertising, and other outbound promotional initiatives across the school, and ensures integration with e-mail campaigns and social media
• Develops and negotiates advertising packages
• Oversees the implementation of a proactive media relations strategy; serves as the school’s media spokesperson
• Serves as strategist, editor, and reviewer to key administrators in their communications
• Serves as editor of school’s magazine, “Thistletalk”
• Serves as the communication liaison on the Safety Committee
• Serves as the writer and producer for the HeadSpace Podcast
• Develops and oversees the budget for Marketing Communications and ensures the return on investment
• Performs other duties as assigned

Market Trend Analysis/Competitive Analysis:

• Oversees and conducts research to understand constituency perceptions and needs, and integrates findings into strategy
• Looks proactively at new and unique ways to market and establish a strong presence in the marketplace
• Researches and implements new technology solutions to help keep WT at the forefront of marketing and communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in Marketing and/or Communications or a related field is preferred. Seven to ten years of work experience in a progressively responsible, management-level marketing and communications role is required. Experience in an independent school or non-profit setting is preferred, but not required.

Expertise in marketing and communications should include:

• Knowledge of marketing and branding best practices, promotional marketing tactics, messaging programs, web design, print production, graphic design, photography/videography
• Experience managing ad placement and sponsorships
• Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications
• Experience managing marketing service vendors
• Experience in digital marketing and SEO optimization
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing marketing communications strategies that meet stated goals
• Success managing needs of several clients/departments at once with ongoing varying deadlines and priorities
• Experience in preparing and implementing complex budgets
• Familiarity with survey and ROI tools and their applications

Strong creative, strategic and interpersonal skills are required. Must have the ability to build strong relationships and have a commitment to working with shared leadership in cross-functional teams. Demonstrated ability to identify and develop talent, lead, manage, and motivate people is required.

Proven writing, editing and oral communication skills are necessary. Exceptional project management, organizational, and analytic skills are required as well as the ability to be a resourceful and innovative problem-solver. Proficiency in various software programs, including word processing, design and photo software, and project management tools is required.

Supervisory Responsibility

The Director of Marketing & Communications oversees the Communications Office, which includes the Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications and the Digital Communications Specialist.

Organizational Chart

Head of School; Executive Director of Institutional Advancement; Director of Marketing & Communications

Position Information

Job Classification Administrator, Exempt, Salaried
FT/PT Status Regular Full-Time
Work Schedule Normally Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Department Communications

Equal Opportunity Statement

Winchester Thurston School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. WT is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ candidates, and women.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Marketing & Communications: 7 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person