Director of Marketing, Communications and Advancement "3 years experience"

Director of Marketing, Communications and Advancement

For a small private Christian school, the director of Marketing, Communications, and Advancement is a strategic role focused on enrollment growth, community engagement, fundraising, and mission-aligned messaging. This person is often the public face of the school, responsible for unifying internal and external communications to build a strong, engaged community.

Key responsibilities

Marketing and enrollment management

• Create and execute a comprehensive marketing plan: Develop a strategy to attract prospective families and retain current ones, with a focus on digital marketing, community events, and targeted campaigns.
• Manage digital platforms: Oversee and manage the school's website, social media accounts, and digital advertising campaigns to ensure brand consistency and maximum reach.
• Admissions process: Work with the school director to manage all phases of admissions, from initial inquiry to enrollment. This includes organizing open houses, campus tours, follow-up, and retention of current families.
• Analyze enrollment data: Track and report on key metrics such as website traffic, tour attendance, and conversion rates to make data-driven decisions.
• Establish a unique value proposition: Clearly define and communicate what differentiates the school from other educational options in the community.

Communications and brand management

• Develop a communications strategy: Create a plan for consistent, timely, and compelling communications for all school stakeholders.
• Manage internal and external communications: Oversee the production of materials like the school newsletter, annual report, press releases, and marketing collateral.
• Promote the school's brand: Act as the primary enforcer of brand standards, reviewing and approving all official school communications.
• Build media and public relations: Serve as the main point of contact for media and build positive relationships with the local community, including churches and businesses.
• Focus on authentic storytelling: Use real-life stories and testimonials from students and families to powerfully communicate the school's mission.

Advancement and fundraising

• Oversee all development efforts: Direct and implement all fundraising initiatives, including the annual fund, major gifts, and special events.
• Engage the school community in fundraising: Work closely with parents, alumni, and other constituents to cultivate a culture of philanthropy and stewardship.
• Coordinate fundraising events: Manage a calendar of annual events, from major galas to smaller, school-wide fundraisers like fun runs or product sales.
• Manage donor and alumni relationships: Oversee the school's donor and alumni databases to support ongoing cultivation and recognition efforts.
• Seek grants and sponsorships: Research foundations and corporate opportunities for grants and sponsorships to support school programs.

Essential qualifications

• Faith-based alignment: Must be a practicing Christian who fully supports and can effectively articulate the school’s statement of faith and vision.
• Experience: Requires significant experience (often 3–5 years) in marketing, communications, or fundraising, preferably within an independent school or nonprofit setting.
• Education: A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as marketing, communications, or business management is generally required.
• Excellent communication skills: Must have strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with all school stakeholders, including parents, donors, and staff.
• Organizational and strategic skills: Needs to be a strategic thinker with proven project management and analytical abilities to drive enrollment and fundraising success.
• Proficiency with technology: Should be skilled in using digital tools such as social media platforms, website content management systems (CMS), and donor management software (CRM).

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• marketing, communications or fundraising: 3 years (Required)
• CRM: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Laguna Hills, CA 92653 (Required)

Work Location: In person