Marketing Communications Specialist

ABOUT STERNE SCHOOL

Sterne School provides full-day instruction to lower, middle, and high school students. The school’s mission is to build on the foundation of individual strengths to discover and nurture each student’s version of greatness. In a warm respectful atmosphere, our students become confident, responsible students. The school is certified by the California State Department of Education and accredited by both the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC). Sterne School is an equal opportunity employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a full-time, on-site position. The Marketing & Communications (MarComm) Specialist reports to the Director of Advancement, Marketing, and Communications (AMC).

The MarComm Specialist provides vital support in all of Sterne’s marketing and communications efforts so that the school can maintain appropriate, consistent, and on-brand communications that reach a diverse group of audiences. The MarComm Specialist is tasked with the critical role of planning and managing the school’s annual communications calendar, as well as being a primary collaborator in developing fundraising and marketing materials that align with the school’s strategic goals. Additional responsibilities include updating and maintaining the Sterne website and blog; curating and publishing the bi-weekly e-newsletter; maintaining Sterne’s social media presence; and supporting the Advancement Office in the planning and coordination of community events.

Impeccable creative, organizational, and writing skills are essential for this position. The MarComm Specialist will be a de facto voice of the school who can compose appropriate messaging that will reach Sterne students, families, staff, and alumni, as well as prospective families and the public at large. Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills are also a must for this position, as they will work directly with the Advancement and Admissions offices, as well as with various school administrators, faculty, and staff.

START DATE: JULY 2026

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Communications

• Curate, copyedit, and layout The Splash, the bi-weekly e-newsletter distributed to all Sterne families and staff
• Maintain Currents, the Sterne blog, regularly updating with new content on a weekly basis (assigning, editing and/or writing posts)
• Maintain Sterne’s website (Finalsite): Larger scale design work over summer with as-needed content updates throughout the school year. Partner with Director of AMC to strategize and implement web enhancements, and help keep site current and a best-in-class experience for users
• Maintain Sterne’s online portals for students, parents, and staff (Blackbaud) to ensure accurate information is posted in a timely manner, and appropriate forms/documents are linked
• Craft pushpage emails and RSVP forms for school events (e.g., Sterne Salons, Coffee Socials, afterschool dances, school trips, etc.)
• Design and create materials for Sterne community events such as programs for student concerts and plays, name tags for socials, signage for events like the Back to School Picnic, Open Houses, and similar events
• Work with Front Office Administrators to ensure weekly Monday Memo emails to Sterne families are updated and accurate
• Manage Sterne’s video and photo libraries
• Oversee established brand identity and guidelines and help ensure consistency schoolwide in the adoption of and adherence to Sterne’s brand

Marketing

• Partner with Directors of Admissions and AMC to strategize, design, and publish essential print and virtual admissions assets, including: brochures, handouts, email communications, and email/text "drip" campaigns
• Work closely with Directors of Admissions and AMC to design marketing materials that support Admissions goals, including print and online advertising, as well as social media outreach and campaigns
• Manage Sterne merchandise and promotional items, including the online Sterne Store, plus branded swag for new family care packages, back to school, and special events
• Create and manage content for Sterne’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn

Advancement Office Support

• Provide support for the Director of AMC in implementing the school’s Annual Fund, including the design and content of solicitation mailings, emails, text messages, as well as support in coordinating campaign events such as Pledge Week, phone-a-thon, text-a-thon, etc.
• Take the lead in creating and designing materials for the annual spring gala, including invitations, promotional materials, programs, signage, name tags, etc.
• Attend annual Advancement events and assist event leads/chairs with coordination and MarComm support as needed. Examples of these events at Sterne include:
• Back to School Picnic
• Back to School Night
• Fall Donor Recognition
• Annual Spring Gala
• Grandparents/Special Friends Event
• Spring Donor Recognition
• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement, Sterne Board members, and outside consultants to support Sterne’s 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign (materials, messaging, and outreach)

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

• Interact and maintain professionalism with students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff via email and in person
• Work with Sterne Administrative staff and Board Members on any high-level special projects that require specialized attention
• Maintain confidentiality and respect for privacy regarding donor, admissions, and family contact data
• Be an active, visible part of the Sterne School community by attending community events such as student concerts, film festivals, drama performances, athletic events, etc.
• Additional responsibilities/duties as they relate to the position and the Advancement, Marketing, and Communications Departments

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or public relations, or equivalent experience in lieu of education
• At least three years experience working in communications, marketing, journalism or public relations role
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt content for various school audiences, media, and the public
• Strategic communications expertise, including brand management, messaging, and integrated communications planning
• Solid project management and analytical skills
• Attention to detail, highly organized with creative instincts and an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of digital communications channels, including websites, email, and social media platforms
• Ability to work creatively, think strategically, and analyze marketing effectiveness
• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive) and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X/Twitter)
• Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven communications

PREFERRED SKILLS INCLUDE

• Web design experience (Finalsite preferred, or similar site design platform)
• Graphic design experience (Adobe inDesign and/or Illustrator preferred)
• Experience using Blackbaud & Raiser’s Edge
• Work experience in a nonprofit or educational setting, particularly independent schools

COMPENSATION

• $76,000.00–$86,000.00 per year, commensurate with experience

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $86,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person