Director of Communications

The Director of Communications manages the school’s strategic and operational communications initiatives and reports to the Chief Advancement Officer.

Responsibilities:

• Advance the school’s mission, program, and goals through strategic communications.
• Coordinate all school communications and messaging, ensuring they reflect the principles and guidelines of the school’s marketing and communications plan.
• Oversee all internal and external communications, school publications, digital and print, from inception to delivery (this includes weekly, seasonal, ad hoc, speeches, and particular event messages)
• Collaborate regularly with the Chief Advancement Officer and other senior administrators to advise on strategic matters and to create and edit appropriate communications.
• Collaborate with the advancement team and a third-party marketing company to create and implement a strategic marketing plan.
• Write press releases, maintain relationships with local media, and pitch stories as needed.
• Provide oversight for consistent communications, messaging, and branding (aligned with the school’s style guide and visual identity policies) across all departments, divisions, and programs.
• Provide crisis communications support as needed, serve as the school’s spokesperson when appropriate, and maintain an effective crisis communications plan.
• Develop and execute the messaging of school activities and events.
• Work with the Parent Teacher Community Organization (PTCO) leadership to coordinate and deliver communications from the PTCO.
• Implement and continually improve the communications strategy and the accompanying policies, practices, and tactical plans.
• Understand key New Hope audiences (e.g., parents, prospective families, faculty and staff, alums, donors, etc.) and promote effective ongoing strategic communications with these groups.
• Regularly monitor readership and impact of communications channels, including but not limited to weekly e-newsletter, quarterly school magazine, school-wide letters, speeches, admissions materials, and development campaign content.
• Solicit input on significant initiatives, analyze and present data analytics, and adjust strategy to support communications plans.
• Collaborate with the CFOO and Chief Advancement Officer to develop and oversee the communications and marketing budgets.
• Lead the creation and editing of all internal and external publications (i.e., letters to parents, admissions, development, academic divisions and athletic materials, brochures, newsletters, annual reports, alum materials, publications, etc.)
• Manage the school’s presence on social media platforms, keeping content current, engaging, and reflective of the school’s identity.
• Oversee website content, ensuring it is up-to-date and user-friendly.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, journalism, advertising, or communications.
• Minimum five years of experience in marketing, journalism, advertising, communications, or a related field.
• Expertise in project management, marketing and communications strategy, analytics, brand development, and website development.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills and proficiency in communicating and engaging effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced organization with multiple stakeholders.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to rrainey@newhopememphis.org and complete the staff
application on the school’s website or click the following link: Staff Application