Director of Communications at Mount St. Joseph Academy High School

Director of Communications and Marketing

Founded in 1858, Mount Saint Joseph Academy (hereinafter called MSJA), is a Catholic college preparatory school for girls grades 9-12, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia. MSJA seeks a seasoned and strategic communications and marketing practitioner to develop and execute a communications strategy that serves as the foundation for best-in-class constituent relations on behalf of MSJA.

The Director of Communications and Marketing should have experience in integrated communications planning, traditional and digital advertising (print, broadcast, social media, paid search, etc.), collateral development/production, marketing research/data analytics, website administration/analytics, content development and public relations (media relations, crisis management and thought leadership).

Interested candidates should have a shared commitment to MSJA’s belief that “on the education of women largely depends the future of society” and MSJA’s mission to empower young women to be agents of unity and reconciliation in the world.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute an annual marketing communications strategy that serves to foster best-in-class relations with all MSJA’s key stakeholders – prospective students/parents, current students/parents, alumnae, faculty/staff/administration, alumnae parents, community, friends, donors, etc.
• Develop and execute master brand narrative and key messages for MSJA and ensure its inclusion in all internal and external communication.
• Collaborate actively with President, Principal, Chief Advancement Officer, Director of Enrollment, Athletic Director, Board Chair, and selected Board committees to effectively communicate with key constituencies.
• Execute focus group research and monitor independent school trends and implement key learnings into communications strategies.
• Manage and maintain the departmental budget.
• Oversee/manage all outward-facing school marketing and communications, including but not limited to: school website, school magazine, enrollment marketing collateral, donor collateral, alumnae communication (print and digital), parent communication, student communication and social media channels, to ensure integrity of message, compliance with communication protocol and inclusion of brand voice.
• Execute paid media strategy (print/broadcast advertising, paid Facebook/Instagram content/advertising, out of home advertising, etc.).
• Manage outside vendor partner relationships, such as printers, agencies, photographers, videographers, freelance consultants, etc.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to administration and lead efforts in developing key communications from school leadership.
• Update crisis communication protocol, serve as lead advisor on any necessary crisis communication needs and actively participate with the administration in the event of a crisis.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with press/media on behalf of MSJA.
• Direct and supervise a Communications and Media Manager.
• Encourage and review user-generated content from students, faculty, staff, alumnae and other key constituencies.
• Develop evaluation metrics/outcomes for communications and enrollment marketing and report on them quarterly.
• Other relevant responsibilities as determined by MSJA.
• This is a full-time, exempt position.
• The hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (nights, weekends, and special events as needed).          

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent writing skills, including first-person narrative, press releases, website copy, speeches/message points, crisis statements, social media, and newsletter content, etc.
• Excellent public speaking/interpersonal skills, especially for the purpose of being a school ambassador/spokesperson.
• Excellent project management, analytical, multi-tasking, and organizational skills.
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong knowledge of Google Analytics and Facebook Business Manager/Ads Manager.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to operate with excellence on a strategic and tactical level (macro/micro).
• Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond swiftly to emergency needs outside of traditional working hours.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and adept at quickly establishing rapport.
• Excellent leadership and personnel management skills.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, journalism, English, or related field.
• Master’s Degree in a related field is preferred.
• 7+ years of applicable experience, preferably in an educational setting.
• Non-profit experience preferred.
• Supervisory experience required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and computer/technology-use throughout the working period.
• Must be able to lift fifteen pounds as needed.