Director of Communications - Breck School

Job Description
Breck School

Title: Director of Communications
Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer
Hours: Full-time, M-F, 8-4:30, some night and weekend work
Effective Date: January 1, 2025

About Breck

Breck School is a preschool through twelve, college preparatory, Episcopal day school located in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Breck enjoys a national reputation for excellence and achievement in academics, athletics, and the arts. Our School’s Episcopal roots are lived through the unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion where we respect the dignity of every human being and a firm belief in our responsibility to serve. We are a close and caring community that focuses on lifelong learning and a commitment to the greater good.

Across the school and across constituencies there is collective focus on care for each individual student in service of excellence. A community of high achieving and motivated students and faculty, staff, and administrators focused on intellectual inquiry, engagement, and bridging research to practice, Breck is committed to offering an exceptional school experience. Upon graduation, Breck students are prepared to lead lives of intellectual curiosity, self-knowledge, and social responsibility and matriculate to colleges and universities throughout the world.

About the Role

An independent school community is comprised of many constituencies, each with its own needs, messages, and priorities. It is the responsibility of the Director of Communications to assure that each constituency has the information necessary to keep it informed, engaged and supportive. The job itself is also multifaceted, with duties that range from day-to-day messages to long-term strategic thinking and everything in between. Fundamentally, a successful Director of Communications will be passionate about education, will believe fervently in Breck’s mission and core values, will enjoy a fast-paced work environment, and will inherently understand the critical importance of accurate, thoughtful, and timely communications. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director will guide all internal and external communications, brand management, publications, and marketing efforts. This role will supervise a staff of team members including a creative strategist, content strategist, graphic designer, and communications coordinator and will coordinate marketing and communications efforts in partnership with the Director of Admissions school-wide.

Breck School seeks a driven, thoughtful, and creative individual to direct the Communications Department. The Director is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive and dynamic communications strategy aligned with the school’s mission and values and delivering on it through internal and external communications.

The Director serves as the creative architect for all internal and external marketing and communication initiatives. On any given day, the Director must both strategically and tactically support communications with constituencies including prospective families, current families, prospective faculty and staff, current faculty and staff, alumni, donors, media, the school’s neighbors and more. This role is not only an opportunity to craft messages, but is committed to identifying meaningful opportunities for the future success of Breck, its students, and its community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Communications and Brand Management

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that reflects Breck’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

• Ensure consistent brand messaging and cohesive visual identity across all communication channels, including print, digital, and social media.

• Collaborate with the Head of School and senior leaders on key message development, speech writing, and public statements.

• Work in partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer in managing crisis communications and serve as the school’s primary media contact.

Content Creation and Distribution

• Oversee the production of school-wide publications, including the Today at Breck magazine, newsletters, admissions viewbook, event programs, and annual reports.

• Direct the school’s digital presence, including managing content for the website and coordinating social media efforts (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn).

• Produce engaging multimedia content, including photography and videography that showcases Breck’s unique educational experiences and in support of Admissions and Advancement campaigns.

Marketing and Admissions Support

• Partner with the Admissions Office to create and implement targeted marketing campaigns to attract and retain families.

• Analyze admissions trends and competitor marketing efforts, using data to adjust strategies and drive enrollment.

• Lead the management and lead generation process via the breckschool.org website platform (Finalsite).

• Collaborate with school leaders on recruitment efforts for faculty and staff.

Advancement and Alumni Relations

• Support the Advancement team’s fundraising efforts by developing communication strategies that engage alumni, donors, and community stakeholders.

• Provide marketing and communication materials to enhance donor engagement and stewardship.

Team Leadership and Project Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Communications and Marketing team, including direct reports such as the Communications Coordinator, Creative Strategist, Content Strategist, and Graphic Designer.

• Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability for team members, offering professional development opportunities as needed.

• Oversee the department’s budget, monitor expenditures, manage projects and assess the effectiveness of marketing and communication initiatives.

• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• At least seven years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, ideally within an educational or nonprofit setting.

• Strong strategic and creative skills with demonstrated success in brand management, marketing, and content creation.

• Proven experience in leading a communications team, managing multiple projects, and achieving measurable results.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect effectively with diverse constituencies.

• Commitment to Breck’s mission and values, including fostering an inclusive and collaborative school environment.

• High level of discretion and sensitivity to confidential information.

Competencies

• A commitment to the mission of Breck School

• A strong acumen for visual design, imagery, typography, brand, and color

• Self-starter with the ability to think strategically

• Flexible, creative, and highly organized

• Proven ability to manage a variety of projects with competing priorities

• Perform under and meet deadlines

• Attention to detail

• Adept at working in and across team environments

• Complete discretion with confidential information

• An avid and passionate storyteller with excellent communication skills

• Knowledge and passion for the field of education, particularly P-12 environments

To apply: submit letter of interest, a current resume and two letters of reference to: employment@breckschool.org