Communications Associate

Often referred to as the “hidden gem” in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area’s educational landscape, St. Patrick’s has achieved greater precision and thoughtfully integrated mission-driven language in publications, communications, and website and social media content. We seek a Communications Associate who will embrace the opportunity to execute on that strategic communications vision for the school while coordinating the day-to-day elements of our communications plan, both internally and externally.

The Communications Associate will report to the Assistant Head of School while collaborating closely with the Assistant Head of School for Development and the Director of Admission and Financial Aid in order to create and implement communications that are consistent with our Mission Statement and responsive to the needs of the Day School and to a range of audiences. The Communications Associate also meets regularly with the Head of School and the Assistant Head of School to establish communication priorities, strategy, and tactics. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Communications Associate is one of the chief storytellers at St. Patrick’s. S/he shares responsibility for the distribution of—and, in many cases, the creation of—content that is delivered to all of our constituents, both internally and externally. As such, the Communications Associate is also one of the primary writers, designers, and organizers of Day School publications. S/he spends time writing and editing content for our website, working on our magazine (The St. Patrick's Press), organizing and publishing our weekly newsletter (HoundsTruth), and supporting the creation of other publications. S/he will have experience and skill working with InDesign, taking Photos, working in Photoshop, shooting video, and managing social media.

In collaboration with the Assistant Heads of School (Academic; Development; and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and the Director of Admission and Financial Aid, s/he implements the Day School’s public relations and digital marketing, with specific activities to include:

• Shaping and maintaining the strategic and creative direction of the Day School’s outward- facing communications to include the website, social media, advertising and marketing, and media placement;

• Updating the website on a regular basis and delegating responsibility to select others in order to keep website content current;

• Developing and managing an integrated public presence and brand identity on social media platforms with an emphasis on keeping content fresh; and

• Continuing to increase St. Patrick’s online presence and digital marketing in a way that reflects the habits of use of a range of audiences.

Strategy

The Communications Associate is responsible for collaborating with the Head of School, the Assistant Heads of School, and the Director of Admission and Financial Aid to develop comprehensive strategies for:

• Promoting and protecting brand identity;

• Supporting internal communications with current parents;

• Supporting enrollment and retention of students through internal and external marketing;

• Supporting annual and capital fundraising efforts;

• Engaging all constituencies including grandparents, alumni, and alumni families;

• Collaborating to create a comprehensive communication calendar to ensure coordinated, strategic, and timely distribution of information to parents; and

• Researching, writing, and editing a wide variety of content, including informational communications, web stories, feature stories, news stories, biographical sketches, speeches, talking points, and press releases. 

OTHER PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

The Communications Associate fulfills important duties as part of his/her position. These duties include, but are not limited to:

• Completing other duties and tasks as assigned by the Head of School,

• Assuming responsibility for his/her professional growth in a manner consistent with the criteria listed in the St. Patrick’s Faculty Handbook, and

• Becoming familiar with and observing the policies and procedures set forth in the Faculty Handbook, including requirements for participation in community events.

REQUIREMENTS 

A successful candidate for the position of Communications Associate will demonstrate:

• Attainment of a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field;

• Strong knowledge of how schools, independent or public, work, preferably with experience in the field of communication;

• The desire to learn the details and benefits of St. Patrick’s educational program and convey them to current and prospective families with skill and enthusiasm;

• The ability to express him/herself effectively both verbally and in writing;

• The ability to attend to St. Patrick’s style as well as to established conventions of written language and to proof material from a variety of sources for consistency with that style and those conventions;

• Creative and artistic vision and direction;

• Strong technology skills;

• Experience in desktop publishing design and management of design production;

• Experience with photography, videography, website content management and design, and social media marketing;

• Strong organizational skills and success as a confident problem-solver;

• A proven track record as an independent and goal-oriented professional with a dedication to meeting deadlines; 

• The ability and willingness to work a flexible full-time schedule, including some evenings and weekends; and

• Successful completion of the required background check.

CONTACT 

Candidates for the position of Communications Associate should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of names, emails, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references to Daniel P. Spector, Assistant Head of School/Head of Upper School, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School, 4700 Whitehaven Parkway, NW, Washington, D.C., 20007, or via email at spectord@stpatsdc.org.