Communications Manager

The successful candidate will have a proven record in communications work, ideally in an independent school or non-profit, and need to possess strong problem-solving skills, work ethic, organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to set and meet priorities, ability to work independently, and ability to work with others. Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. including a one-hour lunch. Vacation days are approved by the Advancement Director and coordinated with other members of the Advancement Office.

The Communications Manager answers to and works closely with the Director of Advancement, and also works closely with the Head of School, Administrative/Leadership Team, and Advancement Team to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to convey the value of Burgundy to the school’s various constituencies, both internal and external. The Manager writes, edits, produces, and distributes the school's publications; oversees the school's website for content and style and coordinates writing and placement of information on the site; serves as liaison with media; develops and monitors social media messaging and presence; researches, prepares and distributes promotion and publicity; and assists with assigned special events. The Communications Manager is a team player who understands the role that strong publications and communications play in enhancing public perception of the school and in fundraising purposes.

Communications includes communications developed internally, such as a weekly electronic newsletter (Constant Comment), as well as a paradigm of less frequent and externally produced communications, including the Voices magazine, and, of course, social media and internal and less and more formal marketing, which includes a year-round program of advertising in various print and electronic media.

 Expectations: 

• Help support the mission of the school and foster an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and safety in every endeavor.

• Communicate positively and in an open manner, both in writing and in speaking, to the Burgundy Community.

• Contribute positively to the professional, mission-focused ‘sense of community’ with all school constituents.

• Maintain privacy as appropriate and maintain strictest confidentiality on all matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Work closely with the Director of Advancement and the Advancement Team to develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan and a marketing plan, conveying key messages to internal and external audiences, including paid advertising as well as other communications vehicles.

• Research, write, and produce the major publications at Burgundy, including weekly newsletters, parent handbook/student directory and magazine, and other print or electronic communications.

• Oversee the school website for content and style and coordinate writing and placement of information on the site; update daily; keep the site fresh and appealing for marketing, fundraising, and informational purposes.

• Liaison with media; research, prepare and distribute promotion and publicity; cover assigned special events, ensuring press releases are put out before and after important events.

• Assist members of all departments with creating, designing, and editing publications as needed and as time permits.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

• Should have 2 to 5 years experience in related field, preferably in an independent school environment

• Strong interpersonal skills - exceptional oral and written communication skills

• Excellent writing, editing, and speaking skills.

• Experience creating or administering strategic communications plans and/or media plans, preferably for schools or non-profits.

• Understanding of marketing principles.

• Knowledge of basic graphic design principles and practices, including experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat) and/or web publishing software (Dreamweaver) and media such as ConstantContact.

• Self-starter with a high degree of motivation and keen attention to detail.

• High degree of professionalism with sound judgment and excellent interpersonal skills. Teamwork. -Flexibility to cover events.

• Ability, or willingness to learn, to use digital camera. [Take photographs for publications and website; maintain a photo archives.]