Director of Communication and Media Relations

Milton Academy, established in 1798, is an independent coeducational national boarding and day school, serving 1,000 students in grades K-12 on a 125-acre campus eight miles south of Boston.

The Communication Office seeks a director of communication and media relations to manage the development, implementation, and maintenance of communication plans and policies that reflect the mission of Milton Academy. This position will report to the chief communication officer and be responsible for various public relations and marketing activities in support of institutional priorities.

Key Functions and Responsibilities:

• Works closely with the chief communication officer to develop integrated communications plans that support the School mission and institutional and divisional priorities

• Partners with departments across the School to identify communication opportunities designed to inform and build relationships with key audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, prospective students, alumni, and the community

• Works with the chief communication officer to identify reputational risk and manage media response, as needed

• Builds and fosters relationships with media outlets; creates press releases as needed and communicates with media about opportunities for coverage

• Serves as a point person on crisis and emergency communications and works with campus partners to ensure proper messaging is delivered across all communication platforms

• Develops and executes on efforts that attract prospective families and engage current families and alumni while increasing the School’s visibility

• Creates communications to reach and influence the School’s target audiences

• Assists in producing content, including talking points, briefings, and copy and messages for various platforms

• Other duties as assigned

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree and have at least 7 years of experience in communications, demonstrating increased responsibility; experience with media relations and issues management; experience developing communication plans in support of institutional goals.

Other required experience and abilities include an understanding of strategic communications development and implementation within large organizations serving diverse populations. Ability to work independently and proactively as well as collaboratively with colleagues across departments. Ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with proven project management abilities. Excellent judgment and decision-making skills. Must understand issues of confidentiality. Receptive to supervision and professional development.

Preferred candidates will have experience in independent schools or higher education; experience working in a large organization with multiple constituencies and audiences; ability to work effectively with a diverse group of colleagues

Milton Academy welcomes candidates who would add to the racial, cultural and gender balance of the School community. Milton Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.