Director of Communications

The Director of Communications will create and execute effective marketing, communications and public relations strategies for MMFS across all channels, including traditional, digital and social media and will oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications and marketing functions, including budgeting and planning, and goal setting.

Responsibilities and Duties

Marketing/PR:

• Manage and disseminate consistent, creative collateral and marketing/communications materials, including, but not limited to:

  • The weekly & monthly MMFS e-newsletter

  • Bi-annual magazine and annual report

  • Admissions materials

  • Campaign materials

• Develop and manage a calendar of regular and requested updates to the MMFS website.

• Create and execute a social media strategy and calendar in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Communications.

• Manage the PR/Marketing Committee and its related activities to support the ongoing PR and Marketing efforts of MMFS directly.

• Collaborate with Director of Advancement on marketing efforts for the capital campaign. Produce/design case for support and supplemental materials as needed.

• Identify challenges and emerging issues facing MMFS. Work with leadership teams and staff to recognize external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.

Internal Communications:

• Development best practices to support and cultivate a compelling and authentic brand identity and ensure consistency of communications and branded materials.

• Support MMFS faculty, staff, and administration in their efforts to use best practices in all communications.

• Work with the Associate Head of School, and Parent Association, to maintain consistent and collaborative connections throughout the school.

Writing:

• Responsible for a variety of communications writing including newsletter and magazine articles, press releases, marketing materials, website content, solicitation and stewardship materials.

Development:

• Support fundraising efforts as needed, including annual appeal mailings and other initiatives.

• Manage the marketing, journal, signage, photography and A/V for the Gala, including the design and dissemination of the save-the-date, invitation and follow up emails.

• Design materials and attend cultivation events as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position manages the Assistant Director of Communications.

Physical Demands

This job operates in a clerical office setting and is mostly a sedentary role; however, inventory work, event prep, and some filing are required. This would require the ability to lift boxes, move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand, as well as for meetings and special events.

Travel

Travel between campuses is necessary on occasion and are within walking distance of each other. Meetings and events often take place in and around the NYC area. There may be occasional travel for professional learning conferences.

Application

We offer rewarding work experience at our Brooklyn, NY location. The school has an ongoing commitment to the principles and practices of diversity and inclusiveness throughout the community and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of the school's administration and faculty.

To apply online, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three professional references as a .pdf (preferable) or word document.  References should attest to the applicant's ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively both orally and in written form and to set and achieve goals. Our ideal candidate will be collaborative, flexible, diplomatic, confident, enthusiastic, patient and have a sense of fun. Please, direct inquiries about this position to hr@mmfsnyc.org.

You will receive an acknowledgment when we receive your résumé. If your background and experience are appropriate for the position, you will be contacted directly by a member of our staff. Visit our website for more information on our schools.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Employment at Mary McDowell Friends School is based solely on qualifications and competence for a particular position, without regard to race, color, ethnic origin, nationality, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, familial status, or any other category protected by the law.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required.

Must have at least 7+ experience in communications, marketing or public relations, preferably in education or a non-profit setting. Excellent writing, editing, interpersonal, and organizational skills are required, as well as attention to detail, creativity, vision, and humor.

Preferred Education & Experience

Master’s Degree, design experience a plus.