Director of Strategic Communications

General

Summary:

This role exists to support and implement the Mission of Notre Dame Preparatory High School. The Communications Director is responsible for leading all facets of communications, public relations, and publications. This position reports directly to the Principal.

Major Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Leadership Team members, sets broad organizational goals and objectives in keeping with the Mission and values of Notre Dame Preparatory High School.
• Works with NDP community on creation of articles, provide content, graphic support, and editorial review.
• Collaborates with all members of the Advancement team on all Advancement communications, including annual fund appeals, alumnae communications, fundraising events, and follow-up letters.
• Prepares other solicitation, publications, and marketing materials as needed.
• Oversight of school-wide marketing and PR plan, focusing on revenue-generating areas, such as Admissions, Advancement, and Summer School.
• Provides support to events such as Athletics and the Arts.
• Leader of the Marketing Committee with key internal stakeholders to generate input on the marketing plan and identify new opportunities to pursue or leverage.
• Lead on advertising for key events such as Open House, HSPT, job openings, and general promotion of the school.
• Assists the Admissions team in the development of recruitment materials.
• Works with Website/Social Media Associate to ensure accuracy of the school’s website and ensure content enhances school’s image and advancement goals.
• Assists with drafting of media releases, articles for external magazines and newsletters, and promotion of fundraising events.
• Maintains relationships with media contacts. Identifies opportunities to increase public awareness of the school.
• Responsible for the maintenance of a comprehensive brand book that includes brand standards, logo usage, color palettes, and signage. Provides oversight and training of all staff on brand integrity. Implements a consistent look for publications and materials school-wide.
• Assists school departments, student groups, and parent organizations in assuring consistency in the presentation of the St. Francis image in the community.
• Maintains a catalogue of all school photos and videos for use in marketing initiatives, as well as for archival purposes.

Duties are representative of typical tasks associated with the position. This is not an exhaustive list of duties. Other duties may be assigned.

Required qualifications:

• Active, practicing Catholic, faithful to the Church’s magisterium.
• Strong belief in, and respect for, the Mission of Notre Dame Preparatory High School.
• Practices Notre Dame Prep’s core Values:
  Reverence, Respect and Responsibility
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Three to five years of professional experience in marketing or communications, or as a writer/editor. Development and fundraising experience is highly desirable. Experience in a school environment preferred.
• Excellent writing and communication skills required.
• Excellent design skills and knowledgeable in preparing files for an outside printer or design firm.
• Knowledgeable in computer applications related to the duties of the job.
• Must have knowledge of the marketing function and the inner workings of marketing channels.
• Professionalism
• Sense of service and leadership dimensions of the role
• Collaborative approach to problem-solving
• Openness to the exchange of ideas and suggestions for improvement of services