Whitfield School, located in Creve Coeur, serves students in grades 6-12 by providing a coeducational, college preparatory education that cultivates ethical, confident, and successful students in a community of innovation, collaboration, and trust.

At the broadest level, the Director of Communications and Marketing will be responsible for articulating and promoting Whitfield’s mission, strategic goals, and institutional brand. This person will create and execute tactics to support Whitfield’s overall marketing and communication strategy while working across various departments, most notably development, enrollment, alumni relations, and athletics. The small communications team partners with every department at Whitfield to provide public relations, marketing, communication, and organizational support to all internal and external audiences, utilizing a variety of media from traditional print to social media.

A wide variety of skills are necessary for success in this role. In addition to strong project management and organizational skills, the strongest candidates will have significant experience in branding, writing and editing, and digital marketing (website, direct mail/email, social media content strategy), as well as familiarity with website content management, video editing, publication production, public relations, advertising, and big-picture creative thinking. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and directs a comprehensive program of external communications, print materials, media relations, advertising, digital communications, social media, and all other activities related to promoting the school and its students, faculty, and programs.
• Develops and implements communication plans to support school-wide strategies and goals and increase awareness of the school.
• Manages the school’s brand and identity, including editorial and visual guidelines.
• Schedules print and digital advertising with local media outlets, oversees creative design of ad campaigns, and coordinates digital advertising.  
• Maintains, and coordinates regular additions to, library of creative assets, including still photography and videography.
• Evaluates and enhances communication platforms to improve functionality and efficiency, including website, social media channels, email, and marketing.
• Regularly updates, and manages the annual creative refresh and/or redesign of, the school website.
• Manages relationships with outside marketing and communications firms, graphic designers, photographers, and videographers. 
• Serves as the primary writer and editor for school publications, including annual magazine, weekly e-newsletter, web stories, social media posts.
• Assists in producing content, including talking points, briefings, scripts, letters, and messages for Head of School and academic leadership.
• Assists the Head of School in his role as the media spokesperson and manages media relations, including writing and distributing press releases, placing stories, and cultivating positive relations with local and national media.
• Partners with the Head of School and academic leadership to manage the school's crisis and emergency communication response.
• Partners with department directors to produce print collateral, including annual fund brochure, admission brochure, postcards, invitations, programs, impact reports, and stewardship pieces.
• Manages Advertising and PR budgets.
• Supports and supervises the Publications Manager.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Arts degree; preferably an advanced degree in communications, journalism, marketing, advertising, or related field.
• At least five years' experience in the communications field (public affairs, journalism, advertising, or marketing); project management experience preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of media relations, crisis communication, and print/digital design and publication, and web-based communications.
• Experience with photography, videography, and video editing.
• Commitment to education; familiarity with independent schools is a plus.
• Commitment to immersing yourself in the life of the school.
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings.

Whitfield actively seeks to forward the equity and diversity of our community in our admissions, programming, policies, and hiring. We do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, age, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, disability status, protected veteran status, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Whitfield School is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all candidates to apply.

The Director of Communications & Marketing is a full-time, 12-month position with an annual salary of $70,000 - $90,000 (commensurate with experience). Whitfield offers competitive benefits including tuition remission. Start date is July 1, 2023.

Interested candidates please submit three PDF files to the Director of Institutional Advancement Emily Klimek at advancement@whitfieldschool.org:

1. Cover letter as introduction to search committee
2. Resume detailing experiences and qualifications
3. List of three references with contact information

About Whitfield School

Whitfield School cultivates ethical, confident, successful students in a community of innovation, collaboration, and trust.

Connections working at Whitfield School