Director of Communications

Thornton Academy seeks a skilled public relations or marketing professional for the position of Director of Communications. The goal of this position is to promote and publicize Thornton Academy. The successful candidate will be: an excellent writer, a creative communicator, a strategic thinker, an individual with the proven ability to produce and manage engaging content that will advance the Thornton Academy brand locally, nationally, and internationally.

Summary of the Position

The Director of Communications will work to promote Thornton Academy in the local and international media, write and produce stories to be published regularly, advertise school events and opportunities, and increase overall brand awareness in the marketplace. This position will be a primary contributor to meeting the goal of maintaining sustainable enrollment at the school and elevating the Thornton Academy brand. The Director of Communications will report directly to the Headmaster.

Job Requirements:

• Stellar communication skills (verbal and written)
• Collaborative “team player” attitude, with equal ability to serve as team leader or team member
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including availability to work longer hours during the week and on weekends as needed
• Comfortable using technology and learning new skills and tools

Performance Responsibilities

• Primary writer for school publications
• Maintains written content on TA’s website
• Helps promote annual events
• Assists with photo and video coverage of school-wide events
• Maintains and stays on top of media alerts (news, local, and national)
• Maintains style guide and media kit
• Maintains annual content calendar

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Ability to identify and capitalize on marketing and promotional opportunities
• Proven success in public relations, journalism, media, or other relevant arena
• Willingness to accept criticism and critique
• Familiarity and experience with design programs in the Adobe Creative Suite,
• including InDesign and Photoshop
• Ability to function as a cooperative member of a team
• Experience with digital marketing
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective use of brainstorming, problem solving and goal setting strategies
• Ability to easily process data and produce reports showing trends in advertising and social media campaigns
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy and good discretionary judgment