| The School: St. Anne's-Belfield School seeks an innovative, experienced, and highly engaged director of strategic communications and marketing (DOC) to partner with the newly appointed head of school and highly supportive Board of Trustees to continue the School's history of educational excellence. The School holds as its core purpose to inspire and prepare the next generation of exemplary citizens and visionary leaders. It recognizes six core values: integrity, curiosity, diversity, creativity, agency, and impact. Known for its challenging yet charitable atmosphere where students gain skills necessary for both creative and disciplined thought, nearly 850 boys and girls from Preschool - Grade 12 are supported in their learning journeys by 200 faculty, coaches, and staff. The Upper School includes an international boarding program, and 14 countries are represented in the student body. Forty-one percent of students receive financial aid. As a member of the School's senior administrative team, the DOC will join a warm and welcoming community poised to grow its national and international reputation as an educational leader. Innovative interdisciplinary curricula that embrace an intentional social and emotional program for children is only excellent because of the active partnerships with parents, alumni, and other constituencies to provide a world-class education. The Position: Leading a team of three and working collaboratively with the senior administrative team, the DOC will serve as a chief advisor to the head of school. As the School's lead brand ambassador, the director will oversee the School’'s marketing and communications strategy and work collaboratively with the head of school and the rest of the senior administrative team to develop the School's positioning strategy. These efforts seek to strengthen the School's market share; support faculty and student recruitment and retention; engage alumni and families; grow philanthropic support, and enhance the institution's visibility and recognition as a thought leader of innovative and interdisciplinary education. As a cultural curator and experiential marketer, the director will use excellent writing skills, design expertise, and acumen in a range of media to steward the School’s brand carefully and to strengthen the culture by capturing and telling memorable stories about the St. Anne’s-Belfield experience. Major Responsibilities: - Through an integrated (including in-bound) marketing and communications process, raise brand awareness and drive increased demand for enrollment and philanthropic support through the coordination of multi-channel marketing campaigns to support school initiatives.
- Using print, electronic messaging, websites, social media, photography/videography, programs, inventions, advertising, and media relations to tell compelling stories that explain the School’s benefits in a tangible way to its stakeholders.
- Develop and implement various means of communication to ensure prospective and current parents, alumni, faculty/staff, and friends of the School receive regular, timely, and up-to-date information.
- Produce polished written pieces with a quick turnaround and extraordinary editing ability.
- Support other members of the School community in developing and distributing their content relative to our mission and values.
- Handle media relations, including Charlottesville news and crisis communications.
- Provide marketing support and advice for the head of school, the administrative team, and the Board of Trustees and represent the School’s communications and marketing agenda to other key volunteer bodies.
- Manage the performance of communications and marketing department staff and the associated budgets for the department.
- Maintain the School’s brand and visual identity by leading graphic/signage initiatives.
Education and Experience - Minimum of seven years of communications and marketing experience leading and/or supporting an institution’s communication and marketing strategy.
- Bachelor's degree in a related field, a master's degree in communication, or an MBA with a marketing concentration preferred.
Special Requirements - Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - The ability to tell a story and help others share their own stories in an educational and/or service-oriented environment;
- An entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to think strategically and creatively;
- Personal integrity with a sense of humor and humility;
- Extraordinary attention to detail in all aspects of written and verbal communication;
- Natural networking instincts that make one adept at building and nurturing relationships with all constituent groups;
- Strong project management skills, ability to work both independently and collaboratively under tight deadlines;
- Use of market research and data analysis in implementing communication and marketing strategies;
- Solid analytic, quantitative, and planning skills;
- Experience working with a creative team, including, but not limited to, writers, web designers, graphic artists, photographers, and/or videographers while fostering an environment of teamwork and collaboration;
- Readiness and willingness to engage in all aspects of School life, including being a presence at events and participating in faculty and student activities;
- Maintain a presence in the Charlottesville community, willing to represent the School on behalf of the head of school;
- Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of current database and design software.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment: - Ability to move about in standard office conditions and climate.
- May work in varied extreme outside weather conditions during special activities and fundraising and engagement events.
- Work in a highly dynamic environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
- May work at a desk and computer for extended periods.
- May need to climb stairs, walk distances of about one-mile, stoop, bend, and occasionally lift to 30 pounds.
Applications: In order to be considered for this position, all candidates must complete an online application through the School's applicant tracking system at www.stab.org/careers. Compensation: The school is committed to providing a competitive compensation package for the ideal candidate. In addition to health care and retirement benefits, full-time employees may participate in the tuition remission program for their children who are accepted and attend St. Anne’s-Belfield School. As an inclusive community, St. Anne's-Belfield School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Anne's-Belfield School does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid program, employment policies, or any other programs administered by the School. About Charlottesville: A bustling and stellar college town situated within driving distance of the state and nation’s capitals, yet also at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the City of Charlottesville is a significant cultural and historical center in Virginia. Residents and visitors alike enjoy beautiful scenery, first-class dining, outdoor recreation, and much more. The town is also known for its fledging entrepreneurial and technology start-up scene, vast arts and entertainment options, and educational opportunities within and tangent to the University of Virginia and beyond. Charlottesville routinely receives dozens of accolades for it's quality of life, including recent top placements for happiness, health, and foodie culture. To find out more, visit www.visitcharlottesville.org. |
