Francis Parker School is a coeducational independent day school in San Diego, California with 1315 students in grades JK-12. Founded in 1912, the school’s mission is “to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world.” Francis Parker School has two campuses in close proximity. One in Mission Hills (Lower School JK-5), and a second in Linda Vista (Middle and Upper School 6-8 and 9-12, respectively).
Job Description:
The Head of Marketing and Communications is critical in planning, building, and implementing an integrated marketing and communications strategy for internal and external audiences that educates, supports, and inspires engagement with the School’s strategic direction. The Head works closely with School leaders to elevate the Parker brand, manage the reputation, and ensure clear, consistent, and timely communications. The Head actively understands current and emerging issues at the School, within the community, and in the educational landscape to guide and direct the School in an upward trajectory. The Head leads all crisis communications efforts and is the primary point of contact for public relations.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Strategic Marketing and Communications:
Oversee the implementation of the strategic marketing and communications plan; constantly evolve the plan to align with School’s priorities
Ensure consistent messaging from all divisions and departments, JK – 12
Respond and advise on all marketing and communications needs from all divisions and departments, JK – 12
Effectively manage and communicate change initiatives that impact many constituencies (i.e., transportation, technology, operations)
Define and lead the School’s content strategy (i.e., social media, blogs, media opportunities)
Collect and analyze data to measure the efficacy of all marketing and communications activities
Reputation Management:
Constantly monitor and identify opportunities and issues that may impact the reputation of the School; discernment on when to elevate issues
Analyze the School’s customer experience for all constituents and identify areas of opportunity (i.e., focus groups, surveys, and analytics)
Collaborate with school leaders to ensure transparency and consistency in communication regarding issues, crises, and incidents
Crisis Communications:
Oversee and maintain the crisis communications plan; evaluate annually to ensure best practices are in place and followed
Act as the lead for all crisis communications activities and the primary point of contact for media and public relations
Execute annual crisis management training exercises and preparedness activities for all employees
Content Production:
Create written communications on behalf of the School and School leaders that effectively sets the narrative and meet the needs of the audience
Design and produce creative materials in print and digital format (i.e., School Magazine, Report on Philanthropy)
Lead production of video and photo content
Lead the strategy and development of all School websites
Collaboration:
Chair of the Commencement Speaker Committee
Work closely with all divisions and departments, JK-12, to ensure the success of institutional events (i.e., guest speakers, promotions, commencement, homecoming)
Work closely with operational departments (i.e., business office, admissions, operations, technology) to understand and identify potential change initiatives that impact the community
Take direction and collaborate with the Creative Director and Assistant Head of School for External Relations on producing creative materials
Management:
Direct in-house creative marketing and communications team to execute the strategic marketing and communications plan
Support all members of the department and guide them in their professional development
Regularly update leadership on emerging trends in education and School-related data that can advise on opportunities
Manage the marketing and communications budget
Serve as a member of the Parker Leadership Team
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in a related area
Ten or more years of related experience, including managing a creative team
Solid knowledge of communications principles, concepts, strategies, and best practices
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Excellent copy-editing skills
Experience leading an integrated marketing and communications program
Proven project management skills and ability to drive a project from concept to completion
Experience with managing and updating websites
Proven leadership skills and experience working as a member of a leadership team
Experience collaborating and working with community-based organizations
Strong time management skills
Experience managing large events
Experience managing a departmental budget and control in spending
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize workflow
Highly motivated, productive, and deadline oriented
Good judgment, tact, diplomacy, and ability to manage confidential information
Ability to respond to School needs in a timely fashion within or outside of the work day
Skilled in the use of:
AP Style
Google products such as Gmail, Drive, Docs, Slides, and Sheets
Google Analytics
Microsoft Office Suite
Blackbaud OnProduct software
Media relations software (i.e., meltwater)
Adobe software including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, and others
Content management systems (i.e., WordPress, Wix)
Social media monitoring software
Mass communications systems (i.e., Ruvna)
Working knowledge of website development
Salary and Benefits:
Francis Parker School is committed to attracting and retaining the highest quality faculty and staff through a substantial compensation plan, including competitive salary, TIAA retirement benefits and full medical/dental coverage. Individual salary is negotiable depending on years of experience and educational background.
Salary Range: $140,000 - $150,000 per year, based on experience.
Non-Discrimination:
Francis Parker School values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds. All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, creed, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
Application Process:
If interested in the position, please fill out the electronic Francis Parker School Employment Application HERE. You will need to upload the following documents during this process: a cover letter and resume.
If you CANNOT or DO NOT wish to submit your application through the link above, a cover letter, resume, and a completed employment application should be submitted electronically to:
Shara Freeman Hoefel, Assistant Head of School for External Relations
