Director of Communications

Whitefield Academy•Smyrna, GA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Primary Objective: The director of communications supports the director of enrollment management by leading the development of strategic plans and initiatives for marketing and communications, as well as providing oversight for effective execution of those plans. This person collaborates with other departments and school divisions to develop and implement short-term and long-term marketing strategies to ensure Whitefield meets enrollment objectives. The director of communications sets the tone for messaging and portraying Whitefield’s values. Key Responsibilities: Ensure execution of the creative vision/direction for all Whitefield communications, content, and collateral. This includes setting the strategy for digital, content, and collateral. Provide strategic leadership and develop plans in communications and marketing to include public relations, marketing, and advertising. Oversee communications and media plan to include a variety of print, radio, and digital options (e-mail, search engine, paid search, social media, online advertising, video, etc.). Conduct data analysis and reporting efforts for the enrollment management team ensuring relevant data is gathered, analyzed, synthesized and reported by team members. Partner with the director of enrollment management to assess key success metrics for enrollment management (survey data, market research, etc.) to determine future strategy and current course corrections that may be needed. Dissect survey data to determine areas of strengths/opportunity and potential action items for the school. Utilizing SEO and AI best practices, work to increase traffic to the school’s website and social media platforms. Oversee the production of the Whitefield magazine, distributed once a year. Develop and manage a project management system and calendar. Maintain key internal relationships within the Whitefield community in order to mine for content and stories, as well as provide insight into communications and research to be distributed across all platforms. Remains current on trends in marketing, communications, PR, and enrollment in metro-Atlanta and beyond. Monitor Whitefield’s external brand reputation to provide consistency in messaging and alignment to mission. Monitor internal and external communications and publications for presentation style, accuracy, mechanics, consistency in messaging and alignment to the mission. Manage the communications and marketing budget, including vendor estimates and approvals. Oversee all school communications. Support all areas of the school (athletics, academics, fine arts, advancement) by providing communication consultation and expertise. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis. Assist the director of enrollment management with school-wide communication, including presentations, mailings, and emails. Lead and manage the communications team including work oversight, performance evaluations, coaching and development, etc. In conjunction with the admissions office, oversee school events to promote the school. Adhere to the bylaws, policies and procedures, and to all laws that govern the school and its actions. Ensure processes follow standards and principles of best practice. Other duties as assigned, including support of admissions events and initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications or a related field.
Project management experience required.
Communications and marketing experience required.
Ability to manage and execute the strategy for marketing and engagement initiatives.
Able to lead and work collaboratively and effectively within a team environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Embrace a strong commitment to Christian education and academic excellence consistent with the mission of Whitefield Academy.
Commit to living his/her life under the lordship of Christ.
Model a consistent daily walk with Jesus Christ, and be a Christian role model in speech, actions, and attitudes, which contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the school.
Believe and affirm the school’s Statement of Faith.
Commit to exhibiting Whitefield’s core value for our students to experience diversity that reflects the body of Christ and support the school’s diversity vision that aims at unity in Christ.
Demonstrate evidence of consistent spiritual activities such as worship at a local church, fellowship with the body of Christ, personal devotional time with the Lord, and individual study of scripture.
Evidence the fruit of the Spirit in the nurturing of relationships with other staff members, students, families, and the community at large.
Be actively involved in a local church.

Nice To Haves

Expertise with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop) and e-mail marketing services (MailChimp) a plus.
Athletic coaching experience desired (not required); or a desire to support other extra-curricular school activities.
Experience with independent schools or colleges preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure execution of the creative vision/direction for all Whitefield communications, content, and collateral.
Provide strategic leadership and develop plans in communications and marketing to include public relations, marketing, and advertising.
Oversee communications and media plan to include a variety of print, radio, and digital options (e-mail, search engine, paid search, social media, online advertising, video, etc.).
Conduct data analysis and reporting efforts for the enrollment management team ensuring relevant data is gathered, analyzed, synthesized and reported by team members.
Partner with the director of enrollment management to assess key success metrics for enrollment management (survey data, market research, etc.) to determine future strategy and current course corrections that may be needed.
Dissect survey data to determine areas of strengths/opportunity and potential action items for the school.
Utilizing SEO and AI best practices, work to increase traffic to the school’s website and social media platforms.
Oversee the production of the Whitefield magazine, distributed once a year.
Develop and manage a project management system and calendar.
Maintain key internal relationships within the Whitefield community in order to mine for content and stories, as well as provide insight into communications and research to be distributed across all platforms.
Remains current on trends in marketing, communications, PR, and enrollment in metro-Atlanta and beyond.
Monitor Whitefield’s external brand reputation to provide consistency in messaging and alignment to mission.
Monitor internal and external communications and publications for presentation style, accuracy, mechanics, consistency in messaging and alignment to the mission.
Manage the communications and marketing budget, including vendor estimates and approvals.
Oversee all school communications.
Support all areas of the school (athletics, academics, fine arts, advancement) by providing communication consultation and expertise.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis.
Assist the director of enrollment management with school-wide communication, including presentations, mailings, and emails.
Lead and manage the communications team including work oversight, performance evaluations, coaching and development, etc.
In conjunction with the admissions office, oversee school events to promote the school.
Adhere to the bylaws, policies and procedures, and to all laws that govern the school and its actions.
Ensure processes follow standards and principles of best practice.
Other duties as assigned, including support of admissions events and initiatives.