Strategic Communications and Advancement Coordinator

Harding Academy•Nashville, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic Communications and Advancement Coordinator plays a key role in supporting Harding Academy’s Advancement and Marketing Office by blending accurate data operations with brand distribution and management. Working closely with the Director of Advancement & Marketing, this position coordinates the day-to-day internal and external communications that advance the school’s public image, while simultaneously managing the donor database, accurate gift processing, and stewardship reporting. The Coordinator collaborates across the Leadership Team, Admissions, and the Business Office to execute front-line marketing initiatives, support fundraising campaigns, and maintain brand consistency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Strong background (3+ years preferred) in communications, marketing, or advancement operations.
Experience with database management.
Proficiency in graphic design and creative software (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, etc.).

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of independent schools and the educational landscape is a plus.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation and execution of the annual marketing strategy and story arc across all channels (social media, print, and fundraising) to reflect the vision of school leadership.
Maintain and enforce institutional brand consistency across all channels, merchandise/apparel, and sub-brands (e.g., Harding Parents Association, Art Show, Summer Programs, School of Dance).
Lead the layout, production, printing, and editing of digital and print publications, including the annual Excellentia magazine, advancement collateral, and all admissions marketing materials.
Update and regularly maintain the external website with current data, imagery, and provided content across all divisions, areas of campus life, and admissions pages.
Execute the school’s digital media plans and capture/organize photo and video content of the student experience.
Coordinate and distribute weekly community communications (including CompassConnection), targeted mailings (grandparent calendars, community notices), and recurring admissions/prospective family emails.
Execute and manage marketing distribution initiatives for admissions events outside of the Finalsite platform.
Manage the donor database (Raiser’s Edge), including gift entry, pledges, acknowledgments, new constituent tracking, and regular data cleanup/integrity.
Process and maintain accurate records of all gifts and pledges, preparing receipts, tax letters, and reconciliations in coordination with the Business Office.
Build queries and data exports for the Harding Fund Campaign, annual reports, NAIS reports, and institutional committees; generate dashboards to track fundraising progress and pledge reminders.
Provide logistical, structural, and on-site support for all advancement, admissions, and school-wide special events (including programs, registration, and media coverage).
Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of Advancement and Marketing or Head of School.