Director Of Communications

Overview

The Director of Communications is responsible for developing, implementing, and analyzing comprehensive communications and marketing strategies in order to strengthen awareness and understanding of Silverdale Baptist Academy. S/he must have the ability to think creatively, strategize thoughtfully, and work collaboratively. The role involves time and project management, as well as writing, design, and creative work. Both thought leader and implementer, s/he must keep an eye on the big picture while implementing tactics that build brand awareness, attract more qualified inquiries and applicants, and encourage constituent loyalty in the form of retention and fundraising. The Director of Communications reports to the Director of Advancement, collaborates with the administrative team, and works in close collaboration with the Advancement Department.

Responsibilities
 

1. Leadership 

• Act as brand evangelizer internally and externally 

• Manage multiple projects under strict deadlines, balancing strategic and tactical plans 

• Counsel the Academy’s leadership in all matters of communication
 

2. Strategy Development, Planning and Reporting

• Collaborate with Director of Advancement to develop an integrated marketing plan that includes internal and external communications, outbound and inbound marketing, online and print collateral, paid and organic social media 

• Maintain and analyze digital metrics, such as website traffic, email open rates, and social media figures; liaise with Advancement to understand their quantitative and qualitative goals

• Understand key audiences including internal and external parent communities 

• Demonstrate a significant understanding of the independent school landscape and how to position and strengthen the SBA brand

• Prepare and manage the communications budget 
 

3. Relationship Management 

• Maintain a strong team relationship with the Advancement team to support fundraising and recruiting efforts

• Work collaboratively with teachers and administrators to underscore the merits of the Academy’s programs

• Support the Head of School as primary chief-communicator and brand ambassador

• Build relationships with parents and students to strengthen communication and foster community

• Identify and pursue relationships with local press

• Vet, hire and manage third-party agencies as necessary 
 

4. Content Production 

• Oversee the school's design and production of all marketing materials, including print and online collateral, paid and social media 

• Maintain best-in-class online presence, including public-facing website and social media 

• Develop content for placement in all of the above; this includes writing text; photography, taking and editing video 

• Write articles to enhance Public Relations, like press releases and articles for placement in education publications 

• Plan and execute all advertising campaigns, including web, SEO/SEM, email, social media, and print 

• Design, prepare, and distribute e-Newsletters for current and prospective families 
 

5. Additional Responsibilities

• Serve on the Crisis Management team

• Has a full understanding and is in agreement with the Statement of Faith of Silverdale Baptist Academy and has a strong commitment to school philosophy

• Understand the Mission and Vision of Silverdale Baptist Academy

• Committed to protecting the culture of SBA

• Strong and clear Christian testimony

• Strong commitment to a Biblical worldview

• Understands that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life, and a science of relations

• Understands that teaching is a ministry

• Maintains a professional standard of dress and an engaging personality

We seek a dynamic individual who works collaboratively and creatively with colleagues. Candidates should be passionate about communications and marketing and be excited to work in a school community. 
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations or a related field preferred
• Significant independent school communications experience
• Proficient in Adobe InDesign/Creative Suite
• Proficient with website management and design, specifically Finalsite
• Knowledge of video editing and publishing preferred
• Ability to become proficient with ProPresenter 
• Demonstrated leadership, creativity, and collaboration
• Experience working with outside vendors
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required
• Familiarity with new and emerging media and their marketing use
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all constituents
• Promotes the use of multiple methods in solving problems, identifying more efficient strategies and generalizing principles to a broad variety of applications
• Demonstrated professional behavior, including discretion, judgment and integrity
• Effectively interacts with a diverse population of students and faculty
• All prospective employees must be able to clear a background check and fingerprinting.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 
The position can be physically demanding. Reasonable accommodations may be made if requested in advance. 

Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship. 

Silverdale Baptist Academy hires applicants of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights and privileges, programs and activities made available to applicants at the school.  SBA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies,  athletic programs or any other school-administered programs.