Director of Marketing and Communication

St. John’s Northwestern Academies (SJNA), a prestigious private boarding school for grades 6-12, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Marketing and Communications. This role requires a hands-on leader who will develop and execute marketing and communication strategies to promote SJNA’s mission, increase enrollment, and foster community engagement. The Director will oversee a range of subcontractors, contractors, and vendor relationships to achieve marketing goals, ensuring effective and cohesive brand representation across various platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with the Academy’s vision, mission, and goals. 
2. Content Creation and Management: Act as the lead content creator, responsible for the production of engaging written, digital, and multimedia content that resonates with prospective families, alumni, and the SJNA community. Also maintain and develop SJNA publications, The Beacon, Alumni News Matters, Reveille, etc. 
3. Social Media and Digital Marketing: Manage SJNA’s social media presence, website content, email marketing, and digital advertising initiatives. 
4. Event Marketing and Promotion: Develop marketing materials and promotional strategies for events, admissions activities, and school functions, enhancing the school’s visibility and reputation. 
5. Brand Management: Ensure consistency of the SJNA brand across all marketing channels, including online, print, and in-person interactions. 
6. Vendor and Contractor Management: Oversee digital partners, subcontractors, freelancers, and vendors, ensuring that deliverables are on-brand, timely, and cost-effective. 
7. Collaborative Partnerships: Work closely with the admissions team, development office, and other departments to align marketing efforts with recruitment and retention goals. 
8. Market Research and Analysis: Conduct regular analysis of marketing metrics, competitor strategies, and industry trends to inform data-driven decisions and adapt strategies for maximum impact.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in content creation, preferably in an educational setting. 
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills 
• Management, design, and implementation of publications
• Proficiency in using content management systems (CMS), social media platforms, and analytics tools. 
• Understanding of graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) 
• Strong storytelling abilities and a keen eye for detail. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with SEO best practices. 
• Experience in photography and social media. 
• Knowledge of email and marketing platforms (e.g., Hubspot, Click Up, Veracross). 
• Understanding of boarding school environments and culture.