ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS JOB DESCRIPTION

When admissions inquiries stall and donor engagement plateaus, the gap is almost always a story problem. Independent schools depend on a coherent, mission-faithful narrative to compete for enrollment, sustain philanthropic support, and hold a community together across two campuses, multiple constituent groups, and a perpetual news cycle. This role owns that narrative end to end. The Assistant Director of Communications manages the editorial calendar, media relations, and multi-channel content program that keeps a school's story visible and consistent. Accountability runs from the weekly parent e-newsletter to AP-style press releases placed with local outlets.

Assistant Directors of Communications in K–12 independent schools are accountable for planning and executing the integrated content and media-relations program that advances enrollment, advancement, and community-engagement goals across print, digital, and social channels. They typically report to the Director of Communications and serve as that director's operational lead and deputy, assuming full communications leadership when the director is unavailable.

Career Impact: Deep fluency in independent-school communications, spanning admissions marketing, donor storytelling, and crisis messaging, is a credential that commands senior roles at larger institutions or systems. 

Business Impact: The content this role produces directly shapes enrollment pipeline and philanthropic response, making it one of the few staff positions whose output is traceable to revenue and retention metrics the school tracks annually. 

Growth Opportunity: Managing a full editorial operation, multi-channel calendar, vendor relationships, and analytics reporting builds the strategic and supervisory portfolio needed to move into a Director of Communications seat within three to five years.

• Develop and maintain the school-wide editorial calendar, coordinating content needs across admissions, advancement, athletics, and academics. 
• Write and edit mission-aligned content for all channels, including e-newsletters, social media, news releases, and print collateral, in AP style. 
• Manage the school's social media presence, reviewing engagement analytics regularly to refine posting strategy and audience targeting. 
• Oversee public-facing website content, ensuring pages are current, accurate, and consistent with institutional brand standards. 
• Lead media relations activity, including drafting and distributing press releases, maintaining media contact lists, and managing reporter follow-through. 
• Coordinate photography and videography coverage for on-campus events, hiring and directing external photographers as needed. 
• Support the development and execution of digital advertising campaigns targeting prospective families for admissions and program awareness. 
• Implement brand and editorial standards across all communications, conducting proofreading audits to ensure accuracy and visual consistency.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. 
• 4 or more years of communications experience, with demonstrated responsibility for multi-channel content strategy and editorial production. 
• Proven writing and editing skills across long-form, news, marketing, and social media formats, with working knowledge of AP style. 
• Experience developing and managing an editorial or content calendar across multiple stakeholder groups and competing deadlines. 
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with faculty, administrators, external media contacts, and community partners. 
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize concurrent deadlines and coordinate external vendors or photographers. 
• Familiarity with digital analytics tools, with the ability to translate engagement data into actionable content adjustments. 
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel between campuses or off-site locations for event coverage. 

• Prior communications experience within an independent school, public school district, or higher education institution. 
• Experience leading or contributing to a school website redesign project, including accessibility considerations. 
• Graphic design competency sufficient to produce social media assets, event collateral, and basic layout work without external support. 
• APR credential or demonstrated professional development in strategic communications or educational marketing. 

• Monthly e-newsletter open and click-through rates, measuring audience engagement with school communications. 
• Social media follower growth rate and post-engagement ratio, tracking reach among prospective and current families. 
• Admissions inquiry volume attributable to digital and social channels, linking content output to enrollment pipeline. 
• Press placement count per semester, measuring the effectiveness of media-relations outreach to local outlets. 
• Website content currency rate, tracking the percentage of public-facing pages updated within the prior 60-day window. 
• Typical tools: email marketing platforms (commonly Blackbaud, Constant Contact); social scheduling and analytics tools (commonly Meta Business Suite, Hootsuite) 

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 – $75,000 annually 
• Bonus: Typically not standard; year-end discretionary awards at some institutions 
• Equity: Not applicable in school settings 
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; dependent coverage typically available 
• PTO: 10–15 days annually plus school calendar breaks and holidays 
• Common Perks: Tuition remission for dependents, professional development stipend, on-campus parking 

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Successful completion of a background check, including criminal history review and, where required by state law, fingerprinting clearance through DOJ and FBI, is a condition of employment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Assistant Director of Communications owns a multi-channel content strategy for Marist School, developing editorial calendars, managing social media, overseeing the school website, and handling media relations to advance admissions, fundraising, and awareness goals. Working closely with the Director of Communications, this role shapes how internal and external communities engage with the school's mission and educational offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director of Communications to develop a content strategy and school-wide editorial calendar that captures stories and inspires engagement in support of admissions, fundraising, and awareness goals.
• Assist in developing and managing an integrated marketing communications plan that incorporates the needs of departments across campus, including admissions, advancement, business office, athletics, fine arts, academics, counseling, and campus ministry.
• Serve as the lead content creator and storyteller, developing and executing a messaging strategy and content calendar that utilises multiple platforms and channels.
• Ensure key institutional messages are reflected in all communications, including social media, website, email, and print collateral.
• Plan and implement a social media strategy that drives engagement, increases website traffic, and boosts awareness of the school and its educational program.
• Actively review analytics to continually fine-tune social media strategy.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of public-facing webpages and resource boards on the school website, and play a key role in the development of a new school website.
• Handle media relations, including writing and distributing news releases, cultivating relationships with local media, and monitoring media coverage and social media sentiment.
• Assist in developing and implementing a digital advertising strategy to communicate admissions opportunities to prospective families and promote summer camps and other programs.
• Work with the Communications Coordinator to develop visuals and videos to support the content strategy.
• Plan and write editorial content for the monthly e-newsletter and contribute content for the magazine, philanthropy report, and other collateral materials.
• Oversee the process of creating, editing, and sending the weekly parent e-newsletter and other email communications, measuring effectiveness through metrics and analytics.
• Steward editorial and brand standards by ensuring consistency and visual integrity across all communications, and implement proofreading systems to maintain high-quality, accurate copy.
• Assist with photography and videography coordination, hiring and managing professional photographers, or providing photo and video coverage for on-campus and special events as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, with a preference for a degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
• Four to six years of progressive work experience, preferably in an independent school or college, with strong writing, project management, and supervision skills.
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated knowledge of integrated marketing and communications principles, especially digital marketing, and experience creating and executing a multi-channel content strategy.
• Multi-faceted writer with outstanding editing and proofreading skills, including the ability to write long-form, marketing, news, social media, and other types of copy.
• High proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite.
• Familiarity with using analytics to guide content strategy.
• Excellent project management, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple deadlines and the needs of multiple stakeholders simultaneously.
• Superior interpersonal and client service skills with proven follow-through ability, and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Positive mindset with the flexibility and adaptability to work quickly and accurately under deadline pressure.

Embedded within the Administration Team of North Thurston Public Schools, the Assistant Director of Communications develops and implements district-wide communications strategies aligned with the Executive Director's direction, including media delivery, website management, social media, and community partnership programmes. Working closely with the Executive Director of Communications and serving as the appointed team lead in their absence, this role builds community awareness and strengthens relationships with underrepresented and underserved populations.

Core Functions

• Serve as the appointed lead to the communications team when the Executive Director of Communications is unavailable.
• Design, develop, and implement communications aligned with the Executive Director's direction and in compliance with applicable law, board policy, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Visit schools and engage with staff to design, develop, and distribute stories highlighting the good work of the district to the community.
• Deliver information to news media, both on-camera and off.
• Develop communications plans and implement associated strategies and tactics, including writing, editing, graphics production, website management, photography, social media, analytics, marketing, and videography.
• Provide communications leadership and support to schools and staff.
• Oversee and manage the volunteer program, the Partners in Education program, and the Helping Hands Program, including supervision of the Volunteer Liaison.
• Lead the Compassionate Community Project and expand partnerships with community-based organisations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or relevant experience considered as a substitute.
• Five or more years of experience in schools or state agencies, or relevant experience considered as a substitute.
• APR credential preferred.
• Proven experience leading or working with external stakeholders, developing relationships, and building consensus, including experience supporting or advocating for underrepresented or underserved communities.
• Experience in marketing, communications, and/or education, with supervision experience preferred.
• Familiarity with communications tools such as Creative Cloud Suite, SharePoint, Canva, and Blackboard, or willingness to learn.
• Excellent communicator with strong writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to work under pressure while balancing multiple concurrent projects.
• Detail-oriented, highly organised, and committed to meeting or exceeding deadlines, with a strong record of executing duties autonomously and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to work outside of typical workday hours in support of community and school events.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Assistant Director of Communications delivers content across photography, videography, social media, and digital platforms to tell the story of Keys School's mission and campus life across two kindergarten-through-eighth-grade campuses. Partnering with teachers, staff, and administrators, this role ensures that all published material accurately reflects the school's culture and supports enrolment and community engagement goals.

Primary Duties

• Visit classrooms and attend school events to gather content, including photography and videography, for online news, social media, and other communications needs.
• Foster relationships with teachers, staff, and administrators to understand and reflect the school's culture and mission in all content.
• Draft and proofread content for school publications, website, and communications in both print and digital formats.
• Draft new faculty and staff bios for the website.
• Coordinate the school's weekly all-school email bulletin and manage distribution groups.
• Manage the school's social media presence across platforms, staying informed of trends and incorporating best practices, including social advertising strategies.
• Manage the school's online photo archive and maintain a list of photo and video permissions.
• Track analytics and prepare reports detailing user engagement across social media, website, and other platforms.
• Manage content on the school's online resource board.
• Assume the role of project lead on assigned communications projects, such as the Kindergarten Book, summer mailings, and online forms.
• Draft email communications for all departments and create slideshows as requested.
• Design ads, banners, fliers, and invitations as requested, and handle basic website updates including job postings, news stories, and faculty and staff updates.
• Assist with the creation and implementation of the school's yearly marketing plan and support swag needs.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of three to five years of related professional experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn WordPress, Blackbaud, and Vidigami.
• Strong verbal and written communication, storytelling, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey the school's program and vision to a diverse range of constituencies.
• Initiative, internal motivation, sound editorial judgment, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to execute duties efficiently, accurately, and on or before deadlines, with a cooperative team approach.
• Ability to work occasionally during early morning, evening, and weekend events.
• Valid driver's licence and ability to transport oneself between campuses and to surrounding cities.

Sitting at the intersection of sports communications and digital media, the Assistant Director of Communications delivers website updates, social media content, press releases, game-day materials, and live statistical recording in support of the department's intercollegiate athletics programme. Operating across media production, photography, and event operations, this role supports the communications team with the day-to-day work that keeps fans, media, and stakeholders informed.

Duties

• Manage and update the department website and social media accounts, including designing media for social media.
• Compose press releases and write post-game recaps.
• Record live statistics at athletic events and prepare game-day materials.
• Assist with photography days for select sports and assist with video production.
• Set up and take down equipment for games and events.

Position Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in a field related to the occupational field.
• More than one year of related experience.
• Knowledge of intercollegiate athletics and of marketing and public relations principles and practices.
• Knowledge of web and social media management principles and of AP Style Guide requirements.
• Skill in graphic design and video editing.
• Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programmes.
• Skill in decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal relations, and oral and written communication.
• Valid driver's licence issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

A key member of the Centre for Public Leadership team, the Assistant Director of Communications leads proactive content creation across digital and print platforms, manages 60-plus events annually, and oversees the centre's website, social media, and vendor relationships to elevate CPL's standing as a global hub for leadership scholarship. Collaborating across faculty programmes, the Director, and external stakeholders, this role delivers communications strategies that reach target audiences and advance the centre's research and fellowship offerings.

Accountabilities

• Lead proactive content creation across digital and print platforms, including the website and social media, to effectively market events, research, fellowships, and programmes.
• Lead the creation and management of a centre-wide content calendar, and ensure the website is regularly updated with feature stories, event information, faculty research, and other content.
• Oversee the development of robust online and print content for faculty programmes, including writing copy, creating graphics, proofreading, editing, and web design.
• Lead the development and launch of a new centre website by serving as project manager in coordination with the Director and relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with faculty programmes to ensure effective use of Salesforce and other marketing and communications tools to identify and reach target audiences.
• Oversee planning for key events, ensuring strategic alignment with priorities and effective communications outreach to appropriate target audiences.
• Manage general oversight of 60-plus events per year, including high-profile events with leading practitioners and scholars.
• Manage budgetary activity, including digital advertising and vendor budgets, and provide management of staff and oversight of external vendors and contractors.
• Serve on cross-institutional teams for special projects and broader strategic planning efforts.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with five or more years of relevant professional experience in communications.
• Management experience required.
• Experience with Adobe Suite, CMS platforms, and SEO strongly preferred.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to develop and operationalise communications strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills with the ability to translate complex issues into compelling content.
• Experience leading web redesign projects, preferably in higher education, including meeting accessibility requirements.
• Proven ability to coordinate projects, establish priorities among multiple stakeholders, meet tight deadlines, and manage concurrent tasks.
• Sophisticated interpersonal and relationship management skills.

Sustainable brand clarity across a major research university depends on the Assistant Director of Communications, who conceives, writes, and edits high-priority print and digital content, including the university magazine, advertising campaigns, and web copy, while serving as senior editor and backup for the Director of Editorial Services. Based within an expanding in-house creative team, this role advances editorial and style standards across all academic and administrative units and enables integrated, multi-platform communications strategies.

Key Deliverables

• Conceive, develop, write, and edit a wide variety of compelling, on-brand content for high-priority print and digital communications, primarily for external audiences.
• Develop and execute editorial plans, monitor progress, and ensure quality and schedules are maintained throughout the process.
• Serve in a leading editorial role for the university magazine, including writing and editing features, short pieces, and other content.
• Serve as an expert and advocate for the university's editorial and style guidelines, and advance the brand across all content platforms and academic and administrative units.
• Constantly identify and gather story ideas, maintain ongoing story lists, assess editorial value, conduct fact-checking, and ensure quality and appropriateness.
• Develop and write content for the university's website, microsites, and print, digital, and broadcast advertising campaigns.
• Serve as senior editor and backup for the Director of Editorial Services, managing projects with minimum supervision within the established project management system.
• Cultivate relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators, and conduct research and interviews as background for assigned projects.
• Collaborate closely with writers, graphic designers, art directors, photographers, web developers, and multimedia staff to develop creative ideas for communications projects.
• Work on multiple concurrent projects, moving them through the process from concept to final proofs and deliverables, while managing and meeting individual and departmental deadlines.
• Seek and secure reviews and approvals as necessary, maintaining documentation of editorial flow and owning assigned content from inception to completion.

Professional Experience

• Previous experience in a higher-education communications and marketing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills with exceptional organisational skills.
• High degree of talent and creativity with a strong commitment to collaboration and the ability to work intuitively, flexibly, and effectively in a fast-paced, in-house agency environment.
• Effective client management skills and the ability to build effective partnerships, including with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to think and act both strategically and tactically and to manage multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines.
• Commitment to diversity and to building and supporting inclusive communities.
• Availability for occasional work outside standard hours, on campus and off, including some local and regional travel for meetings, events, and conferences.

As the Assistant Director of Communications, this role drives an earned media strategy centred on climate change advocacy, managing daily rapid-response calendars, press outreach, influencer engagement, and state-based media events to elevate key issues and counter opposition messaging. The advocacy team relies on this work to maintain a consistent public presence, place opinion pieces, and keep stakeholders and surrogates aligned with evolving communications priorities.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop and drive the earned media strategy by managing a daily, weekly, and monthly calendar to drive coverage and elevate key issues.
• Identify and prioritise rapid response to developing news stories, and manage press and surrogate outreach.
• Conduct frequent and consistent outreach to reporters and columnists covering relevant beats.
• Oversee outreach to influencers interested in engaging in events, press activities, and related efforts.
• Organise state-based earned media events in partnership with local organisations, surrogates, and community members.
• Develop and place opinion pieces in local publications.
• Track coverage, analyse results, and adjust strategy accordingly.

Background & Experience

• At least seven years of communications experience, including electoral campaign experience.
• Deep communications experience with a track record of success in the current media landscape, including experience managing rapid-response and enterprise communications strategies.
• Climate issue advocacy experience is a plus.
• Strong instinct for powerful storytelling combined with strong editorial and ethical judgment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with unpredictable hours.
• Track record of working effectively in a team to meet deadlines and manage multiple concurrent projects.