Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications

Location: Charlotte, NC

Job Title: Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications

Department: Marketing and Communications

Reports To: Head of School

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Status: Full-Time, Twelve-Month Position, Benefited

Position Summary:

Our client seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary Director of Strategic Marketing and Communication to lead and execute a comprehensive TK–12 marketing and communications strategy that strengthens the brand, deepens constituent engagement, and advances strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, strong writer, creative storyteller, and relationship builder who is enthusiastic about engaging with a vibrant school community and advancing its mission. The DSC will oversee a talented team of communications professionals and manage the full scope of [School Name]’s brand, reputation, and messaging across traditional and digital platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Serve as the chief architect and steward of the school’s strategic communications plan.
• Develop and implement an annual communications strategy aligned with institutional priorities in enrollment, advancement, academic excellence, athletics, and community engagement.
• Ensure timely, clear, and inclusive messaging across all channels to diverse internal and external audiences, including students, parents, alumni, faculty/staff, donors, and the broader community.
• Partner with senior leadership, administrative departments, and parent volunteer groups to ensure consistent messaging and integrated communications planning.
• Build trust through strong interpersonal skills and presence across a diverse school community.

Campaigns & Initiatives

• Design and lead communication plans for key institutional initiatives, including capital campaigns, strategic plan updates, leadership transitions, and major events.
• Collaborate closely with Institutional Advancement, Admissions, and Enrollment Management offices to craft messaging strategies that support philanthropy, admissions, and retention goals.
• Position the school as a thought leader in independent education through proactive media relations and community engagement.

Content Development & Editorial Direction

• Lead the creation and editing of a wide range of content, including newsletters, speeches, press releases, website copy, social media, email campaigns, video scripts, presentations, and event recaps.
• Serve as associate editor of flagship publications, including the school magazine and annual report.
• Oversee and contribute to storytelling initiatives that celebrate the school’s people, programs, and impact.

Digital Strategy & Web Management

• Oversee the public website, microsites, internal portals, and social media, ensuring brand alignment and user-centered design.
• Ensure regular content updates, digital campaign coordination, and collaboration with IT and design teams.
• Apply SEO best practices, analyze performance metrics, and maintain consistent listings on third-party educational websites and directories.
• Send emergency and routine updates via the school’s app, text platform, and push notification systems.

Media & Public Relations

• Build and nurture relationships with local, regional, and national media to enhance the school’s visibility.
• Write and distribute press materials and coordinate interviews, media visits, and coverage of school events.
• Prepare school leaders for media interactions and serve as the point person.
• Respond to press inquiries and proactively manage crisis communications and issue response strategies.

Operations & Team Leadership

• Lead a communications team and provide mentorship and strategic direction to cultivate a collaborative and high-performing department.
• Manage the department’s budget, contracts, and external vendor relationships.
• Research, recommend, and implement industry-leading tools for communications and marketing.
• Maintain internal systems such as communications calendars, project trackers, and content workflows.
• Monitor communications effectiveness using metrics and stakeholder feedback to propose improvements.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field is preferred.
• 10 years of experience in strategic communications, preferably in education or mission-driven organizations.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across formats.
• Expertise in digital communications platforms (CMS, email systems, social media, SEO).
• Experience with crisis communications and media relations.
• Ability to attend evening and weekend events as needed.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate:

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues, constituents, and stakeholders.
• A proactive and strategic mindset with the tactical skills to execute high-quality communications.
• A deep commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and the school’s values.
• A visible and engaged presence on campus, actively participating in school life and events.
• An appreciation for independent education and a passion for the mission.

Application Process:

Please apply by filling out an application or email: hannah@full-umbrella.com

Our client is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).