Director of Marketing & Communications

Ravenscroft is an independent, coeducational day school in Raleigh, NC, with approximately 1,250 students in grades PreK-12.

We are looking for a Director of Marketing & Communications to join our community of educators that actively strive to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. Our candidates should demonstrate empathy, knowledge and an understanding for the diverse backgrounds in our community; place an importance on genuine and authentic connections with students, faculty, staff and parents; be able to work collaboratively with team members of diverse backgrounds; and have the capacity to model an attitude of unyielding curiosity and a growth mindset.

REPORTS TO: Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement

The Director of Marketing & Communications advances the mission of Ravenscroft by being a highly collaborative leader focused on developing, supporting and executing marketing and communications strategies and plans that align with the school’s institutional priorities. The Director of Marketing & Communications leads a talented team of professionals which includes Director of Publications, Digital Marketing Manager, and Sports Information Director, who work cross-functionally and are responsible for driving and supporting content development, digital marketing, school publications and community engagement.

WORK HOURS AND EXPECTATIONS:
Exempt administrative position; involves working early/late as needed; four weeks of yearly vacation subject to the approval of the Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement.

The major responsibilities of the position are twofold. First, drive awareness of Ravenscroft’s unique value proposition and strategic priorities to audiences known and unknown by creating and publishing materials/assets (print and digital) showcasing the school’s distinctive programs, philanthropic priorities, talented people and educational spaces. Second, oversee and manage operational and crisis communications.

The position requires the ability to both champion an independent vision and to work in partnership, concert and support of key department stakeholders.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Setting a Course - Monitor, refine, manage and support strategic marketing and operational communications priorities to accommodate evolving institutional needs and changing market conditions.
• Storytelling and Publications - Provide strategic editorial direction, support and content planning to align with institutional messaging priorities (e.g., “Why Ravenscroft,” celebrating a culture of philanthropy, academic programming, student success). Manage and support as needed all school publications, including Ravenscroft Weekly, Monthly Newsletters, Ravenscroft Magazine, Student and Family Handbook, curriculum guides, New Family Guide, Annual Report on Giving, etc.
• Operational Communications - Oversee and manage school communications and the communications calendar.
• Crisis Communications - Serve on the crisis management team as a thought leader and manager of timely and effective communications during a crisis.
• Digital Marketing - Lead and manage the school’s digital marketing initiatives, including website management; social media presence, strategy and campaigns; and third-party online presences. Track, evaluate and report relevant data metrics.
• Demand Generation - Support, develop and execute demand generation campaigns (print/digital advertising, direct mail, etc.), cultivating leads for enrollment management and driving philanthropic support.
• Materials/Asset/Content Development - Drive and support the creation and publication of compelling content to further an institutional goal/priority (e.g. launching a new program) and/or further understanding of Ravenscroft’s distinct value.
• Brand Management - Manage and enhance the school’s reputation and identity
• Strategic Communications - As needed, provide positioning and messaging support for institutional priorities and Head of School communications as well as provide support to Senior Leadership team members.
• Press and Media Relations - Manage and oversee all press/media relations; build and maintain relationships with media outlets to obtain favorable coverage and represent Ravenscroft as a thought leader in education.
• Budget Management - Develop and manage the Marketing and Communications budget, optimizing investments made in talent and resources.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience in the field.
• Independent school experience preferred.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team of professionals.
• Strong ability to think both strategically and tactically.
• Knowledge and experience in developing both short-term and long-term innovative marketing campaigns.
• Strong analytical skills to assess data and make data-driven decisions.
• Collaborative team player, self-starter, highly organized.
• Possesses a service-oriented disposition and creates a welcoming environment.
• Ability to multitask, balance competing priorities, meet deadlines and resolve issues under pressure and time constraints.