Rumsey Hall School
Looking ahead, the priorities, opportunities, and challenges for the Director of Marketing and Communications include:
Assessing the Needs of an Evolving Communications Program
The Director of Marketing and Communications must balance the creation of a strategic vision for Rumsey’s communications with a fast-paced school environment that requires flexibility and dexterity.
While the Director of Marketing & Communications will inherit a robust communications program including, but not limited to, a beloved magazine (1 issue annually), a Finalsite website ready for a refresh, and several social media accounts, they will need to examine current practices and when appropriate, evolve the program and deliverables to ensure that are meeting strategic goals.
Partnering with the Advancement and Admissions Programs
A strong communications program relies on close and productive working relationships with other operational programs. The next leader of Marketing and Communications will strengthen partnerships with the Admissions and Development programs, ensuring thoughtful collaboration on goal setting and project management execution. To ensure that the school achieves its goals for enrollment and retention, the Director of Marketing and Communications will partner closely with the Admissions Office
to develop a holistic marketing and outreach program for prospective and current families. In addition, given the vital role of philanthropy at Rumsey, the Director of Communications will closely strategize with Advancement colleagues on the development of the case for support and the creation of compelling and successful targeted print and digital appeals for all constituencies.
Engaging in the Life of the School
As the manager for all community wide and external communications, the Director of Marketing and Communications will develop meaningful and productive partnerships with members of the Rumsey community. The Director is charged with orchestrating and implementing a clear, concise, and consistent communications strategy that captures the daily joy and energy of the Rumsey experience.
Duties and Responsibilities:
– Collaborate with Admissions, Advancement, and the Head of School in developing and executing strategies to both recruit prospective students and families and encourage the philanthropic support of the School’s parents, alumni, and friends.
– Shape and execute the strategic and creative direction of the School’s website and social media platforms.
– Curate and lead a comprehensive publications program – concept, design, content, editorial, and production for paper and digital communications that reach and influence the School’s target audiences.
– Serve as a member of the School’s crisis management team and oversee related
communications. Maintain and update the crisis management communications plan.
– Supervise the Associate Director of Communications in the production of video and digital content for the School’s website and social media channels.
Qualifications and Personal Attributes
– Minimum 5 years experience in journalism, communications, media, or related communications field; school experience preferable but not essential.
– Excellent organizational, writing, interview, and editing skills required.
– Ability to think strategically about communications objectives and how to meet those
objectives.
– A commitment to understanding trends and practices in the evolving fields of digital marketing and outreach.
– Ability to speak with and craft messaging for multiple constituencies.
– Expertise in social media, digital marketing, website development, and maintenance.
– Ability to remain calm in a fast-paced environment and a joyful spirit.
– Knowledge of web content management systems, web analytics, social media, and Adobe Creative Suite. Knowledge of Blackbaud and Finalsite preferred.
