Director of Marketing & Communications

The Albany Academies is an independent, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Post-graduate, educational institution located in Albany, New York that coordinate single-sex and co-educational learning environments to develop diligent students of high character who become curious, critical thinkers.

At The Albany Academies, the active expression of different perspectives and life experiences plays a vital role in the life of the school. In harmony with our Mission Statement and reflective of our Core Values, the Academies are committed to a safe, diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just school climate dedicated to inclusive excellence.

Our vision is to maintain and improve the reputation of The Albany Academies as a premier academic institution that develops high-character, intellectually curious students and prepares them for future success. We employ talented faculty and staff who are respected for following current educational best practices. These powerful educators teach time-honored content and skills that our graduates use to be successful in higher education and life beyond. They also collaborate cross-departmentally and divisionally in spaces and programs geared towards educational student experiences and design thinking. This approach allows us to provide innovative learning experiences, authentic leadership opportunities, and abundant co-curricular opportunities for student engagement.

For additional information about the school go to AlbanyAcademeis.org.

Position Summary
The Director of Marketing & Communications leads and manages all aspects of external communications on behalf of The Albany Academies.

Reports to: Head of School

Direct Reports: Manager, Marketing & Communications, Special Events Coordinator & Media Specialist

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but not limited to, the following:

• Own the underlying technology, structure and content of the website.
• Ensure the website design and content is a powerful marketing and communications asset.
• Manage digital communications content across the website, email and social media, and all printed materials including our annual magazine and donor report.
• Own and define all elements of the style guide and advise others on appropriate use. Correct violations.
• Collaborate with the Admissions Office to define and execute an annual marketing and communications plan.
• Work collaboratively across the Institutional Advancement team including, Advancement, Admissions and Alumni/ae Relations, leading to increased engagement, enrollment, and gift production.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees and lead the Marketing and Enrollment Committee.
• Partner in new family meetings with Head of School.
• Plan, manage and execute the Marketing & Enrollment Committee.
• Manage the relationship with marketing (Ed Lewi), communications & public relations (Pierce) consultants.
• Develop and manage a robust volunteer marketing & communications advocacy program.
• Invite key members of The Academies leadership to participate in marketing & communications.
• Travel nationally to meet with constituents and/or attend events.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of marketing and communication experience. Preferably with academic institutions.
• Proven track record of increased engagement on all communication platforms.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with a wide range of constituents in a school community.
• Working knowledge of basic research tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including editing and proofing.

Characteristics

• Brings marketing savvy to the Institutional Advancement team.
• Proposes new approaches to engagement and fundraising.
• Participates in dialogue with colleagues in a way that leads to the best possible decisions and enhances positive team relationships.
• Participates in ongoing professional development.
• Communicates (verbally and writing) effectively to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Is calm in challenging situations.
• Advocates for the good of the institution.
• Has enthusiasm for the work.

Assignment Type: Full Time, 12-month, Exempt

Compensation: $95,000-$115,000

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Generally, the role is conducted in a heated and cooled office/classroom environment.
• Most of the work is done sitting or standing.
• Regular travel by car, train, or plane.
• Routinely move about inside the building and occasionally outside from building to building.
• Frequent interaction with others speaking, listening and typing.
• Ability to operate office equipment including computers, printers, copiers and the like.

Disclaimer

• The employee must be capable of fully performing all duties described herein, either without or with reasonable accommodation.
• The Albany Academies reserves the right to alter this job description.

Employment with The Albany Academies is at will.