Title: Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing
Primary Responsibilities: The Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing is responsible for advancing the mission and values of Hamlin through effective and consistent communication, thoughtful and innovative marketing, and clear articulation of the Hamlin Brand across all platforms.
Hours/Classification: Full-Time; 12 Months, Exempt
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Expectation of Employee Civility and Commitment
The Hamlin School seeks to hire employees who will support and implement the school’s mission and Creed* at all times. Hamlin employees are known for being compassionate, collaborative, and dedicated professionals who treat their colleagues and supervisors with respect and who take seriously the daily care of Hamlin students.
Hamlin students are celebrated because of their curious minds, joyful work ethic, and intellectual tenacity in the classroom; that said, the school is convinced that ensuring the students’ academic growth is only one part of its work. All Hamlin employees, whatever their role or title may be, must pay close attention to the students’ social-emotional well-being, their physical and mental health, and their moral development.
Hamlin employees are committed to their own professional growth; as such, they pay close attention to the research and innovations that impact teaching and learning and independent schools as a whole. All employees are expected to be flexible thinkers and nimble actors in support of the school’s strategic plan and in its daily commitment to academic and ethical excellence.
*The Hamlin Creed: Compassion; Courage, Honesty; Respect; Responsibility
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At The Hamlin School, we are committed to a policy of equal employment for all applicants and employees. As part of our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace, we recruit and hire applicants with diverse backgrounds and professional experience that show their commitment to K-8 education and being a contributing member of a learning community.
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Required Professional Experience and Credentials
- 7+ years of progressive experience in communications with a track record of success
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience conceptualizing, writing, and coordinating advancement materials
- Superb organization and administrative skills, including working knowledge of Google Suite, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and the ability to juggle long-range strategic planning while prioritizing and completing multiple tasks simultaneously
- Knowledge of InDesign or other design software and willingness to learn new software or applications
- Evening and weekend hours are required
Desired Personal and Professional Qualities
- Self-confident; self-starter; pride in one’s work
- Impeccable organizational and project management skills
- Ability to connect with people and collaborate with enthusiasm in a fast paced work environment
- Ability to work both independently and within a team-oriented environment
- Flexibility, sensitivity, diplomacy, and the ability to work with colleagues and parents
- Authenticity and self-awareness
- Passionate “buy-in” and understanding of Hamlin’s history, mission, and Creed
- Sense of humor
Duties/Responsibilities
Leadership:
- Establish the standards for and provide vision and oversight of all Hamlin communications
- Work in direct partnership with the Director of Technology to implement new school-wide system for parent communication to strengthen the school to parent relationship
- Serve as a mentor to the Advancement Associate; provide cross training on communications systems; oversee Associate’s production of regular communication pieces
- Remain current on industry trends to best inform communication strategies for the school, making recommendations and adjustments in an effort to best communicate with internal and external constituents of varying ages
Communications:
- Work in partnership with the Advancement Associate on all regular communications for parents, grandparents, employees and friends, including the weekly electronic parent newsletter (The Hamlin NOW) and Hamlin community email blasts
- Identify and implement strategic vision for Hamlin’s external facing website (WordPress platform)
- Maintain and execute on a comprehensive social media strategy for Hamlin based on best practices and aligned with the Hamlin mission and culture elevating excellence and joyful engagement from alumni, parents, prospective families, and community partners
- Develop content, engage key stakeholders, and produce Hamlin’s annual magazine – Keeping Posted in partnership with the Advancement Manager for Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy and contract design partner
- Identify, interview, and manage outside vendors and create and manage communications budget to produce print materials on time and on budget
- Oversee Hamlin’s photography archive system (Vidigami platform), regularly capture moments of school life throughout the year, and inspire faculty to participate in collecting and archiving current photos throughout the year
- Maintain, uphold, and ensure consistent adherence to Hamlin’s Brand Standards and Style Guide to ensure consistency of communications with all constituents and to keep the brand relevant in the market
Stewardship:
- In partnership with the Advancement Manager for Parent Engagement and Philanthropy, produce Hamlin’s Annual Report of Donors
Events:
- In partnership with the Director of Events, guide the branding and communications schedule for the events of the Hamlin Parents’ Association and The Hamlin School through projects including (but not limited to) creating electronic and print communications, designing and coordinating production of all printed materials, and coordinating and supporting volunteers
- Serve as on-site partner to the Director of Events and Advancement Manager for Alumnae Engagement and Philanthropy for Hamlin community, alumnae, and fundraising events
Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attend all school-wide events and regularly engage in the life of the school
- As a member of the Advancement Team, foster and strengthen relationships with constituents and build community through effective communications and partnership
- Perform other duties consistent with the above responsibilities and in conjunction with the overall goals of the Advancement Office
Physical Requirements:
- This position is 100% on site.
- Ability to lift and carry packages and equipment up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to walk, stand, and perform physical tasks throughout the day.
- Demonstrate normal depth perception
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, operate standard office equipment, and use a telephone
- See and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids
- Hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone with or without auditory aides
Work Authorization Requirements
- Clear the Department of Justice background screening (Livescan)
- Authorized to work in the United States (I-9)
- Provide health (TB) clearance (an update is expected every four years)
Work Environment
- The work environment characteristics are representative of those in a normal classroom/school setting that one might encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work indoors in a standard office environment, computer lab, and/or classroom environment
- Some exposure to childhood and other diseases in a school environment
- May be required to work outside of typical work days and office hours to meet operational deadlines