Career Center

Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications

Reports to: Head of School

North Shore Country Day (NSCD), a vibrant junior kindergarten to 12th grade college preparatory school in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka, Illinois, seeks a Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications to begin July 1, 2022.

The Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications reports to the Head of School and is an integral part of the school’s senior leadership team. The director is responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of a comprehensive marketing and communications program to increase the visibility and promote the value proposition of NSCD to internal and external audiences alike, all the while ensuring the school is represented in a clear, consistent and compelling voice. This entails regular and substantive collaboration with other school administrators and departments. 

The position serves the entire NSCD community, including the Parents’ Association, and requires a leader, manager, collaborator, strategic thinker, advanced technology user, excellent writer and creative storyteller. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The director will:

• In collaboration with school leadership and departments, unify and align internal and external messaging across departments–including admissions, athletics, college counseling, development, equity and inclusion, and recruitment– and throughout publications, website, digital and print advertising, media relations and capital campaign materials.
• Oversee consistent branding (aligned with the school’s style guide and visual identity policies) across all departments, divisions, programs and parent’s association.
• Execute this strategy across all communications platforms to inform and build relationships with key audiences, including students, current and former parents, faculty/staff, prospective families and alumni.
• With the Director of Admission & Financial Aid, develop and implement admission marketing and communication strategies, including outreach to prospective students and families from inquiry to enrollment, and support and welcome new students and families.
• With the Director of Alumni & Development, design and implement marketing and communication strategies that strengthen donor engagement and increase participation and giving for all fundraising and campaign efforts.
• Lead, manage, develop and assess the communications team, manage the communications budget and supervise external partners, vendors and volunteers. 
• Work closely with the Technology Department to stay informed on tech initiatives, working collaboratively to annually update Finalsite and Blackbaud systems, and ensure the app, portals and website are working smoothly.
• Develop a strategy to elevate the profile, effectiveness and impact of the school’s website and social media channels, focusing on regular, compelling content.
• Review, revise and update, as necessary, the school’s crisis communication plan.
• Provide crisis communications support as needed and serve as a key spokesperson for the school when appropriate. 
• Monitor, manage and serve as external relations liaison for all media outlets (online, print, TV, radio, etc.) social media and community organizations.
• Work with the Board of Trustees and Communications Committee.
• Develop processes for translating school documents into other languages as needed.
• Stay current with marketing and communication trends in the education sector and engage actively in professional development in order to remain current in best practices related to independent school communications, emerging social media, and effective marketing and advertising strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School.

Qualification Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred.
• Significant experience in the marketing and communication field, including managerial/Marketing Director experience. Knowledge of independent schools is a plus.
• A self-starter with the ability to think critically, creatively and strategically. 
• Proven track record of innovation.
• A personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and  experience creating an inclusive office environment.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, organizational and managerial skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other school community members to achieve common goals.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Strong technology skills and fluency in social media/digital marketing.
• Flexibility, a sense of humor and ready ability to find the joy in working with kids, adolescents and their families.   

North Shore Country Day is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, and abilities. North Shore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. We are fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body.