Director of Marketing and Communications

Join a vibrant, mission-driven school community where your creativity defines our future! As the Director of Marketing and Communications (MarComm), you'll be the chief storyteller and architect of our school's narrative, turning the awe and wonder happening in and out of our classrooms into a compelling chronicle that grows our community. This high-level leadership role is essential to advancing our school's reputation, enrollment, and philanthropic goals. If you are passionate about storytelling, strategic communications, and making a meaningful impact on students' lives, we want to meet you.

Organizational Mission

Frankel Jewish Academy is a rigorous college preparatory high school dedicated to academic excellence and Jewish literacy. We inspire students to think critically, creatively, and compassionately, dedicating themselves to Jewish tradition, peoplehood, and the State of Israel, and to become lifelong learners and leaders.

Characteristics of Professional Excellence

FJA Professionals:

• Are invested in and dedicated to our mission and the school community's continued growth and success.
• Create an inclusive, open-minded school community and learning environment for our students.
• Embrace cross-curricular learning opportunities to create meaningful educational experiences inside and outside of the classroom.
• Are passionate, dynamic, and nurturing mentors.
• Seek opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Value responsive and collaborative professional relationships.
• Encourage students to challenge themselves to think critically about the world around them.
• Foster authentic connections with students through support, consistency, professionalism, and understanding.
• Inspire students to approach the world with awe and wonder.

You'll have opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and to shape the marketing strategy of a leading independent school.

Ideal prospective candidates:

• Visionary and strategic communications leader with a passion for storytelling and brand development
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, preferably in a school or nonprofit setting
• Proven success in brand management, digital marketing, and media relations
• Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to convey the school's mission compellingly
• Strong project manager with experience leading teams and overseeing multi-channel campaigns
• Technologically proficient in social media, website management, marketing platforms, and design principles
• Collaborative and adaptable, with excellent interpersonal and public relations skills
• Emotionally intelligent and community-oriented, able to build trust and engagement across diverse audiences

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Brand Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-channel marketing and communications strategy aligned with the school's mission and strategic plan.
• Serve as the chief brand ambassador, ensuring consistency and excellence in all internal and external communications, marketing materials, and digital presence.
• Oversee the planning, production, and distribution of all school publications, advertising, and promotional materials, including but not limited to newsletters, annual reports, donor recognition pieces, student recruitment materials, academic guides, and event programs.
• Monitor and enforce editorial and graphic standards to ensure all publications positively reflect the school's image and meet high design and editorial standards.

Communications & Community Engagement

• Direct all aspects of media relations, crisis communications, and public relations to enhance the school's visibility and reputation.
• Manage the school's website, overseeing architecture, design, and content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and engagement.
• Oversee social media and digital marketing, ensuring timely and engaging content.
• Foster strong relationships with students, parents, alumni, faculty, and community partners to promote engagement and goodwill.
• Identify newsworthy events, write press releases, and cultivate relationships with local media.
• Provide writing and editing support for the Head of School and other members of the organization as needed.

Growing Our Community

• Partner with Admissions and Development teams to create and execute marketing strategies that drive student recruitment, retention, and philanthropic support.
• Develop messaging and campaigns to support fundraising, events, and community initiatives.
• Collaborate on major school events, including open houses, galas, and donor recognition activities.
• Work closely with the Chief Advancement and Operating Officer (CA&OO) and other staff to plan and implement advancement programs and events.

Optimizing Our Future

• Prepare and manage the marketing and communications budget, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and cost-effective production of all materials.
• Supervise and mentor the MarComm team, providing clear direction, feedback, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Manage all publications and marketing vendors, including printers, graphic designers, photographers, and mail houses.
• Ensure best practices in data management, analytics, and reporting to measure the effectiveness of marketing initiatives.
• Support relevant committees as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Development team writing and editing grant applications
• Write press releases and executive communications as needed.
• Review, proofread, and approve departmental publications prior to production.
• Collaborate with the leadership team on strategic initiatives and institutional advancement.
• Projects and tasks assigned by the CA&OO.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree in communications, marketing, or related field preferred.
• You've spent the last 5+ years honing your craft in marketing and are ready for a leadership seat where your voice matters.
• Demonstrated success in brand management, strategic communications, and digital marketing.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with journalistic ability to tell the school's story.
• Proficient with marketing platforms, social media, website management, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Current in e-communications, social media, and graphic design principles.
• High emotional intelligence, excellent public relations skills, and the ability to engage community members to promote the school.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and the mission of Frankel Jewish Academy.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, starting at $90,000+.
• 28 PTO days plus school holidays.
• Summer hours in July.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Professional development support and family-friendly schedule.
• Supportive team culture and opportunities for growth.

General Requirements:

• Criminal history background check required.
• Compliance with federal employment eligibility verification.
• References required.

Don't meet every single requirement? We encourage you to apply anyway! At FJA, we value diverse experiences and perspectives.

Please email your resume, cover letter and references to employment@frankelja.org with subject "Director of Marketing and Communications."

Your work will directly support our mission of fostering academic excellence and a vibrant Jewish community, ensuring our school's financial health and the success of every student.

Frankel Jewish Academy is a non-profit private secondary academy. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to the belief that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation or pregnancy), disability, religion, national origin or genetic information.