Marketing/Communications Manager

Harrisburg Academy seeks an accomplished and innovative Marketing Communications Manager to develop, execute and oversee internal and external communications, with the following main objectives:

1. Promote and differentiate the Academy to build awareness and brand meaning.
2. Drive Admissions inquiries among prospective students/families.
3. Support fundraising goals by elevating community presence and supporting key fundraising events.
4. Cultivate an informed and engaged school community – current students, their families, administration, and faculty.

The Marketing Communications Manager will report to the Head of School and work closely with the Leadership team, Administrative team, Admissions Office, and Development Office members. The Marketing Communications Manager is responsible for establishing marketing and communications strategies and developing the messaging, content, and production of all communications materials and events.

RESPONSIBILITIES

OVERALL

• Develop marketing communications strategies to build awareness and understanding of Harrisburg Academy, drive revenue-generating activity (admissions, fundraising), and encourage existing student/family engagement
• Identify and utilize the most effective communications methods to reaching relevant audiences/stakeholders
• Create and deploy compelling, engaging content to drive meaningful results
• Establish/maintain branding and messaging quality and ensure consistency via standards/guidelines for use across all departments, activities, and events
• Collaborate with key Academy representatives in supporting their ongoing priorities, including the Head of School, Development, Admissions, Academic Divisions

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

• Develop marketing communications plans (including traditional and digital tactics) that advance brand awareness, brand understanding/meaning within the Academy's marketing area.
• Develop and execute plans that motivate prospective family/students and drive admissions inquiries to support the goals of the Admissions Office.
• Support the goals of the Development Office by developing strategies and implementing concrete plans to drive increased giving.
• Plan, schedule, and deploy digital outreach and engagement: website, online campaigns, email marketing, social media, and digital content production.
• Plan, schedule, and deploy advertising/paid media initiatives: outdoor, print, etc.
• Oversee the work of specialty vendors and services (graphic designers, printers, website platform).
• Oversee and support the development and implementation of public relations/publicity/community promotions in conjunction with the Academy's contracted public and media relations team.
• Support externally-facing/public initiatives and special events with appropriate promotional materials and attendance.
• Continually evaluate and report on results/effectiveness (ROI) of all external initiatives via shared Administrative dashboards, Head of School reports, etc. to maximize effectiveness.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

• Develop and implement communications initiatives to keep students and their families informed and engaged in the vibrant school community.
• Develop and implement communications initiatives to keep faculty, staff, and administrators informed and engaged in the vibrant school community.
• Support various school initiatives and special events with required promotional materials and attendance.

 DEPARTMENTAL/ADMINISTRATIVE

• Plan and manage the department budget to maximize the effectiveness of all communications.
• Evaluate and manage the sourcing/bidding of outside vendors for specialty expertise or services (design services, photography, production, printing).
• Engage actively in professional development to remain current in best practices related to independent school communications, emerging social media, and effective marketing and advertising strategies.
• Participate actively in the senior leadership team's work and provide support for school events and administrative jobs as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to marketing and communications; an advanced degree is preferred. An individual with extensive experience in the field will also be considered.
• Five years of experience in marketing communications, preferably in an independent school or other non-profit organization.
• Proven expertise in applying the principles of marketing, communications, and hands-on experience with implementing the same.
• Demonstrated success in producing results via communications tactics such as social media, public relations, events, website strategies.
• Ability to create print materials using Photoshop, InDesign, or other comparable layout software.
• Outstanding speaking, writing, and editing skills.
• Ability to develop, monitor, and adhere to budgets and production schedules.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects with shifting priorities and competing deadlines.

 PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• A "strategizer" who contributes meaningfully to course-setting and adjusting.
• A hard worker with a "doer" mentality and a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities.
• A good listener who is comfortable receiving input from many sources and can formulate disparate information into a sound, well-organized plan.
• A diplomatic team player – determined, yet respectful, of others' viewpoints.
• A problem-solver with the flexibility and creativity to find innovative alternative ways to reach objectives when barriers arise.
• A fast learner who can rapidly acclimate to Harrisburg Academy, developing a thorough understanding of the educational philosophy, culture, traditions, and constituencies of the school.
• A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to Harrisburg Academy's mission and values.

Harrisburg Academy is an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates should forward a letter of interest, resume and three references electronically to dircommunications@harrisburgacademy.org by April 1, 2021. Questions can be directed to the same email address. Criminal Record Clearances and satisfactory references will be required.