The Avery Coonley School is seeking an experienced (2 plus years) well qualified, dynamic, Associate Director of Marketing & Communication. Supervised by the Director of Marketing & Communications, the Associate develops and implements a plan for print and online messaging.  This person is responsible for the website, social media and external communications.

Duties

• Works with faculty and staff to gathers stories and news for the School’s community newsletter and other School communications. Creates and distributes the weekly community newsletter
• Manages the School’s online presence including the website, social media accounts, and online profiles Creates compelling content (graphics, photos, and stories) to engage current and prospective families Monitors channels for feedback, trends, and engagement opportunities
• Develops and maintains relationships with media contacts to increase earned media. Writes and distributes press releases as needed
• Coordinates the production of the School’s Annual Magazine. Establishes schedule, develops stories, edits content, selects images, and works with outside design and production vendors to complete project
• Uses photographic skills to capture events and student life on campus to share on social media, news articles, marketing, and communications pieces
• Maintains the schools brand guide, branded templates, and digital assets. Ensures compliance and consistent messaging across all marketing and communications pieces
• Maintains the schools communication and public relations mailing lists in Mailchimp and Finalsite Messages XR
• Assists with special projects, events, administrative tasks, and other team duties as assigned
• Assists with design work
• Manages the School’s Spirit Store and product development including designing artwork for products
• Anticipated start date is August 2024

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited institution. Advanced degree preferred
• Two or more years of experience in the nonprofit sector managing communications activities for an organization. Independent school experience preferred
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Adobe Express), Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.), Google Suite, and Canva
• Familiarity school CMS/CRM systems (Finalsite and Veracross preferred)
• Strong project management, communications, interpersonal skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams, departments, and division
• Approachable and collaborative, possess effective communication and problem-solving skills
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Excellent listening skills.
• “Can do” attitude and ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to manage multiple projects at one time on tight deadlines
• Ability to receive feedback and engage in continuous self-improvement
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic, rapidly changing work environment
• Ability to build positive relationships with all important constituencies

About The Avery Coonley School

Located in the western suburbs of Chicago and serving 337 children from 40 communities in grades PreK to 8, The Avery Coonley School (ACS) welcomes highly motivated, high-ability learners who eagerly seek new challenges. Gifted and high-achieving students flourish in a unique and collaborative culture where the drive to learn transcends all other differences. Founded in 1906, ACS enjoys a storied place in the history of gifted and progressive education for younger students in Chicago and across the nation. Learning spaces brim with energy, project-based learning, and individual exploration. On the historic 13-acre campus, which is adjacent to a forest preserve, members of the Avery Coonley community thrive in a learning environment that allows for flexibility, creativity, and innovation.

About The Avery Coonley School

Located in the western suburbs of Chicago and serving 331 children from 40 communities in Groups (grades) PreK to 8, The Avery Coonley School (ACS) welcomes highly motivated, high-ability learners who eagerly seek new challenges. Gifted and high-achieving students flourish in a unique and collaborative culture where the drive to learn transcends all other differences. Founded in 1906, ACS enjoys a storied place in the history of gifted and progressive education for younger students in Chicago and across the nation. Learning spaces brim with energy, project-based learning, and individual exploration. On the historic 11-acre campus, which is adjacent to a forest preserve, members of the Avery Coonley community thrive in a learning environment that allows for flexibility, creativity, and innovation.

Connections working at The Avery Coonley School