The Archer School for Girls is currently seeking a full-time Director of Communications and Strategic Marketing. The Director of Communications and Strategic Marketing is responsible for leading the School’s innovative, integrated communication and marketing strategy in order to strengthen Archer’s brand, raise its visibility in the independent school landscape, and articulate clear messaging to both internal and external constituencies. The Director oversees the creation, design, and execution of all school publications and online platforms and coordinates all outreach strategies to ensure clarity and consistency in communications, branding and positioning. 

The primary objective of the Director of Communications and Strategic Marketing is to tell the unique story of Archer, to both internal and external audiences, by accurately showcasing our high-level teaching and learning and our 21st-century approach to an all-girls’ education. The Director reports to the Head of School, is a member of the Senior Administrative team, and manages Communications Department staff members.

Nature & Scope of Duties:

• Oversee and manage all official school communications and ensure materials are in accordance with the School’s mission and strategic objectives
• Develop and execute the School’s strategic communications, branding and marketing plan in close collaboration with the Head of School
• Maintain and enhance Archer’s brand internally and externally to ensure that all materials reflect and embody the innovative, creative culture of the school while enhancing the visibility and public perception of Archer
• Establish an annual communications calendar that includes the production schedule for all print materials, internal and external correspondence, and specific marketing projects
• Act as creative director and lead editor for a variety of marketing materials produced both in house and in collaboration with external vendors including:
  • Biannual Archer magazine Artemis, video production, various email campaigns, admissions view book and supplemental collateral, annual report, capital campaign materials, brochures, event programs, and other school publications
• Create an overall messaging strategy for all online communication tools including the Archer website (www.archer.org) and official Archer social media platforms, delegating content responsibility to other departments and supervising student journalists as appropriate
• Work closely with the Head of School to establish and execute a clear messaging strategy specifically focused on raising the profile of the Head of School on online and social media outlets
• Monitor the impact of communications activities by analyzing website, social media and survey metrics
• Ensure positive constituent interaction with official online school platforms and work in conjunction with other administrative departments to ensure seamless flow of information between databases and other internal systems
• Work closely with the Advancement, Admissions, and Business offices to support specific initiatives and outreach efforts
• Conduct market research to analyze current trends and discover emerging opportunities to promote Archer’s 21st-century education
• Develop relationships with and provide content for local and national media through press releases and targeted media relations campaigns
• Develop and maintain communications support materials (templates, style guide, branding elements, etc.) and work to ensure editorial and visual consistency in all communications pieces
• Collaborate closely with the office of the Head of School to anticipate needs for remarks, talking points, letters, and quotes on behalf of the Head.
• Design and implement strategic advertising campaigns as needed
• Act as public spokesperson for the School when appropriate
• Manage the School’s relationships with external vendors including websites, photographers, graphic designers and printers
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive crisis communications plan
• Provide creative and hands-on support for a variety of school-wide events, including various fundraising initiatives
• Supervise and lead Department staff members and manage Communications Department budget
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of the School

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Clear knowledge of the principles of integrated marketing and communications
• Strong writer, editor and proofreader with the ability to identify and generate creative story ideas
• Strong management and interpersonal skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of industry standard, creative software
• Proficient in desktop publishing and design
• Flexible problem solver with ability to work with a variety of people and personality types
• Commitment to innovation and professional development
• Self-confident, enthusiastic, and collaborative professional
• Experience with website design and maintenance
• Familiarity with online storefronts, merchandising, and drop shipping
• Knowledge of video production and implementation to meet strategic outreach goals and objectives
• Passion for working in an all-girls learning community
• Exhibits a sense of play and humor
• Experience working with a variety of technical systems including a comprehensive constituent database
• Ability to work on deadline in a fast-paced environment
• Possess and demonstrate a strong sense of empathy, integrity, and responsibility, Archer’s core values

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required with at least five years experience in a relevant area of communications, marketing, public relations, or institutional advancement, preferably in an independent or non-profit setting. Master’s degree is a plus.
• Experience with a capital fundraising campaign preferred.

The Archer School for Girls is an educational community that supports and challenges young women to discover their passions and realize their true potential. Beyond competitive pay and benefits, employees enjoy working in a collegial, growth-oriented, and joyful community. We seek employees who will contribute to an equitable and just learning environment. Integral to its mission, Archer has remained passionately committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive community where all students can thrive personally and academically. To learn more about the School, visit www.archer.org.

Salary range: $100,000 - $175,000 annually (depending on qualifications and experience)

To apply please visit: www.archer.org/careers.

No phone calls, please. The Archer School for Girls is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About The Archer School for Girls

The Archer School for Girls, located in West Los Angeles, CA (Brentwood) is an independent school that provides a highly collaborative, creative, and intellectual college preparatory program for girls in grades 6-12. The School’s founders established Archer based on a compelling vision to create an educational environment that explores and refines the ways girls learn best. Archer serves as a national model for modern single-sex education.

Connections working at The Archer School for Girls