Communications​/Marketing Director

Title:
Communications/Marketing Director Classification:
Exempt

Department:
Communications

Reports to:

Head of Schools

Foundedin Chicago in 1876, Sacred Heart Schools at Sheridan Road (Hardey Preparatory for Boys and Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls) are independent, Catholic, single‑sex elementary schools committed to academic excellence within the context of a Christian, faith-based community. The educational mission is deeply rooted in the 200-year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart and shared with the Network of Sacred Heart Schools located in 30 countries: including 25 schools in the United States and Canada.

The essence of this tradition is the total development of each child: spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Our girls and boys are taught in single‑sex classrooms but follow a similar curriculum and share in many activities. With a total enrollment of approximately 515 students, the Schools are organized into three academic divisions each led by a division head.

The Communications/Marketing Director is responsible for developing a comprehensive strategy to build understanding and support for the mission of Sacred Heart education and enhance the reputation of the Academy and Hardey Prep as leaders among independent Catholic schools, locally, and nationally. The Director manages resources and oversees initiatives that raise awareness of the school's distinctive character, strengthens Sacred Heart's brand position, and engages as well as informs key constituent groups.

Key areas of responsibility include school publications, social media, public relations, advertising, and brand identity and supports Head of Schools in messaging to the wider community. This individual also works closely with outsourced graphic designers, printers, and remarketing personnel. The position demands a full range of communications skills, both creative and technical: copywriting, graphic design, photography, website updates, and experience in using electronic media to support institutional goals.

The ideal candidate is a strong project manager who can think both creatively and strategically, and who can complete complex projects from start to finish and on deadline. In addition, the Director demonstrates a commitment to staying abreast of trends in marketing and communication methods, and to practices among peer schools. The Director exhibits strong leadership and interpersonal skills, can work effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and vendors, and consistently projects a positive image of Sacred Heart Schools.

The Communications/Marketing Director works collaboratively with Admissions, Development, and Head of Schools to build understanding and support of the school’s mission and programs, and to secure resources to enhance the school and secure its future. The Director strives to model the values expressed in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education.

• Develop and execute an annual marketing plan designed to advance the vision, mission, and strategic objectives of Sacred Heart Schools; ensure the plan is closely aligned with the Board of Trustees’ Strategic Plan
• Develop metrics that define success, assess effectiveness, and measure progress; regularly provide reports to Head of Schools
• Develop and maintain standards for the school’s brand, editorial, and visual identities
• Implement “best practice” policies for communications/marketing as articulated by professional and accreditation organizations such as the National Association for Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, and the Network of Sacred Heart Schools
• Develop and maintain an effective crisis and emergency communications policy and train key personnel
• With the Head of Schools, provide input for budget development and administer all budgets related to communications and marketing.
• Serve on the Enrollment Management Committee and Development Committee of the Board of Trustees

• Lead the effort to build and execute the annual…