Chief Communications Officer

The Hotchkiss School is an independent boarding school located in Lakeville, Connecticut. Founded in 1891, the school provides an education of academic distinction to 625 students in grades 9 through 12 and a small number of postgraduates. Students at Hotchkiss come from across the United States and around the world. Graduates attend many of the most selective universities and colleges.

The Hotchkiss School seeks to inspire a diverse range of students who are committed to the betterment of self and society, and to cultivate in them at the highest standards of excellence, imagination and intellect, openness and personal integrity, empathy and responsible citizenship that they may discover and fulfill their potential as individuals fully engaged in our world.

The aim of The Hotchkiss School, since its foundation, has been to provide a dynamic environment for teaching and learning, as well as exceptional preparation for future study and fulfilling adult lives. The residential community—the network of relationships created by the School’s people, place, and opportunities is its most effective means of providing a transformative educational experience, where students may grow and gain greater understanding of themselves and their responsibilities to others.

The School believes that a healthy and inclusive learning community nourishes students physically, emotionally, and intellectually; fosters joy in learning and living with others; and ensures that all feel safe, seen, and supported. All members of the Hotchkiss community have a role in sustaining this environment.

Chief Communications Officer

Head of School

As the next Chief Communications Officer, you will join Hotchkiss at a pivotal moment in the School's history, with an opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of a major campaign, support the arrival of a new Head of School, and lead a comprehensive assessment of the School's communications strategy, brand positioning, and storytelling approach to ensure Hotchkiss continues to distinguish itself among the nation's leading independent schools.

Through the leadership of the Chief Communications Officer, the Communications team will develop and execute an integrated communications and storytelling strategy that strengthens Hotchkiss's reputation, advances institutional priorities, and deepens engagement among prospective and current students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and other key constituents. Reporting to the Head of School, the Chief Communications Officer will lead a comprehensive assessment of the School's internal and external communications landscape, clarify and elevate the institution's brand narrative, establish greater consistency across messaging and visual identity, and position Communications as a trusted strategic partner across the School.

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the School's internal and external communications ecosystem during the first year, evaluating brand, messaging, channels, workflows, audience segmentation, and stakeholder relationships to identify opportunities for greater effectiveness and alignment.
• Develop and implement an institution-wide content strategy that ensures the School's most compelling stories, differentiators, and strategic priorities are communicated consistently across all platforms and audiences.
• Support the Head of School in her role as chief spokesperson for Hotchkiss, serving as a co-strategist on messaging. Ensure that she is well-briefed and that her communications activities are productive and efficient.
• Establish and champion clear brand standards, messaging frameworks, and visual identity guidelines, fostering greater consistency and discipline across all School communications.
• Play a hands-on role in the development, launch, and ongoing evolution of the School's website and digital ecosystem, including social media, email, video, and emerging platforms. Ensure strategic alignment and executional excellence across all channels.
• Partner with Admissions team to ensure coordinated, timely, strategic, and compelling recruitment marketing and messages…