Director of Communications

Columbia Grammar Preparatory School | New York, NY

Director of Communications Opportunity Statement

Founded in 1764,
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School (CGPS) is a vibrant Pre-K–12 independent school on Manhattan’s Upper West Side where academic rigor meets a warm, deeply supportive community. Driven by the core belief that a balanced education leads to a powerful life, CGPS empowers students to pursue their unique ambitions while keeping their curiosity and joy intact. As an educator or staff member here, you join a collaborative team that values innovation, individuality, and continuous growth—supported by dedicated professional development initiatives, including annual global faculty travel research grants.

If you are passionate about fostering inquiry, resilience, and creative expression in a community where every individual’s strengths are celebrated, CGPS offers an inspiring environment to build a meaningful career.

Serving on the Senior Leadership Team and reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Communications will lead a dedicated two-person team that will play a crucial role in bringing CGPS’s upcoming strategic plan to life. By refining our brand narrative and crafting consistent, high-impact messaging across all channels, the Director advances key school priorities and celebrates the CGPS story.

This role is vital to building trust, enhancing institutional reputation, and fostering meaningful connections with current and prospective families, alumni, faculty, staff, and trustees.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible communications, marketing, or public relations experience, with demonstrated experience developing and executing organization-wide communications strategies.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and editorial skills
  , with the ability to craft clear, compelling, audience-specific messaging and tell an organization’s story consistently across multiple channels.
• Demonstrated experience in brand strategy and digital communications
  , including websites, social media, digital publications, media relations, and other platforms that strengthen institutional visibility and engagement.
• Experience with crisis communications, issues management, and media relations
  , including the ability to advise senior leadership and develop thoughtful, timely messaging in sensitive or high‑pressure situations.
• Strong leadership, project management, and collaborative skills
  , with experience managing communications professionals and partnering effectively with senior leaders and colleagues across multiple departments and constituencies.
• Experience in an independent school, education, nonprofit, or similarly mission‑driven organization preferred
  , with an understanding of how communications supports enrollment, advancement, community engagement, and institutional reputation.