DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS in Litchfield, Connecticut at Forman School

• Develop and implement a comprehensive three- to five-year strategic marketing plan aligned with the School's Strategic Plan and institutional priorities.
• Prepare and manage the annual marketing budget and operational plan with measurable objectives and outcomes.
• Serve as the steward of Forman's brand by ensuring consistency in messaging, visual identity, graphic standards, photography, videography, and overall brand experience.
• Partner closely with the Admission Office to develop and execute enrollment marketing initiatives, including recruitment campaigns, advertising, publications, digital marketing, parent communications, and admissions events.
• Collaborate with the Advancement Office to develop marketing strategies that support alumni engagement, annual giving, capital campaigns, donor stewardship, and community outreach.
• Lead the School's digital marketing strategy, including website marketing, social media, email marketing, digital advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), analytics, and emerging digital platforms.
• Oversee the content, design, functionality, and continuous improvement of the School's website in collaboration with internal stakeholders and outside vendors.
• Coordinate photography, videography, and other visual storytelling initiatives that effectively communicate the Forman experience.
• Identify and implement emerging marketing technologies, tools, and resources that improve efficiency, audience engagement, and institutional visibility.
• Select, negotiate, and manage relationships with outside vendors including designers, photographers, videographers, printers, marketing consultants, and digital service providers.
• Analyze marketing performance through data and analytics, providing recommendations that strengthen enrollment, engagement, and institutional awareness.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that supports the School's mission, strategic priorities, and institutional reputation.
• Develop, write, edit, and oversee the production of the School's primary publications and communications, including magazines, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, case statements, event materials, digital communications, and other institutional publications.
• Serve as lead writer and editor for executive communications, including speeches, presentations, Head of School correspondence, community messages, trustee communications, and strategic announcements.
• Develop and maintain an annual editorial calendar that showcases the people, programs, achievements, and mission of the School through compelling storytelling.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, and national media through proactive public relations, press releases, story development, and media outreach.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership regarding institutional messaging, public relations, crisis communications, and reputation management.
• Create and maintain editorial, writing, and brand standards to ensure consistency across all School communications.
• Consult with faculty and staff regarding publications, presentations, and communications to ensure alignment with the School's messaging and strategic objectives.
• Assist departments in promoting School initiatives, programs, and events through effective communications planning and execution.
• Support major institutional events—including Commencement, Reunion, Family Weekend, Admissions events, fundraising events, and community celebrations—through coordinated communications and promotional materials.
• Supervise and mentor the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, fostering a collaborative, creative, and high-performing team environment.
• Key member of the Forman Centennial Planning Committee.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or institutional advancement, preferably within an independent school, higher education, nonprofit, or other mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success in strategic communications, brand development, enrollment marketing, digital communications, media relations, content creation, print and digital publications, website management, and integrated marketing campaigns.
• Exceptional writing, editing, verbal communication, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling messaging for a variety of audiences.
• Strategic thinker with excellent organizational skills, sound judgment, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across a diverse school community and work effectively with faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, trustees, and external partners.
• This is a full-time, twelve-month position requiring occasional evening and weekend work in support of School events and institutional priorities. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Preferred:

• Experience supervising staff, managing external vendors, and overseeing departmental budgets.
• Proficiency with digital marketing platforms, content management systems, social media, analytics tools, email marketing platforms, and emerging communications technologies.