Director of Communications

The Director of Communications is a senior-level administrator who reports to the Head of School and who is responsible for overseeing all aspects of communication and marketing in alignment with the strategic directions of the school. As a member of the senior administrative team, the Director of Communications is an essential partner in defining and sharing the school’s strategy and progress toward goals. They are an enthusiastic expert on Riverdale’s mission, program, partnerships, and activities in all three divisions who champions the work of the school using a variety of media formats disseminated through the website, coordinated communications, and social media. Responsibilities of the position include:

Communications:

Facilitate strategic planning and processes that yield integrated school-wide communications and marketing that support the school’s mission, meet the needs of multiple constituents, and advance Riverdale’s standing in the local community and the independent school community nationwide. Shape, supervise, and motivate the communications team to ensure expertise in strategic planning, content production, public relations and marketing.  In addition to working with RCS employees and external resources (brand consultant, Wordpress developers, freelance photographers and video production specialists), the Director will hire an additional staff member to ensure all needs are met.  Collaborate closely with the Admission team to ensure that the school’s messaging effectively communicates the value of a Riverdale education to prospective families. Work closely with the Development office to ensure that the communications for fundraising and alumni connections appropriately reflect the school’s mission and voice, while supporting the office’s objectives.  Collaborate closely with the Technology department to optimize internal communications channels and tools (Vimeo, Rise vision/internal screens, Veracross portals, Google apps, video captioning, etc.). Continue to refine and execute Riverdale’s social media and web-based communication strategy. Oversee the school’s electronic archive of images, video, and school publications. Work with the Senior Leadership Team and closely with the Head of School on the school’s public relations approach.  This includes managing media contacts and requests while partnering with the Head of School on communications to promote the school and safeguard its reputation in moments of crisis.

Strategy:

Along with senior leadership and consultants, manage and develop the school's brand through strategic planning, market insight and trend analysis, and consumer feedback to provide strong brand cohesion across the organization. Invest in the work of the strategy group by sharing experiences from across the community and by formulating and reporting on action steps. Develop a communications plan to regularly report on strategic progress to the full community and to the Board of Trustees.

Opportunities: Riverdale Country School is a place where people feel strongly that one should work with a sense of purpose and be able to tell their story humbly and authentically. Our community members engage in rigorous, joyful education that incorporates experiential and interdisciplinary opportunities. Each day, we continue our work to become an anti-racist, anti-bias institution and a safe space for LGBTQIA+ community members. In order to contribute to the broader world of education, the school has invested in or partnered with organizations like PLUSSED+, Character Lab, Horizons, Independent Schools Experiential Education Network (ISEEN), Round Square, nXu, the Mastery Transcript Consortium, and the International Positive Education Network (IPEN). To strategically communicate internally and externally the authentic story of Riverdale Country School is an exciting and challenging opportunity!  

Ideal Candidate:  The optimal candidate for this position will have an advanced degree in education, communications, or a related field and proven experience in project management in a large and complex organization. They will thrive in a fast-paced environment in which they manage multiple priorities. Leaders at Riverdale Country School are expected to show competence in all domains outlined in the R+ Leadership Capacities. In this position, the following capacities are prioritized: commitment to the mission of Riverdale Country School; effective communication in all forms; collaboration while leading teams through change; and valuing and cultivating a diverse community.  

To apply, please use the Job Openings tab under Careers on our website.  Applications will be accepted through May 17.  In the additional materials section, please provide a portfolio that includes three samples of your work, including at least one writing sample and one sample involving digital media.