Associate Director of Communications

Position Purpose

Phillips Exeter Academy, a coeducational residential school with a centuries-old tradition of academic excellence, seeks an experienced teammate to join the dynamic, collaborative team of professionals in the Communications Department.

The Associate Director will advise on the creation of comprehensive plans and make recommendations on appropriate vehicles, media, and messages to reach target audiences and promote institutional objectives. This person is responsible for providing strategic marketing and communications guidance to Institutional Advancement partners. In this capacity they will direct the creation of compelling communications materials that foster long-term engagement with all of the school’s audiences including alumni, parents, prospective families, and more.

Key Accountabilities

• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Advancement Communications, in the IA department, on the creation of comprehensive plans and project management of communications materials that promote institutional objectives.
• Advise on appropriate vehicles, media, and messages to reach internal and external target audiences.
• Leads the Communications Office in the development of Institutional Advancement materials including print and online fundraising pieces, case statements, donor relations materials, event collateral, e-newsletters and more.
• Responsible for leading the concepting of fundraising campaigns and guiding the creative process.
• Provide oversight of design/development, budgeting, writing, editing, and photography for projects, as well as vendor relations on those elements if outsourced.
• Work in conjunction with Communications teammates and the Associate Director of Advancement Communications, to ensure that the Academy’s core messages are communicated to all constituencies in a coordinated way.
• Actively identify and articulate compelling stories that exemplify the school’s institutional priorities.
• Write copy for print and digital platforms including the alumni magazine, e-newsletters, website and principal messaging.
• Stay current on industry best practices and institutional history, and bring that guidance to the planning process.

Degree of Independent Action Performed

Incumbent is expected to work with a high level of independence and autonomy, and exercise a high degree of initiative, influence, and judgment in decisions.

Expected to solve problems or address issues that require immediate attention.

Direct/Indirect Reports

None

Internal & External Contacts

Frequent contact with the Academy’s leadership, Institutional Advancement Office, administrative and academic offices, students, faculty, parents and staff. External contacts could include alumni, consultants, peer institutions, etc.

Position Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, English or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in content creation, management and production in the area of marketing and/or institutional advancement desired.
• An understanding of the field of education and independent education is also desired.
• Must be experienced in targeted, audience-driven communications and brand marketing, producing high-quality campaigns and associated assets, and understand the importance of unified institutional messages through a variety of formats: printed and online publications, as well as video, photography and social media.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of Academy life.
• Proven strong presentation skills and presence.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, and in collaboration and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strategic high-level thinking coupled with the attention to detail necessary for successful planning and execution.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to privacy.
• Proficiency in basic data management systems and basic computer applications (e.g., Word, Excel)
• Willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. Physical demands are those for sedentary work and will require the ability to sit in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.
2. Ability to lift and transport up to 25lbs without assistance.
3. Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
4. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example using a keyboard.
5. Communication skills using the spoken and written word.
6. Ability to see with normal parameters.
7. Ability to use a visual display terminal with continuous wrist movement on a keyboard.
8. Ability to hear within normal range.

Additional Requirements

1. Successfully complete a criminal background check (reviewed every 5 years).

COVID Vaccine Policy:

Phillips Exeter Academy requires all community members to be fully vaccinated* against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

*With the exception of a PEA-approved medical or religious exemption.