Position Overview

As a member of a three-person Communications Team, the Communications Associate plays an important role in advancing the mission of Sacred Heart education through the school’s print and electronic publications.  The position demands a range of skills, including but not limited to, video production, photography, copy-writing, and graphic design. The ability to contribute to the school’s website and social media platforms, in terms of both content and technical management, is a must. The Communications Associate serves as publisher/editor for News Notes, the school’s weekly parent e-letter and collaborates with the Admissions Office in managing advertising, direct mail and other marketing initiatives related to enrollment.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated and technically skilled with a proven ability to take complex projects from start to finish, on deadline.  The Communications Associate should possess an instinct for public relations and marketing and must be able to work well with colleagues, volunteers and vendors, consistently projecting a positive image of Sacred Heart Schools. The Communications Associate reports directly to the Communications Director.

The Communications Office is one of the three offices, including Admissions and Development, which make up the Department of Institutional Advancement.  The Institutional Advancement Team works collaboratively to build understanding and support of the school’s mission and programs and to secure resources to enhance the school and secure its future.  Collectively and individually, the team strives to model the values expressed in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education.

Essential Job Functions:

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO/FILM

• Photograph school events and activities
• Conceptualize and create on-line video content using iMovie or Final Cut Pro
• Manage the school's photo and video archives

WEBSITE AND SPECIAL MEDIA CONTRIBUTOR

• Create and post content, including alerts, news stories, photographs and videos, as requested
• Build and post new pages; design and create micro sites, as requested
• Work with faculty, staff and volunteers to create and update content, as requested
• Work with the Website/Social Media Editor and School Office to publish and maintain the school’s on-line calendars
• Develop and upload content to the school’s social media sites and channels, including Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Flickr, Google+ and Linked In
• Responsible for production of News Notes, the school’s weekly electronic newsletter for parents and faculty/staff)

GRAPHIC DESIGN

• Create newsletters, handbooks, brochures, fliers, invitations and other publications as assigned, using Adobe Creative Suite:  InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator
• Use Power Point to create presentations for meetings, school and fundraising events and other purposes, as requested
• Ensure all materials meet the school’s style and graphic standards

COPY WRITING

• Develop written content for an array of print and electronic purposes, ranging from feature articles and blog posts to announcements and correspondence  
• Ensure all written material meets the school’s editorial and branding standards
• Have knowledge of AP Style                        

Other responsibilities:

SUPPORT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT OFFICES

• Assist the Development Office and school philanthropic and volunteer efforts through writing, designing and producing a range of campaign material, both print and electronic, including invitations, solicitations, newsletters, e-blasts, videos and presentation decks
• Support the Admissions Office and summer camp in coordinating display and on-line advertising and in managing direct mail efforts

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

• Maintain school listings

OTHER PROJECTS as defined by the Marketing and Communications Director, the Director of Institutional Advancement and/or the Head of Schools

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Strong facility with the Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office:  Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Experience with digital photography, iMovie and/or Final Cut Pro
• Excellent writing skills, especially experience with journalistic writing style
• Excellent proof reading and editing skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Available to work occasional weekends and evenings
• Familiarity with content management systems and HTML a plus