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Independent, Catholic Elementary Schools Serving Chicago's Children Since 1876

Mission Statement

Sacred Heart Schools on Sheridan Road-the Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls (founded in 1876) and Hardey Preparatory for Boys (founded in 1935)-are independent, Catholic, single-sex elementary schools committed to academic excellence within the context of a Christian community. Sacred Heart Schools welcomes students of all races, religious beliefs and socio-economic backgrounds. This educational mission is deeply rooted in the 200-year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart and shared with the Network of Sacred Heart Schools located on every major continent, including 24 schools in the United States and Canada.

Job Openings >> Communications Associate
Communications Associate
Summary
Title:Communications Associate
ID:1046
Department:Institutional Advancement
Description

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: copy-writing, graphic design, video production and photography. 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.

 

Specific Duties

 

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 standards

 

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO/FILM

  • Photograph school events and activities
  • Conceptualize and create on-line video content using iMovie or Final Cut Pro, producing at least one substantial video project each year
  • Manage the school's photo and video archives

 

NEWS NOTES, the school’s weekly electronic newsletter for parents and faculty/staff

  • Serve as publisher/editor, taking the publication from start to finish weekly
  • Work with Head of Schools to produce lead articles and/or reflections
  • Solicit and edit content submitted from the school community, ensuring it meets the school’s style and editorial standards
  • Keep abreast of the school’s calendar and activities in order to create new content that reflects the school’s needs and priorities
  • Maintain email database of subscribers within Finalsite

 

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

 

E-NOTIFICATIONS AND ALERTS

  • Work with faculty, staff and volunteers to produce, design and schedule content
  • Assist Website/Social Media Editor in maintaining email databases within Finalsite

 

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

  • Assist with the production of the student yearbook
  • Maintain the school curriculum guide, uniform brochure and other publications, as assigned
  • Maintain school listings

 

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

 

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
  • Ability to work remotely from home when necessary
  • Available to work occasional weekends and evenings
  • Familiarity with content management systems and HTML a plus
This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications
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