Title:  Marketing/Communications Associate

Classification:  Non-Exempt

Department:  Institutional Advancement                                                   

Status:  Full-Time, 12 Month

Reports to:   Marketing/Communications Director

Hired by:  Head of Schools

School Description

Founded in Chicago in 1876, Sacred Heart Schools at Sheridan Road (Hardey Preparatory for Boys and Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls) are independent, Catholic, single-sex elementary schools committed to academic excellence within the context of a Christian, faith-based community.  The 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 in 30 countries; including 25 schools in the United States and Canada.  The essence of this tradition is the total development of each child: spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Our girls and boys are taught in single-sex classrooms, but follow a similar curriculum and share in many activities.  With a total enrollment of approximately 650 students, the Schools are organized into three academic divisions each led by a division head.

 

Position Description

As a member of the Communications Team, the Marketing/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, website editing, and social media content creation. 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 Marketing/Communications Associate serves as an editor for Newsnotes, the school’s weekly parent e-newsletter 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 Marketing/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 Marketing/Communications Associate reports directly to the Marketing/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 and Video

• Photograph and capture video at school events and activities
• Conceptualize and create internal and online video content using Adobe Premiere Pro
• Manage the school's photo and video archives (on internal Share Drive and external SmugMug)
• Record, edit, and manage all audio for the Heart of Sheridan Road podcast
• Assist with scheduling and content management of the podcast

Website and Social Media

• Create and post content, including alerts, news stories, photographs and videos to the website
• Develop and upload content to the school’s social media sites and channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, SoundCloud, SmugMug, and LinkedIn
• Assist the Marketing/Communications Director to create, manage, and maintain the school’s social media plan and calendar
• Assist the Marketing/Communications Director to conceptualize and execute social media campaigns
• Build and post new pages; design and create micro sites, as requested
• Work with faculty, staff, and volunteers to create and update content on the website, as requested
• Produce regular analytical reports; utilize data to inform goals and improve effectiveness

Eblasts and Constituent Management

• Create eblasts for events, notices, emergencies, etc., as needed
• Edit Newsnotes, the school’s weekly parent/community e-newsletter
• Manage the constituents within Finalsite/eNotify to maintain up-to-date email lists and correct contact information for contacts
• Manage the school’s emergency text alert system

Brand Standards

• Ensure all materials meet the school’s style, editorial, graphic, and branding standards
• Knowledge of AP Style to oversee quality control and oversee its use
• Work to ensure brand standards are upheld by faculty, staff, and volunteers as much as possible (including branded email signatures, correct use of school logo on print materials, etc.)

Other responsibilities:

Support of Institutional Advancement Offices

• Assist the Development Office and school philanthropic and volunteer efforts. through e-blasts and videos
• Support the Admissions Office and summer camp in coordinating display and on-line advertising and in managing direct mail efforts

Other Projects as defined by the Marketing/Communications Director, the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and/or the Head of Schools

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Strong facility with the Adobe Creative Suite: Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and InDesign
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office:  Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Experience with digital photography
• Proficiency with audio-editing software such as Audacity or Adobe Audition
• 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 when necessary
• Available to work occasional weekends and evenings
• Familiarity with content management systems and HTML a plus

To Apply

 

Apply directly at the School's website (www.shschicago.org) in the Career Opportunities section, submitting a cover letter and resume.

 

Sacred Heart Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate.