Director of Marketing & Communications

Dallas

Job Description Job Description School Overview

Founded in 1991, Dallas International School (DIS) is a secular, independent, co-educational day school for children in grades EC2 through twelve, with two campuses in Dallas. The school’s mission as a community is to inspire students to become multilingual global citizens who pursue a lifelong journey of discovery and action where the quest for deep academic knowledge and an appreciation of world cultures contribute to the advancement of humanity.

With a student body of close to 700 students, representing over 30 nationalities, DIS is an international school that offers a multilingual program in French and English, integrating the best aspects of a French and American education, along with third language options in Spanish, Mandarin or German. It is one of the few schools in North America to offer both the IB Bilingual and Advanced Bilingual Diploma programs. Upon completion of the French Baccalaureate or the IB Diploma program, DIS students go on to attend universities in the United States or internationally in countries such as France, Canada, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain or Australia. The school’s accreditations include ISAS (Independent Schools Association of the Southwest), France's Ministry of Education, and the International Baccalaureate Organization.

Position Description

The Director of Marketing & Communications drives and implements a schoolwide communications strategy; guides the school's leadership in all matters of communication, including crisis management procedures; oversees content and design of school’s website with frequent updates; oversee and assist in the creation of digital, video, audio and print content; coordinates the school’s advertising and social media campaigns; liaises with other departments and school sections; and manages the MarCom team. Both thought leader and project manager, this person develops strategy and implements tactics to increase brand awareness, attract more qualified applicants for admission, raise funds, build a proud, engaged school community, and cultivate a culture of giving.

Scope of Position

Dallas International School is seeking an independent school experienced Director of Marketing and Communications. The Director develops, manages and effectively executes the school’s marketing and communications plan, as well as public relations initiatives. This position requires significant interaction with members of the DIS community including faculty, staff, parents, students and alumni. This full-time position will develop an integrated marketing communication plan for both internal and external media that incorporates website management, newsletters, print publications, news, social media, press releases and other digital communications.

Responsibilities - Leadership

In collaboration with the Deputy Head of School, develop and implement the school’s brand strategy and align communications with it.

Represent the school to the media.

Guide crisis communications.

Effectively manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, balancing strategic plans.

Partner with Department Heads in collaboration to support communications and carry out strategic goals.

School Strategy

Serve as the lead marketing communications executive, articulating the school’s mission, vision and image across various media channels.

Assist the Head of School with internal and external communications, preparation of press releases and drafting public remarks.

In collaboration with members of the Executive team, plan and implement a brand strategy that is consistent across all media.

Support development and fundraising efforts by working closely with the Development Office.

Monitor, measure, analyze and report digital, social media, marketing and PR related events.

Serve as editor of Heads Up, the weekly online publication. Responsible for deciding the content and overseeing the writing and editing process.

Demonstrated experience in website management.

Update and maintain the school’s communications database.

Oversee photography, written content at school events, taking the lead with PR-related events.

Manage the school calendar of communication-relevant activities.

Create and manage a “story bank” of photo and video content of school life.

Develop and manage vendor relations with printers, photographers, freelancers and videographers.

Ensure compliance with copyright laws, federal and state regulations, policy and graphic standards in all digital assets usage and school publications.

Experience/Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree; preferably a Master’s Degree in Marketing.

Proven track record leading an independent school’s Marketing and Communications Department.

Strong experience in a departmental leadership role, with responsibility for management of staff.

Ability to manage operating budgets.

Exceptional writing skills, with a lens for writing to various audiences, with demonstrated experience producing editorial, corporate communications and advertising copy.

Comfortable using technology and design-related software, including Adobe Creative Suite.

An extremely well organized, detail-oriented individual who honors commitments.

Ability to convey a passion for DIS to others.

Excellent interpersonal skills to deal with a range of constituents.

Ability to work comfortably in a collaborative environment.

Hard-working, enthusiastic and approachable demeanor, with a good sense of humor.

Strong analytical skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Requirements

Master’s degree in Marketing.

Knowledge of and/or experience with independent schools, particularly in the DFW area.

Experience and leadership with social media technology and innovation.

Proficiency with Blackbaud platform.

Knowledge of Finalsite.

English - Primary Language, Multilingual a plus.

Required Documents

In order to complete the application process, interested candidates must forward the following documentation:

A letter of interest

A resume or curriculum vitae

A writing sample or portfolio of work samples

A minimum of two recommendation letters (at least one from a former supervisor)

A copy of diploma

This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It may be subject to modification or amendment at any time at the discretion of the Head of School.

The above responsibilities are subject to the general duties and responsibilities contained in the employee’s Conditions of Employment. This job description allocates duties and responsibilities but does not direct the particular amount of time to be spent carrying them out and no part of it may be so construed.

Dallas International School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Dallas International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in its hiring of faculty and staff members.