MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS LEAD

Position: Marketing and Communications Lead

Status: 12-month, full-time (hourly, non-exempt)

About Gillispie School

Gillispie School is an independent, coeducational day school located in downtown La Jolla, enrolling students from age two through Grade Six. To learn more, visitwww.gillispie.org.

Summary

The School is seeking a dynamic Marketing and Communications Lead with a strong blend of creativity, attention to detail, and expertise in both writing and design. The Marketing and Communications Lead will play an integral role in our school’s continued growth, reporting directly to the Director of Admissions and Enrollment while collaborating closely with our leadership team, including the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, and Director of Development and Community Relations. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator passionate about shaping narratives, fostering engagement, and driving our institution’s growth through strategic communications.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive internal and external communications plan that engages and connects our diverse community of stakeholders, communicating consistent, accurate, and on-brand storytelling.

• Partner with the leadership team to create compelling narratives and plan and execute marketing initiatives aligned with The School’s mission, background, and strategic plan.

• Copy edit and proofread communications.

• Collaborate with the leadership team to create an internal communications plan that effectively communicates to current families about school policies, classroom news, and other critical content, involving collaboration with faculty and Room Parents.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with news and media contacts for press releases and advertising. 

• Maintain and expand print and digital mailing lists.

• Manage third party marketing and communications contractors as needed.

• Perform other duties as needed.

Marketing & Content Production and Digital Media Management:

• Design and produce creative materials in print and digital format, including the annual yearbook, philanthropy report, admissions materials, weekly SUN e-newsletter, brochures, social media content, and advertisements.

• Oversee Gillispie’s social media presence, including creating and publishing content and monitoring and reviewing constituent engagement for private and public audiences. 

• Direct outreach campaigns, publications, event promotions, and social media marketing efforts in alignment with The School’s brand identity and guidelines.

• Manage the strategy, development, and maintenance of the School website.

• Coordinate videography and/or photography for school events on and off campus.

• Analyze and assess digital marketing analytics (Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to formulate strategic marketing plans.

• Produce content for our internal school community by proactively engaging in school life and documenting and sharing unique student learning experiences.  

• Actively engage in training, professional development and/or research to maintain industry trends in communication

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree required and 3+ years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and years of experience  

• Exceptional written and verbal skills, including copywriting, proofreading, and editing

• Proven expertise in designing marketing materials and/or effectively managing third-party contractor relationships

• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage digital media content and marketing, including social media, website development, and general online presence

• Excellent organizational and time management skills 

• Detail-oriented with a strong grasp of written language conventions

• Ability to work with discretion, maintain confidentiality, and uphold ethical standards 

• Aptitude for creative problem-solving and collaboration 

• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction

• A willingness to be immersed in the life of the School and build relationships with students, families, and staff

• Personal warmth, positive attitude, and a deep commitment to inclusivity

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite or similar creative platform, with extensive knowledge of WordPress CMS a plus.

• Photography skills, preferred

Salary Range

The salary and benefits are commensurate with qualifications and experience. The anticipated salary range is $32 - 40 per hour. Benefits include medical/dental/vision/403b retirement plan, professional growth support, vacation, personal time, and paid holidays.

Application Process

Please send a letter of interest and your resume to Cindy Chen at  HR@gillispie.org. No phone calls, please. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Gillispie School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, pregnancy status, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, hiring, and other school-administered programs.