Associate Director of Communications

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in Atherton, California, and established in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a challenging academic curriculum complemented by outstanding creative arts and athletic programs. The School helps students develop positive values and nurtures character development in a supportive environment that upholds the highest moral and ethical standards. Our program encourages students to reach their fullest potential and to develop the skills necessary to respond intelligently and humanely to the complexities of a diverse and increasingly interconnected world.

At Menlo School, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging are at the core of our organizational identity. Through our daily efforts, the School demonstrates a shared commitment to the development of all stakeholders by supporting a campus ethos where equity, diversity, and inclusion reflect the major cornerstones of our community.

The Associate Director of Communications is a key member of the School’s communications team who will lead complex and multi-faceted projects with careful attention to detail and a thoughtful approach that brings to life the mission and values of the School. They will assist with managing the team’s day-to-day operations and serve as the lead project manager and editor-in-chief of the School’s major publications, including the website, digital magazine, annual report, admissions materials, and other newsletters and communications.

This position may be available as early as June 1, 2022, depending on candidate availability.

The Associate Director of Communications will work in tandem with the Director of Communications to manage the School’s communications strategy, branding, and messaging. They will build and maintain strong relationships across the School community by partnering with faculty, alumni, students, and parents to craft and refine the school’s message and voice by discovering and amplifying the school’s stories for a variety of audiences. They will also work collaboratively to support departments critical to the success of the School including Admission, Development, Alumni Relations, Athletics, the Parents Association, College Counseling, Student Life, and EDIB.

The ideal candidate brings a creative, collaborative spirit. They should demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, proven project management experience with superb attention to detail, and a strong background in content creation and digital communications.

Primary Responsibilities

Content Strategy, Creation, and Management – Strategize, envision, plan, produce, and edit written and multimedia content and support an integrated content strategy for all high profile communications platforms for all of the School’s communications including but not limited to the website, parent e-newsletter, digital magazine, annual report, community email messages, press releases, letters, and other storytelling mediums. Strategize social media initiatives and work with other members of the communications team to carry out digital and social media strategies.
Project Management – serve as team lead for major communications projects, ensuring accurate, effective, relevant, and timely communications. Plot timelines and deliverables; conceive, assign, and create content; and manage design and production process.
Brand Management – Manage brand voice and identity messaging for the School’s various internal and external publications
Crisis Communications – As needed, work closely with the Director of Communications to strategize and implement crisis communications plans on a variety of issues
Media Relations – As needed, promote Menlo stories to the media and serve as a media liaison
Special Projects – Oversee special communications projects and initiatives as assigned by the Director of Communications
Core Qualifications of Ideal Candidates

Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and visual communication skills as well as a sense of humor and the ability to work effectively with all constituencies within the School’s internal and external communities (faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni)
Extremely detail-oriented and organized; adept at prioritizing and managing multiple projects simultaneously with demonstrated examples of work where versatility, resourcefulness, innovation, and problem-solving skills influenced the outcome
An outstanding writer, editor, and proofreader who can produce engaging, authentic, error-free copy for a variety of channels, often on a tight timeline, and exercises sound judgment as a final reviewer and approver
Superb attention to grammar, spelling, word usage, and punctuation; familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style is preferred
Technically savvy: fluency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, and Slides); strong familiarity with a website Content Management System (CMS) and basic HTML; experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator); skilled with email and digital marketing platforms, such as MailChimp, and experience managing social media, including Hootsuite or similar social media management tool as well as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field. A minimum of four years of experience in the communications or public relations field. Familiarity with the education field, independent schools, and/or nonprofit work is preferred
Some weekends and evenings may be required
We Offer:

An exceptional work environment and caring community
Excellent professional development opportunities
Highly competitive salary
A comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families
Generous contributions to 403b retirement plan
Free lunch on campus when school is in session
On-campus child care center
Tuition remission
Many other perks and benefits
To Apply:

To be considered for this position, you must apply through our portal.

To complete your application, we are requesting candidates submit the following supplemental materials in addition to their resumes. Priority will be given to candidates who complete these items.

In a brief cover letter, please address the following:

discuss how your skillset aligns with the position description and describe your experience managing complex communications projects
explain why you want to work at Menlo School
attach or provide a link to a portfolio of at least three writing/work samples you are particularly proud of and indicate your role in creating them and how they showcase who you are as a communications professional
(Note: when submitting writing samples through our portal, you must do so in a single document. Additional materials can be emailed to communications@menloschool.org.)

Menlo School is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

As an equal opportunity employer, Menlo values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply.