Collegiate School seeks an Associate Director of Communications to work in the Communications Office. The Associate Director supports the overall objectives of the department by providing day-to-day operational oversight of the School’s communications strategy and serving as the lead writer and editor for the School’s key publications and institutional messaging. This position is responsible for ensuring consistent, high-quality written and visual communications across all platforms — including newsletters, the website, printed magazines, and other School-wide publications. The Associate Director oversees project management systems, vendor partnerships, and internal workflows, and serves as Acting Director in the absence of the Director of Strategic Communications. As a senior member of the Communications team, this role also advises School leaders on messaging strategy and audience positioning to ensure communications advance Collegiate’s mission, enrollment priorities, and philanthropic goals.

This is a full-time, benefitted position, 12-month position reporting directly to the Director of Strategic Communications.

General responsibilities will include:

Editorial Leadership and Content Creation

• Serve as the School’s lead writer and editor, producing written content for the website, newsletters, alumni magazine, and other School publications.
• Develop and edit copy for School-wide communications, including emails, reports, admission and development materials, speeches, talking points, and presentations.
• Maintain and refine the School’s editorial voice, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with Collegiate’s mission and values.
• Edit and proofread materials written by other members of the Communications team to ensure quality, clarity, and brand consistency.

Strategic and Administrative Leadership

• Provide day-to-day operational support of the Communications Office, ensuring the effective execution of the School’s communications strategy. Oversee project workflows, content planning, and production schedules to ensure efficiency and consistency across all platforms.
• Serve as administrative lead for the department when the Director of Strategic Communications is unavailable, including representing the department in leadership meetings and making operational decisions as needed.
• Manage vendor relationships, including writers, designers, photographers, and printers, ensuring quality control and budget alignment.

Project and Budget Management

• Oversee project management systems, timelines, and intake processes to ensure clear communication and timely completion of all deliverables.
• Track and report on the department’s budget in collaboration with the Director of Strategic Communications, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Team Leadership and Oversight

• Supervise assigned members of the Communications team, including the Digital Media Manager and Creative and Graphic Manager.
• In collaboration with the Director, establish performance goals, conduct evaluations, and provide timely and constructive feedback. Support hiring, onboarding, and professional development of team members.
• Foster a collaborative, professional working environment aligned with the School’s mission and values.
• Ensure message alignment and coordinated execution across all communications platforms.

Successful candidates will possess the following qualifications and competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or journalism, including writing, editing, and publication management.
• Minimum of five years of demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience within a communications or marketing team.
• Exceptional AP Style writing and editorial skills. The ability to craft and edit content for diverse audiences.
  Strong understanding of integrated communications across print, web, email, and social media platforms.
• Familiarity with project management systems (e.g., Monday.com or similar platforms), and experience overseeing vendor relationships and managing creative production budgets.
• Proficiency with Mac and Windows operating systems, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite (InCopy, InDesign, and Photoshop preferred).
  Experience using content management systems and email marketing tools.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Experience working in an independent school, higher education, or nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with Blackbaud, Finalsite, Ubiq, or similar content management systems.
• Experience publishing a print magazine or multi-platform publication.

About Collegiate School

Collegiate School is an independent, JK-12 college preparatory, coeducational school with almost 1,700 students in Richmond, VA with a vibrant community of learners where students thrive. We aspire to create an inclusive environment that promotes engaged citizenship and encourages compassionate leadership. With our core values of honor, love of learning, excellence, respect and community, we develop minds that seek and hearts that serve. Our exceptional faculty and staff not only deliver preeminent programs but prepare the next generation of inquisitive thinkers, responsible citizens and compassionate leaders. The School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Employment decisions at the School are based on merit, qualifications and skills.

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