Job Description:  

The Assistant Director of Communications is responsible for supporting the execution and management of the school’s integrated marketing and communication program that supports the vision, mission, core values, and strategic goals of Mount Paran Christian School. The program focuses on competitive positioning of the school in the marketplace through coordinated brand management, storytelling and content management strategy, increased visibility and awareness among internal constituents as well as the public, comprehensive internal communications support, and building reputation. Candidate will be a partner to help shape the school’s image and values, as well as the appropriate methods to communicate them to customers as well as the outside community. 

The assistant director reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications, may assign deliverables to creative team, and serves as a member of Mount Paran Christian School’s Advancement Team.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications, advertising, and/or public relations is required. Graduate degree in a related field is desirable. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in marketing, communications, or public relations with demonstrated success is required. Must be energetic, organized, forward-thinking, and creative. Excellent writing and story-telling skills required.?Must possess the personal skills necessary to work effectively with media outlets as well as internal departments.?Strong organizational and administrative skills that will effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Candidate will be a clear communicator, savvy editor, and possess great analytical skills. While a big-picture thinker, they have a keen eye for detail and are able to successfully balance multiple projects to keep critical items on task. Ability to conceive and communicate creative ideas and strategies and experience in implementing a sophisticated media relations strategy.?Demonstrated expertise in creating content for dissemination in print publications, news, social media, press releases, website, and advertising media as well as maintaining media contacts and relationships. Candidate is also able to successfully manage and maintain a high volume of internal communications and platforms.?Is a team player, maintaining outstanding leadership skills with the ability to analyze and evaluate their own performance as well as the performance of others to effectively manage team deliverables and projects.

Must be proficient in Microsoft and Google applications and is well-versed in outbound communications platforms such as Constant Contact or Hubspot. Adobe CC graphics or photo-editing experience a plus. Great understanding of web and online tools, cloud-based software, and social media management required. 

Responsibilities:  

For MPCS —

• Ministering to students compassionately and sincerely so they may continue to grow in their faith;
• Accepting the work at Mount Paran Christian School as a personal calling and identify themselves as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ and considers the work at Mount Paran Christian School as a personal calling and identifies themselves as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ 
• Models Christian behavior at all times in speech and actions 
• Supports the school’s mission and leadership and is active in the life and culture of the school community and demonstrates high esteem for MPCS
• Complies with conditions as stated in employee contract, life and conduct statement, and employee handbook 
• Contributes to the marketing and communication department’s strategic plan which outlines goals and future objectives 
• Articulates brand value and benefits through team development of written and visual communication
• Understands how to present the uniqueness of MPCS in a positive manner to differentiate school programs from our competitors through storytelling
• Helps to promote all advancement (admission, marketing, and development) initiatives to include enrollment or fundraising campaigns 

For Internal Communications —

• Manages the execution and distribution of informational, written, and graphical content across all school communications channels
• Able to multitask a number of projects to ensure timely delivery with quality and attention to detail
• Able to seek out information from “clients” or various departments of the school in a timely manner in order to gather critical news or event information needed for communications
• Act as project manager on key communications initiatives, assigning and working with graphic designer, photographer, or videographer to develop all related deliverables to meet crucial deadlines
• Maintain common and consistent editorial voice and graphic standards across print and online publications for branding integrity 
• Plans and writes internal event and news content to report upon and share information about what’s happening at the school
• Writes, edits, and produces all MPCS internal publications including the Weekly Word e-newsletter, divisional, and area e-newsletters
• Manages e-blast communications and information distribution to internal constituents
• Plans, assigns, and writes creative content for the bi-annual school magazine Wingspan and project manages its production
• Strategizes, writes, and publishes content for the WingTips blog as well as related podcast/vlog content for communicating
• Serves as editor for all website content to ensure quality, clarity, and consistency
• Maintains website forms, handbooks, and informational updates

For Public Relations —

• Project manages social media strategy and informational content distribution on social
• Plans and executes public relations programs that enhance the visibility and community perception of MPCS 
• As media liaison, develops and maintains strong and productive relationships with media industry contacts from local magazines and newspaper publications to TV and radio outlets for networking, content sharing, or advertising
• Identifies press opportunities to develop and write content for appropriate distribution
• Develops and submits departmental work for industry-related awards recognition
• Work with marketing team to develop comprehensive integrated ad campaigns 
• Ability to advise and manage crisis communications when necessary
• Able to interpret results of communications and media traffic through data analytics 
• Keeps abreast of developments in the industry by actively participating in professional development opportunities
• Participates on behalf of MPCS with local business organizations 
• Willingness to participate in campus and community events
• Any other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements: 

Lifting equipment, boxes, and other packages not exceeding 50 lbs. (males) and 25 lbs. (females); boxes heavier than 50 pounds should be lifted while wearing a back brace; excellent cognitive and hearing abilities; significant computer work.