Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The position of Communications Associate is an integral member of the Communications Department, which is a part of the Office for Institutional Advancement (OIA). The Communications Associate will primarily focus on digital communications including social media content development and execution; management and maintenance of Westminster’s primary website and all microsites; and implementation of the School’s mass email communication and digital signage. The Communications Associate will also provide support to members of the Communications team as needed.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Communications Associate will help implement a digital media strategy that evolves with the School's marketing goals and effectively conveys the unique value proposition of the Westminster experience. The Associate will work closely with the Digital Media Manager, helping to bring the School’s social media strategy to life through compelling content development and implementation. The Associate must demonstrate strong project management skills and an understanding of digital communications best practices and strategies. The Associate must also demonstrate strong written, organizational, and communication skills that facilitate collaboration with colleagues throughout the School as well as parents, alumni, students, and third-party vendors and partners. The Associate must be self-motivated, efficient, and detail-oriented, and have the ability to collaborate across multiple departments and divisions. A clear understanding of the independent school or education market is strongly preferred.

Supervisor: Director of Marketing and Communications

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Position Status: This is a salaried, non-exempt, full-time, regular position.

Hours of Work: Days of work are Monday-Friday and the core hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Eligible for Remote Work Arrangement.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the development, editing, and dissemination of the School’s weekly e-newsletter
• Leads the content management of the School’s main external website as well as all portals, microsites, and social media
• Supports with website and social media analytics and provides data to inform decisions and strategy
• Manages the communications-related elements of the School’s student information system (Veracross), ensuring that digital communications are effective in reaching the appropriate audiences and align with institutional branding and messaging standards, including the School’s mass email communications system
• Manages the School’s online calendar in partnership with the Instructional Technology Department
• Supports Marketing and Communications colleagues with photography and videography coverage, writing, editing, design, and other needs
• Supports Communications-related project planning and development as needed
• Supports the Director of Marketing and Communications and Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications and Events with departmental planning and coordination
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading professional publications
• Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Embraces the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of The Westminster Schools and the OIA.
• Upholds and models the core values and operating principles of Westminster’s OIA (Courage, Curiosity, Gratitude, Impact, and Ownership).
• Respects a work environment that values and champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all.
• A bachelor's degree in a related field, required
• Two or more years of experience in communications or related field preferred
• Experience managing websites and other digital initiatives
• Strong command of a variety of content management systems, in order to troubleshoot and understand CMS logic (experience with Finalsite Composer and Veracross products is a plus)
• Experience developing and implementing content across across a variety of social media platforms
• Experience using HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript
• Demonstrated experience using Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Apple OS, Google Calendar and Drive, and the Microsoft Office Suite
• Self-starter with strong communication skills and a desire to collaborate with colleagues
• Familiarity with digital photography and editing practices a plus
• Familiarity with education communications supporting admissions, advancement, and engagement a plus
• Growth mindset with active engagement in individual and departmental professional development and best practices
• Commitment to continually advancing the position's impact on both the OIA and the Westminster community

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear; engage in moderately strenuous physical activity both indoors and out. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to become CPR and First Aid Certified.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and may frequently walk on slippery or uneven surfaces.

TRAVEL

Occasional out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Westminster is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment. It is Westminster’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE/M/F/D/V.

Note: This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed by employees within this classification. This position description should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required or assigned to an employee in this position. Nothing contained in this position description restricts Westminster's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Qualifications