DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Position Description Role Description The work of the Director of Communications supports the School’s strategic objectives by strengthening the profile of the School and effectively communicating the School’s values, ethos and activities to the community. The Director will be responsible for all aspects of communications, image projection and image protection and will provide support across the School through enrolment strategies, project management, communications and marketing planning. In order to fulfil these functions the Director has a role in strategic planning along with operational responsibility. Out of town, evening, weekend attendance of events and overnight travel is occasionally a requirement of the position. This is a permanent, part-time role of 25-30 hours per week and there is some flexibility in work patterns which can be negotiated with the candidate during the appointment process. Reporting and Working Relationships The Director of Communications will report to the Principal and will work closely on a day-today basis with the Executive staff and the Director of Community Relations. Role Responsibilities The Director of Communications will:
develop and implement communication policies and programmes to enhance the public image of the School;
undertake planning, development, production and evaluation of all school communications including print and electronic publications;
remain abreast of social media implications for reputation management and organisational promotion and engagement with stakeholders;
provide communication, conflict resolution, crisis management and media advice to the Principal;
conduct and collect market research material, stakeholder feedback;
establish relevant databases, develop marketing reports, acquire market intelligence and track external trends to develop marketing and communications strategies and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace;
co-ordinate and integrate all elements of the marketing mix to promote the educational ethos of the School to potential customers and existing stakeholders;
develop a wide network of connections with the wider community so as to support the School’s objectives;
work closely with the Director of Admissions:
June 2017
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to devise and implement a communications programme for families enrolled for future admission and prepare various materials including prospectus/DVD, invitations to School functions and orientation events as appropriate;
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to provide administrative and public relations support for Introductory Days, Open Days, scholarship testing days and other occasions where prospective parents and students visit the School;
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to research demographic and market information and analyse data to support enrolment strategy;
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to build networks that may help identify potential bursary recipients;
be responsible for the development and implementation of promotional strategies including advertising, public relations and public events;
manage day-to-day production of materials (invitations, programs, posters, magazines etc), updating of website and other channels, placement of regular advertisements (including recruitment), distribution of letters/notices/eDMs, generation and collation of photography and other materials for use in communications;
develop, implement and monitor communications management strategies for stakeholders, including the development of crisis management procedures;
coordinate fundraising, ensuring that positive relationships are maintained with potential donors and that the calendar of fundraising events is well integrated;
organise an annual fundraising appeal;
be responsible for donor stewardship, and devise a program of communications and events to build goodwill with donors and benefactors;
work closely with the Director of Community Relations to: o
develop high-quality communications for students, parents, alumnae, donors/benefactors and other stakeholders across the Queenwood community;
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oversee philanthropy and integrate fundraising into the overarching communications strategy;
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provide support in event management and ensure full integration with the School’s communications strategy.
establish effective networks with appropriate media and publishing platforms and devise and implement a strategy to increase the profile and thought leadership of the School;
oversee media relations and manage media exposure;
provide regular reports on communications and marketing;
regularly attend a range of School activities;
undertake such other duties as the Principal may from time to time require.
June 2017
Key Competencies
Tertiary qualifications or at least five years’ relevant experience in a marketing/communications role. Experience in the educational sector would be highly regarded. Extensive marketing planning, segmentation, analysis and research experience The ability to think strategically, develop and implement a detailed vision and contribute to whole-school strategic planning Strong communication interpersonal skills with adults and children from a wide range of backgrounds High level project management, organisational and change management skills Strong IT skills and the ability to implement data-management systems and processes, including the use of data to underpin strategy development Commitment to providing the highest possible service and attention to detail in the stewardship of community relationships Willingness to work flexibly including attendance at events out of hours and, on some occasions, the ability to travel overnight Understanding of and experience in budget processes and financial controls High regard for confidentiality, institutional loyalty, customer service and the ability to work harmoniously with both internal and external groups Genuine and demonstrable commitment to educational excellence and an empathy with the ethos and ideals of Queenwood.
Personal Attributes
Calm, warm, collegial and professional at all times Confident, flexible, ‘can do’ approach with the ability to respond professionally and resourcefully to the unexpected Exceptional written and oral communication skills, free of jargon and buzzwords High level organisational and planning skills with strong attention to detail Outstanding work ethic, including a willingness to work flexibly when required Aptitude to coach, motivate and manage people Initiative, maturity of judgment, resilience Ability and willingness to evaluate and critically reflect upon own professional practice Ability and willingness to contribute positively to the wider life of the School and support its values
Closing date for applications is Thursday 6th July 2017 at 5pm Please note Queenwood only accepts electronic applications, applications should include:
Your WWCC number as per new regulations as at 15th June 2013 Resume & cover letter addressing the criteria / position requirements Your email address Names and phone numbers of three confidential referees Applications to be emailed to: Assistant.to.DoC@queenwood.nsw.edu.au Please ensure you are available for interviews on Thursday 13th July
June 2017