Title: Director of Marketing and Communications

Reports to: Head of School

The Miami Valley School (MVS).  Our mission is to challenge young people of promise to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens.  For over 60 years, MVS has provided a unique learning option for families in the Dayton, Ohio, community. Here, faculty are educators who are ready to help refine a truly differentiated educational opportunity as MVS becomes a nationally recognized leader in experience-based learning. Here, every member of the MVS community is committed to transformative, immersive learning in the classroom and during our Immersion term. Equally important is our commitment to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), through which our students learn the skills and competencies necessary to navigate an ever-shifting world with confidence and curiosity. Here, we learn because we do.

The Role.  In collaboration with the Head of School, the Director of Marketing and Communications will plan, direct, and implement overall strategies for all marketing and communications. As an integral member of the leadership team, the Director will promote the school, raise MVS' visibility in the community, advance its brand, and articulate clear messaging to internal and external constituencies. The Director will be a visible presence during the school day in all divisions and at school events to document and capture images and content for regularly produced all-school publications and press releases, advertising, publicity, and public relations.  The Director may, in some circumstances, serve as the school's spokesperson to the press or media as designated by the Head of School.

The Opportunity.  All members of MVS’ vibrant community bring the school’s mission and vision to life each day for students and families.  Each day, we live out our mission through our core values: integrity, celebration, grit, and kindness. As a part of our dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to:

• Expand Global Leadership.  MVS is known for its academic and extracurricular programming, and with you on our team, we will continue to grow with our students as leaders of Global Citizenship and stewards of civil discourse. 

• Develop Character and Wellness. To support the overall wellness of our vibrant community, you’ll have the opportunity to meaningfully connect and collaborate with students and families.

• Collaborate as part of a World-Class Team.  In your role at MVS, you will work alongside dedicated faculty and staff who have taught and learned all over the world and in a variety of school contexts. Your colleagues are artists, researchers, entrepreneurs, published authors, professional musicians, armed services veterans, and thespians. Most importantly, they are compassionate and caring educators committed to lifelong learning.

• And, of course, you will get to make an impact! As the Director of Marketing and Communications you will have a direct impact on the greater MVS community.

Primary Responsibilities:

Develop marketing and communications strategies and plans that advance the school and support increased engagement with prospective and current constituencies.

Communications

• Bearing in mind the mission, history, culture, traditions, and educational philosophy of the school, lead and oversee all school communications.
• Maintain and update the school's website, create new content and landing pages as needed.
• Oversee social media platforms, monitor social media activity, and update daily with content consistent with messaging strategy and brand
• Attend leadership team and Enrollment and Marketing meetings, morning announcements, events, and classes to gather information and write timely articles/ press releases featuring each division equally with a goal of promotion and retention.
• Produce a monthly Head of School’s newsletter and annual magazine
• Ensure brand and messaging quality and consistency, and establish guidelines to apply across all departments, activities, and events at the school and among professional and volunteer leadership
• Assist the Head of School in preparing internal letters and speeches, crisis management communications, and external communications as needed.
• With the Head of School’s office, coordinate the school’s Speaker Series to bring guest speakers to campus for parent enrichment, professional development, and academic events

Press

• Work with the leadership team, faculty and staff to gather information to generate timely content for media invitations and press releases to local and national press about MVS events, accolades and programs
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with the press. Stay actively engaged with the Dayton community to ensure coverage of MVS and build trust
• Oversee internal communication platforms, both digital and signage, to ensure brand consistency and messaging

Marketing

• Plan, oversee, and execute all digital and print campaigns for the year, with final approval from the Head of School. Track each campaign for effectiveness.
• In collaboration with the admissions team, assist in creating inbound marketing materials (newsletters, invitations, etc.).
• Oversee outside work (video, digital, ads, design) and ensure consistency in brand and messaging
• Support the Advancement Office in marketing special events
• Oversee the school spirit store and work with the Director of Athletics on team spirit wear

Leadership Team and Community Member

• Communicate regularly with the Head of School to keep them fully apprised of all activity in the marketing and communications office
• Provide timely updates to the Board of Trustees at least 5 times a year about enrollment and marketing activities, and provide periodic dashboard updates as requested
• Serve as an active and engaged member of the leadership team

Expectations:

• Be an advocate for MVS and embrace the mission of the school 
• Highly organized, motivated, strategic thinker, and self-starter with proven interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Able to succeed in a fast-paced and agile work environment
• Able to contribute to the team as well as work independently
• Demonstrated ability to follow through on responsibilities

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or Master's degree
• Proven excellence as a writer and editor who produces well under deadlines
• Demonstrated knowledge of communications, public relations, and digital marketing
• Proven collaborative skills that demonstrate a flexible and growth mindset
• A willingness to be a positive, present, and engaged member of the community

Benefits.  This is a full-time opportunity that provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, a matching 403(b) program, and 50% tuition remission for the children of employees.

Take the Next Step.  Share this opportunity with your network! Learn more about our school by clicking on the embedded links.  Interested and qualified applicants should submit a completed MVS employment application, cover letter, resume, outlining your suitability for the position and interest in the mission of the school to lisa.garvic@mvschool.com.  Please do not call the school directly. 

Bring Your Whole Self.  MVS is committed to the Dayton community and to our mission and vision.  We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and will not discriminate on any basis.  We seek qualified candidates from a myriad of backgrounds to join our dynamic team.

About The Miami Valley School

The Miami Valley School’s (MVS) mission is to challenge young people of promise to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens. For 60+ years, MVS has provided a unique learning option for families in the Dayton, Ohio community. Here, faculty are educators who are ready to help refine a truly differentiated educational opportunity as MVS becomes a nationally-recognized leader in experience-based learning.

Connections working at The Miami Valley School