Overview of Position

The San Francisco School seeks an Interim Director of Marketing and Communications who will advance the School's mission and strategic initiatives. This is an immediate opening with the potential to become permanent. The Interim Director of Marketing and Communications will articulate and communicate the school's identity and unique characteristics to key constituents, enhancing our messaging within the SFS community as well as strengthening our external marketing position. The communications and marketing efforts will ultimately contribute to admissions efforts and revenue growth, and help ensure SFS's position in the San Francisco independent school market. This role reports to the Head of School.

The Interim Director will serve as the school's chief storyteller and brand steward, balancing high-level strategic leadership with hands-on execution.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Advancement Partnership

Serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of School and the senior leadership team on communications, branding, and reputation management.
Engage as a member of the Advancement team, supporting work within the office.
Develop, refine, and manage the school's messaging priorities and written content.
Establish annual goals and reporting measures (e.g., readership/engagement on key channels) to evaluate communications and marketing effectiveness and its contribution to enrollment and retention.

Brand Stewardship & Style Standards

Maintain and implement the school's Style Guide, using consistent standards across all publications.
Apply the school's look and feel to all external materials, ensuring a consistent voice and visual identity across print, digital, and physical communications.
Lead institutional storytelling that highlights the school's progressive approach.
Collaborate with the School's administrative team, faculty, and staff to develop and execute initiatives, remain current on key issues, and cultivate positive relationships with the school's community members.

Website & Digital Platform Management

Manage and monitor the school's webpage and the school's communication platform, ParentSquare.
Train and support new and existing staff on communications platforms as necessary.
Liaise with outside vendors of web-based programs such as Morweb and Constant Contact.

Core Publications & Editorial Calendar

Craft and publish the Tuesday Note Home, an electronic communication sent via ParentSquare, by writing and editing content, coordinating with contributors, and sourcing appropriate photos and images.
Produce, in partnership with the office of Advancement, the bi-annual community magazine, The Gaven Street Gazette, which includes the Annual Report.
Collaborate to produce all publications and published materials, including Development and Enrollment Management collateral, ensuring visual and editorial consistency.

Photography, Video, & Events Documentation

Document, share, and archive campus activities and events.
Manage the collection of photographs and videos for the school's website, print publications, and archives.
Manage school photo day (MugsyClicks).
Create promotional signage for school events.
Attend and assist in the execution of major school events.

Social Media & Content Strategy

Design the school's social media strategy and maintain the school's social media presence, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Liaise with and guide faculty to highlight happenings in the classrooms through various mediums.
Oversee digital marketing efforts including SEO and paid advertising and content marketing to support enrollment and visibility goals.

Public Relations & Media Relations

Serve as the primary media contact for the school.
Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and education-focused media outlets.
Develop press materials, announcements, and key institutional messaging.
Proactively manage the school's public image and external reputation.

Crisis and Strategic Communications

Develop and maintain a comprehensive crisis communications plan.
Serve as a key advisor to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees during crisis or emergency situations.
Ensure timely, accurate, and mission-aligned communication during sensitive situations.
Coordinate all communications during urgent events.

Qualifications

The Interim Director of Marketing and Communications will serve as the School's primary writer, editor, photographer, web-based communicator, production coordinator, and graphic designer. (Freelance writers and out-of-house design support may be available on an as-needed basis.) The successful candidate will have a wide cross-section of skills and professional experiences.

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field, advanced degree preferred
Independent school/nonprofit experience preferred
Ability to communicate effectively with school representatives, parenting adults, students, alumni, and donors
Excellent writing and editing skills
Attention to detail and outstanding organizational skills
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Google Suite, Canva and other design platforms, and Microsoft Office applications; and comfort with databases, social media, and emergent technologies
Experience with digital photography, graphic design, and video production
Sound judgment relating to confidential projects, personnel, school, and student matters
Ability to be a self-starter and work independently
Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and manage many different projects and timelines in a fast-paced environment
A cooperative team approach with colleagues and a willingness to take on responsibilities beyond those explicitly defined

The San Francisco School is an equal opportunity employer. We continually strive to build an inclusive culture in our diverse community. The San Francisco School encourages applications for employment from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.

California Compliance Notice: In accordance with California law (Education Code §44939.5, as amended by SB 848), applicants for positions with educational institutions are required to disclose all current and former employment with educational institutions. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the completion of required employment verifications.