Director of Communications
The Webb School seeks an experienced professional for Director of Communications. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in communications and public relations. A minimum of five years of significant experience in communications is required, preferably for a school or non-profit organization. This individual should have the ability to build and implement a high-performing communications plan and social media strategy.
The School
Located in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, The Webb School is in its 154th year and is home to over 400 boarding and day students. It is recognized as the longest continuously operating boarding school in the South. From its founding in 1870 by William R. “Sawney” Webb, the school has been known for its commitment to both academic excellence and personal integrity. Today’s Webb School is a modern, diverse community devoted to its original mission of graduating young men and women of the highest integrity, well prepared to become the leaders of tomorrow. Integrity remains at the heart of all that we do. Our sense of community and purpose are supported by a talented and dedicated faculty and leadership team, many of whom live on our 149-acre campus in the pastoral village of Bell Buckle – an hour’s drive from the booming metropolis of Nashville.
Webb recently celebrated its 154th anniversary and offers an educational experience that honors traditions while remaining relevant for the 21st century. In his fifth year as Head of School, Ken Cheeseman has energized the campus and led it to its largest enrollment in school history. The school seeks to educate the whole student and emphasizes the three "A's": Academic, Arts and Athletics, with character above all else.
Position Summary
The Director of Communications is responsible for planning, developing, and managing the communication strategy for The Webb School. The Director of Communications serves on the Senior Leadership Team and works collaboratively with each member, in particular the Director of Admissions and the Director of Alumni & Development. The Director of Communications leads all internal and external communications efforts, manages public relations and oversees the work of the communications team, including student photographers. The Director of Communications is responsible for capturing campus life through various media both print and digital, including social media.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop a comprehensive communication and social media strategy to inform and engage the school community.
- Create and manage mission-centered content for print publications, website, social media, campus and off-site events, and placements in outside media.
- Write and produce story-focused content for the school website and primary social media account that captures daily campus life across academics, arts, and athletics.
- Oversee editorial, design, production and distribution of all school publications including the Webb Magazine.
- Develop and manage an institution-wide communications calendar and oversee weekly student photographer assignments.
- Foster and maintain relationships with local media/press and serve as the primary point of contact for external press inquiries.
- Stay current on the positioning and communication strategies of peer schools.
- Review and maintain accurate copy on both the school’s website and external websites (Wikipedia, Private School Review, Niche, etc).
- Safeguard the school’s mission and brand identity through consistent and accurate messaging across all mediums.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline with a strong foundation in communications and public relations.
- A minimum of five years of significant experience in communications is required, preferably for a school or non-profit organization.
- Ability to build and implement a high-performing communications plan and social media strategy.
- Possesses excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
- Communicates and responds to all school communications in a timely manner.
- Manages time effectively and meets deadlines and commitments.
- Possesses skills to navigate various social media platforms, design software, and websites.
Pre-Employment Screening
All prospective employees must successfully complete a comprehensive background check and drug screening.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to listen, physically direct, and speak. The employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to manipulate papers, folders, binders, and operate a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet; however, variations in noise level may occur when the employee attends certain school functions or participates in emergency drills.
How to Apply
Please submit a current resume to:
Angela Wilsdorf
Executive Assistant to the Heads of School
awilsdorf@webbschool.com
