Polytechnic School · 18 hours ago
Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing
Pasadena, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$140K/yr - $170K/yrPolytechnic School is a K-12 independent school in Southern California seeking a Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing. This role involves developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy to align internal and external messaging with the school's mission and values, while also serving as a strategic advisor to the Head of School and leading a communications team.
Primary/Secondary Education
Responsibilities
Serve as the school’s central steward of messaging, brand voice, and storytelling
Develop and oversee annual and quarterly communications and marketing plans aligned with institutional priorities and the Head of School’s strategic vision
Collaborate with the Head of School to develop high-level messaging and presentations for key events, such as Town Halls and the State of the School
Demonstrated success fostering diversity, inclusion, and social justice to promote a healthy learning and work environment
Establish and maintain an integrated content calendar encompassing academic milestones, major events, and community communications
Lead, evaluate, and manage a professional, in-house communications team
Set priorities, manage workflows, ensure quality control, and uphold brand consistency across all platforms and materials
Evaluate the current four-person communications team structure, roles, and responsibilities; Provide feedback on future realignment of the team to the Head of School based on community priorities and work expectations
Oversee bi-monthly communications from Division Heads and other school leaders; Assist with drafting and editing, as needed
Produce clear, engaging messaging for parents, students, faculty, staff, alums, and external audiences
In collaboration with the school’s Leadership team, develop talking points, Q&A/FAQs documents, and coordinated messaging for sensitive or schoolwide issues
Develop and implement schoolwide crisis communications when needed
Execute communications necessary to the Poly neighborhood group
Serve as a strategic partner to internal 'clients,' including Division Directors, Admissions, Advancement, Athletics, College Counseling, the Board of Trustees, PolyGlobal, and Student Community Engagement; Conduct regular planning and check-in meetings with internal stakeholders to assess progress and adjust tactics
Meet weekly with the Head of School to review priorities, progress, and emerging communications needs
Direct all school publications (newsletters, brochures, ‘PolyDays’ magazine), website storytelling, and social media presence to ensure brand consistency and engagement
Oversee the PolyParent Portal, mobile app, and institutional branding (stationery) in collaboration with internal departments and parent organizations
Track engagement metrics to refine communication strategies quarterly and lead the development of emergency preparedness resources
Serve as the primary point of contact for public relations, crisis management, and external media inquiries
Manage comprehensive communications for K–12 events, academic programming, and athletic achievements, including Commencement and Back-to-School season
Qualification
Required
Significant experience in strategic communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field
Demonstrated success leading communications strategy within a complex organization, preferably in education, nonprofit, or mission-driven settings
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
Strong leadership and team-management experience
Experience overseeing digital platforms, websites, and social media strategy
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work collaboratively across departments, and exercise sound judgment on sensitive issues
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Disability coverage
Generous 403(b) retirement plan
Company
Polytechnic School
Polytechnic School, often referred to as simply Poly, is a college preparatory private day school located in Pasadena.
Founded in 1907
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Keith Huyssoon
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
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