Manhattan Country School, Inc.
Director of Communications
Manhattan Country School, Inc., New York, New York, us, 10261
About MCS:
Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.Manhattan Country School (MCS) is a progressive pre-K through 8th grade school on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, known for its strong academic program, dedication to racial and economic diversity, social justice activism, and a commitment to environmental education. Unique among New York City independent schools, MCS integrates a working farm in the Catskills, providing students with a hands-on approach to environmental education. The school's philosophy centers on equity, multiculturalism, and progressive pedagogy, cultivating a community where diverse perspectives are honored and students become lifelong advocates for social and environmental justice.
Position Summary:
The Director of Communications is a full-time position responsible for ensuring cohesive, clear, and consistent communication that effectively engages all stakeholders—current and prospective families, faculty and staff, alumni, alumni families, and the broader community.
Strong project management skills and organization are essential, as the Director will manage key communication projects and oversee the school’s online presence. Collaboration with various departments is critical, as this role supports admissions, enrollment, development, program and special events. Proficiency in photography, videography, graphic design, and social media creation and management is necessary to maintain MCS’s newly developed brand image, implementing new verbal and graphic guidelines in a vibrant, engaging, and professional manner across multiple platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications:
Develop and implement strategic communications for all audiences, including current and prospective families, alumni, donors, faculty/staff, and the broader community.
Collaborative Messaging:
Work closely with Admissions/Enrollment, Advancement, and Program teams to develop messaging around student recruitment, retention, academic programming, crisis communications, fundraising, and special events.
Content Creation:
Create and manage original content for digital and print media, ensuring all communications are well-crafted, proofread, and fact-checked. This includes emails, newsletters, website articles, social media posts, and promotional materials.
Event Documentation:
Attend school and community events to document activities through photography and videography, showcasing MCS’s progressive educational programs.
Newsletter and Publications:
Design and produce the bi-weekly newsletter,
Nuestra Semana en MCS , highlighting curricular activities across city and farm campuses. Produce the annual magazine,
Courtyard , summarizing key events and achievements of the academic year.
Website & Social Media Management:
Oversee and maintain the school’s website and social media platforms, regularly updating content, managing photos and videos, and tracking analytics to optimize outreach.
Communications Calendar:
Collaborate with peers to create a dynamic communications calendar that aligns with planned fundraising and community events. Arrange for media coverage when appropriate.
Organization and Maintenance of the Annual Photography Archive:
Manage and catalog the school’s photography assets to ensure easy access to images capturing key events and activities throughout the year. Regularly update and archive photos in an organized system that aligns with the school’s brand guidelines and privacy policies.
Vendor Management:
Coordinate with external vendors for print, design, and photography needs.
Other Duties:
Fulfill other communications-related responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Admissions and Enrollment, contributing to the overall goals of the school.
Qualifications:
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
Minimum of six years of professional experience in communications and marketing, with experience in an independent school environment highly preferred.
Familiarity with progressive education philosophies is ideal, with previous experience writing on this topic a plus.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects on various timelines, with excellent organizational and time-management skills, strong attention to detail, and an ability to prioritize.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong understanding of AP style.
Experience with graphic design tools such as Photoshop and InDesign, as well as Blackbaud’s communication module, is highly desirable.
Proficiency in website content management systems, SEO, and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn).
Strong research and storytelling skills, with an ability to craft comprehensive narratives from multiple sources.
A collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively in an inclusive and diverse community.
Deep commitment to MCS’s mission and core values of equity, social justice, and progressive education.
Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
To apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume with “Director of Communications” in the subject line to rubenortiz@manhattancountryschool.com.
Manhattan Country School is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that values diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace.
This position has a salary range of $85,000-$95,000 annually.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Flexible spending account
Health savings account
Life insurance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Experience:
Writing skills: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
New York, NY 10024: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.Manhattan Country School (MCS) is a progressive pre-K through 8th grade school on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, known for its strong academic program, dedication to racial and economic diversity, social justice activism, and a commitment to environmental education. Unique among New York City independent schools, MCS integrates a working farm in the Catskills, providing students with a hands-on approach to environmental education. The school's philosophy centers on equity, multiculturalism, and progressive pedagogy, cultivating a community where diverse perspectives are honored and students become lifelong advocates for social and environmental justice.
Position Summary:
The Director of Communications is a full-time position responsible for ensuring cohesive, clear, and consistent communication that effectively engages all stakeholders—current and prospective families, faculty and staff, alumni, alumni families, and the broader community.
Strong project management skills and organization are essential, as the Director will manage key communication projects and oversee the school’s online presence. Collaboration with various departments is critical, as this role supports admissions, enrollment, development, program and special events. Proficiency in photography, videography, graphic design, and social media creation and management is necessary to maintain MCS’s newly developed brand image, implementing new verbal and graphic guidelines in a vibrant, engaging, and professional manner across multiple platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications:
Develop and implement strategic communications for all audiences, including current and prospective families, alumni, donors, faculty/staff, and the broader community.
Collaborative Messaging:
Work closely with Admissions/Enrollment, Advancement, and Program teams to develop messaging around student recruitment, retention, academic programming, crisis communications, fundraising, and special events.
Content Creation:
Create and manage original content for digital and print media, ensuring all communications are well-crafted, proofread, and fact-checked. This includes emails, newsletters, website articles, social media posts, and promotional materials.
Event Documentation:
Attend school and community events to document activities through photography and videography, showcasing MCS’s progressive educational programs.
Newsletter and Publications:
Design and produce the bi-weekly newsletter,
Nuestra Semana en MCS , highlighting curricular activities across city and farm campuses. Produce the annual magazine,
Courtyard , summarizing key events and achievements of the academic year.
Website & Social Media Management:
Oversee and maintain the school’s website and social media platforms, regularly updating content, managing photos and videos, and tracking analytics to optimize outreach.
Communications Calendar:
Collaborate with peers to create a dynamic communications calendar that aligns with planned fundraising and community events. Arrange for media coverage when appropriate.
Organization and Maintenance of the Annual Photography Archive:
Manage and catalog the school’s photography assets to ensure easy access to images capturing key events and activities throughout the year. Regularly update and archive photos in an organized system that aligns with the school’s brand guidelines and privacy policies.
Vendor Management:
Coordinate with external vendors for print, design, and photography needs.
Other Duties:
Fulfill other communications-related responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Admissions and Enrollment, contributing to the overall goals of the school.
Qualifications:
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
Minimum of six years of professional experience in communications and marketing, with experience in an independent school environment highly preferred.
Familiarity with progressive education philosophies is ideal, with previous experience writing on this topic a plus.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects on various timelines, with excellent organizational and time-management skills, strong attention to detail, and an ability to prioritize.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong understanding of AP style.
Experience with graphic design tools such as Photoshop and InDesign, as well as Blackbaud’s communication module, is highly desirable.
Proficiency in website content management systems, SEO, and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn).
Strong research and storytelling skills, with an ability to craft comprehensive narratives from multiple sources.
A collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively in an inclusive and diverse community.
Deep commitment to MCS’s mission and core values of equity, social justice, and progressive education.
Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
To apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume with “Director of Communications” in the subject line to rubenortiz@manhattancountryschool.com.
Manhattan Country School is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that values diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace.
This position has a salary range of $85,000-$95,000 annually.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Flexible spending account
Health savings account
Life insurance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Experience:
Writing skills: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
New York, NY 10024: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
#J-18808-Ljbffr