Polytechnic School seeks a Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing to develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that reflects Poly’s mission, vision, values, and voice to ensure all internal and external communications are aligned, coordinated, and of the highest quality. The communications professional will immerse themselves in the life of the school to showcase and elevate Poly’s messaging and distinctive positioning within a competitive independent school landscape.

As a member of the school-wide leadership team, the Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing serves as a strategic advisor to the Head of School and key school leaders, helping the institution communicate clearly and consistently with all Poly stakeholders and the broader Pasadena community. This position reports directly to the Head of School and collaborates closely with the Senior Leadership team.

 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Messaging and Planning

– 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.
– Strategic Messaging: 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.

Communications Team Leadership

– 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.

Institutional Writing and Messaging

– 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.

Collaboration and Relationship Management

– 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.
– Other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Schoolwide and Web-based Communications

– Multi-Channel Content Strategy: Direct all school publications (newsletters, brochures, PolyDays magazine), website storytelling, and social media presence to ensure brand consistency and engagement.
– Digital Platform Management: Oversee the PolyParent Portal, mobile app, and institutional branding (stationery) in collaboration with internal departments and parent organizations.
– Data Analysis & Emergency Prep: Track engagement metrics to refine communication strategies quarterly and lead the development of emergency preparedness resources.
– Public Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for public relations, crisis management, and external media inquiries.
– Event & Program Promotion: Manage comprehensive communications for K–12 events, academic programming, and athletic achievements, including Commencement and Back-to-School season.

 

Qualifications and Experience

– 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.

Core Competencies

– Strategic thinking and execution
– Strong management skills
– Clear, compelling written and visual communication
– Collaborative leadership and relationship-building
– Brand stewardship and consistency
– Data-informed decision-making
– Close attention to detail and quality

 

Physical Requirements and Work Environment Qualifications

– Work in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines, as well as a diverse array of contacts;
– Work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time;
– Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.;
– Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled office;
– Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

 

Benefits

A full and outstanding benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage and a generous 403(b) retirement plan.

 

ABOUT POLY

Founded in 1907, Polytechnic School is the first nonprofit, coeducational, K-12, independent school in Southern California. The meaning of polytechnic as “many arts” is reflected in the school’s ambitious and student-centered educational program. Nationally recognized as a K-12 educational leader, Poly develops the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student through transformative teaching within a diverse community devoted to academic excellence, the creative arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and service to others.

Poly strives to be an inclusive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth by ensuring that all of our 870 students, nearly 65% of whom identify as Students of Color, are seen, heard, and valued as their authentic selves. We respect the dignity and worth of every individual and seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. Throughout our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, students, faculty, and staff commit to deepening our understanding and knowledge of ourselves, each other, and our ever-changing world.

Within our community of care, Poly students build the confidence and capacity to think critically and creatively to become responsible global citizens and intellectual leaders. Taught by an extraordinary faculty, Poly graduates are ready to fulfill the promise of their talents and lead meaningful, purposeful lives.

To learn more about Polytechnic School, please visit us.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Poly will recruit, hire, train, and promote faculty and staff without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition and physical or mental disability (whether perceived or actual), or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. School policy also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.