Director of Marketing & Communications

Job Title: Director of Marketing & Communications

Reports To: Head of Operations & Research

Salary Range: $00

FLSA Status & Schedule: Full-time Exempt M-F occasional evenings and weekends

The Process: Please include a cover letter. This post will remain open until sufficient applications have been received.

Position Target Start Date: May 4 2026

See Position Flyer

Benefits:

$5 employee premium for all medical plans

100% employee coverage for dental and vision plans

35% medical dental and vision coverage for dependents

20 to 30 days of paid time off based on tenure for full-time 12-month staff

Paid Holidays when school is fully closed

5-10% employer match based on years of service and employee contribution

On-site health and wellness

Professional development allowance

Meal allowance for breakfast lunch and snacks daily

Employee Assistance Program

Long term and short term disability as well as life insurance

Use of School Library

New Employee Cross-Department Mentorship Program

Who You Are

• Someone who has solid communication fundamentals and is eager to expand the reach of our vibrant community
• Someone who values tradition and respects Overlakes history while also embracing fresh approaches.
• A collaborator who enjoys listening learning and building trust across a community.
• A steady communicator who can manage both day-to-day tasks and long-range projects.

Why This Role

The Overlake Schoola thriving future-focused independent school nestled in a green forest in Redmond WAseeks a communications and marketing leader who is eager to join our community and let their vision for our marketing and communications soar. The Director of Marketing & Communications leads the development and execution of Overlakes communication and marketing efforts to strengthen the schools visibility articulate its mission and support community connection. They have primary responsibility for institutional messaging brand coherence and the strategic use of communications platforms working in close partnership with school leadership.

At Overlake were more than just a school. We are a bold community of learners and leaders committed to shaping the future while honoring the values that have guided us since 1967. This role is ideal for a skilled communicator who has strong fundamentals and is open to deepening their strategic ability. The Director reports to the Head of Operations & Research and works closely with the Head of School Admissions Development and other school leaders to ensure our messaging reflects Overlakes values traditions and forward-thinking educational approach. The work ahead also includes an exciting opportunity to help steward a new aesthetic era for the school as we launch a refreshed website and begin thoughtful brand-identity development in the coming year.

Nature & Scope of Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Lead the development and implementation of a cohesive communications and marketing strategy for internal and external audiences in alignment with school priorities.
• Articulate Overlakes story in a way that honors its history and highlights its vision for the future.
• Maintain consistent messaging brand voice and visual identity across platforms and across departments.
• Partner with the Head of School on key communications including school-wide messaging and timely updates to the community.
• Collaborate with leaders throughout the school to ensure communications and collateral are strategic brand-aligned and aesthetically integrated in support of institutional and programmatic goals.
• Serve as the steward of Overlakes brand voice and visual identity establishing guidelines and ensuring consistency across departments and platforms.
• Provide aesthetic and creative leadership across all communications as a design expert setting and upholding high standards for graphic design visual storytelling and overall presentation that reflect Overlakes values voice and evolving brand.
• Participate in community events to build relationships with students and student groups to better understand their lives and tell their stories more effectively.

Content Creation & Editorial Leadership

• Oversee production of core school communications including newsletters website content press releases major announcements and publications.
• Serve as editor for annual or semiannual publications and institutional materials with support from external vendors as needed.
• Capture and curate print and digital stories images and media that reflect the richness of school life.

Digital Platforms & Social Media

• Manage and coordinate Overlakes website and social channels including content strategy governance and ongoing optimization with particular focus on ensuring content is fresh relevant accurate and engaging.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors on website development maintenance and future enhancements.
• Monitor analytics to understand audience engagement and adjust content accordingly.
• Ensure thoughtful positive online interaction with current and prospective families.

Marketing & Visibility

• Support admission development and programmatic initiatives through coordinated campaigns messaging and brand-aligned materials.
• Contribute to and help shape advertising digital marketing and outreach efforts that reflect Overlakes values.
• Contribute to the development of collateral for events fundraising and enrollment.

Community & Media Relations

• Build positive relationships with internal partners including faculty staff divisions and programs in order to gather stories anticipate needs and maintain alignment.
• Partner with the Development and Admissions Office to support healthy communications practices and channels between school and parents including Grade Level Reps the Parent Guardian Association volunteers and more.
• Draft and distribute press releases; cultivate relationships with local media outlets.
• Serve as a secondary spokesperson when appropriate; support the Head of School in key communications moments.

Project & Vendor Management

• Coordinate with photographers designers and other creative partners.
• Manage a modest departmental budget.
• Maintain a detailed communications calendar that organizes major publications and campaigns throughout the year.

Crisis & Responsive Communications

• Maintain a crisis communications plan.
• Support timely clear and level-headed messaging during unexpected events.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to school-wide events and initiatives.
• Keep current with industry best practices tools and technologies.

• Bachelors degree in communications marketing public relations or a related field.
• 4 years of professional experience in communications marketing digital media or similar work.
• Strong writing editing and storytelling skills.
• Adept with contemporary design social media and content management tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with clarity and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to translate institutional priorities into clear effective communication strategies.
• Desire to work in a school community of learners from age 10 to adult.
• Graphic design expertise in Canva Adobe Creative Cloud and other common industry design tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in independent schools or mission-driven organizations.
• Familiarity with website management systems CRM platforms and analytics tools.
• Experience coordinating creative vendors (photographers designers printers).
• Interest in applying marketing strategy brand development and crisis communication.
• Someone who is comfortable making data-informed decisions setting standards and navigating feedback within a collaborative environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work in an office environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At The Overlake School we strive to ensure that every employee feels welcomed and valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. From our hiring practices performance reviews raise decisions and opportunities for promotions The Overlake School follows consistent and fair practices to ensure all employees and potential employees have an equal opportunity for employment and advancement based on merit and are not discriminated against because of race color religion national origin age sex veteran status pregnancy childbirth pregnancy-related conditions disability gender gender identity sexual orientation or on any other legally protected basis in the administration of its educational policies financial aid employment and other school-administered programs. Our Human Resources department works with employees to make reasonable accommodations for those that require assistance in being able to participate in the interview process or meet the requirements of their position.

Background Check Policy

The Overlake School conducts background checks for employees after the conditional offer of employment is accepted in compliance with applicable federal state and local laws. Candidates will be asked to authorize these screenings and results will be reviewed by a designated HR representative. The Overlake School reserves the right to modify this policy at any time without notice.