Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing

Division: Communications
Job Title: Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing
Status: Full-time exempt
Salary: $140000 to $170000
Start date: July 1 2026

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 schools 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 Schoolplease visit us.

Polytechnic School seeks a Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing to develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that reflects Polys 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 Polys 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 schools 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 Schools 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 schools 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 K12 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 benefits package includes medical dental and vision coverage and a 403(b) retirement plan.

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 individuals 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.