Director of Communications

Director of Communications

The Director of Communications plays a central role in shaping how Paideia is understood, experienced, and celebrated across all of its audiences — current families, alumni, prospective families, donors, and the broader community. Paideia is an age three through 12th grade school of more than 1,000 students in Atlanta's Emory University neighborhood, with a distinctive progressive culture that is alive in every corner of school life.

This position is responsible for giving that culture a consistent, compelling voice across all channels: the weekly newsletter, print magazine, website, social media, and media relations. The Director leads a team of two — a communications and marketing manager and a webmaster — and balances strategic leadership with hands-on execution. This position reports directly to the Director of Advancement and works in close collaboration with the Head of School, level principals, and senior administration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Communications Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and steward an integrated communications strategy that reflects and reinforces Paideia's culture, voice, and values across all channels
• Set the tone for all school communications — serving as writer, editor, and standard-bearer for how Paideia speaks to its community and the wider world
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Head of School on communications and crisis management
• Manage the communications budget

Storytelling & Content

• Compile, write, and edit Paideia's weekly electronic newsletter and print magazine; provide direction and support to volunteer contributors
• Understand the many audiences within and beyond the Paideia community — current families, alumni, prospective families, donors, media — and shape communications accordingly
• Work collaboratively with teachers and administrators to understand the depth of Paideia's programs and translate that depth into compelling stories
• Build authentic relationships with parents and students that strengthen communication and foster community

Digital Presence & Media

• Oversee the school's internal and external website, including content development, updates, and ongoing improvements
• Oversee Paideia's social media presence and ensure the school's digital voice is consistent and authentic
• Serve as the school's primary contact with local, regional, and national media
• Oversee photography at on- and off-campus events; manage digital image databases, photo archives, and digital assets for print and digital publications

Team Leadership

• Lead and support a communications team of two, including a communications and marketing manager and a webmaster
• Balance high-level strategic leadership with hands-on execution across a wide range of projects and timelines

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills — this is a writing-forward role and candidates should be prepared to share examples of their work
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multiple creative projects simultaneously
• Gifted communicator who writes clearly, warmly, and well; curious about people and skilled at drawing out their stories
• Proficiency with Google Workspace; willingness to learn tools including Veracross
• Strong working knowledge of digital communications, website content management, social media, and media relations
• Genuine enthusiasm for Paideia's progressive educational mission and community values

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree, ideally in communications, journalism, English, or a related field
• A minimum of five years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field

Application Notes:

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references via our online application.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. A benefits package is offered for benefits-eligible positions. The Paideia School is an equal opportunity employer.