Director of Marketing and Communications

Director of Marketing and CommunicationsFounded in 1963, Near North Montessori School (NNM) serves more than 560 students from toddlers through 8th grade, supported by a team of 145 dedicated employees. Located near Wicker Park in Chicago, NNM is one of the largest Montessori schools in the nation. Highly regarded for its Montessori pedagogy and innovative approach to education, NNM features an innovation studio, a swimming pool, a playground, a rooftop urban farm, and a student-managed Sandwich Shoppe.NNM seeks a Director of Marketing and Communications to join our community.The Director of Marketing and Communications leads the school's strategic communications, brand management, and digital presence across all channels. This role reports to the Head of School and partners with the Director of Enrollment Management, the Director of Institutional Advancement, and the Director of Programs to ensure consistent, compelling storytelling that strengthens the school's reputation with current and prospective families, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community. The ideal candidate is a strong writer and strategic thinker who is equally comfortable behind a camera, in a design program, and managing a website's backend.Key Responsibilities:Strategic Communications & WritingDevelop and execute an annual marketing and communications strategy aligned with the school's mission, Montessori philosophy, and enrollment goalsWrite, edit, and publish a weekly newsletter for parents/familiesWrite, edit, and publish a separate weekly newsletter for teachers and staffCraft clear, engaging copy for admissions and advancement materials, announcements, press releases, and event communicationsMaintain a consistent institutional voice and brand standards across all communicationsDigital & Social MediaManage and grow the school's social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), including content calendars, posting, and community engagementMonitor social media analytics and adjust strategy based on performanceRespond to or route inquiries and comments in a timely, professional mannerWebsite ManagementServe as webmaster: maintain, update, and troubleshoot the school websiteEnsure content accuracy, functionality, accessibility, and SEO best practicesCoordinate with IT or outside vendors as needed for technical issues or upgradesVideo & Graphic DesignPlan, shoot, and edit video content (e.g., admissions features, classroom highlights, event recaps, testimonials)Design print and digital materials such as flyers, brochures, invitations, signage, and social graphicsMaintain the school's visual brand identity across all materialsInstitutional Advancement PartnershipCollaborate with the Director of Institutional Advancement on advancement, admissions, and fundraising campaignsSupport event promotion and communications for open houses, fundraisers, and community eventsProvide communications counsel and materials for crisis or sensitive - topic messaging as neededQualificationsBachelor's Degree required in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related fieldMinimum of 5 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, or a related fieldExcellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiencesDemonstrated strategic thinking and planning abilityHands-on experience producing and editing video contentProficiency in graphic tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar)Experience managing organizational social media accounts and analyticsStrong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple deadlinesFamiliarity with or willingness to learn Montessori philosophy and terminologyExperience in an independent school, nonprofit, or mission driven organizationKey Attributes:A collaborative, mission-aligned team playerDetail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skillsComfortable working across a wide age-range community (toddler through Grade 8)Creative problem-solver who can execute independently and take initiativeAdditional InformationPay Information: The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $100,000 annually based on skills and experienceTo Apply:Submit the following application materials listed below to the Head of School - Angela Garcia View email address on click.appcast.io letterSample of communications work and one published writing sampleNames of three professional referencesNear North Montessori believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School's equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, conditions, and privileges of employment.