Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications

Northwest School is an independent day and boarding school. We serve students in grades 6 to 12 on an urban campus in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. We provide an interdisciplinary liberal arts education that nurtures compassionate, globally aware and environmentally conscious individuals who find joy in learning and are ready to inspire and innovate in our interconnected world.  ��

Northwest fosters a warm, inclusive community dedicated to our school values. We believe that a diverse community enriches our institution, making it more creative and dynamic. The Northwest School is committed to building a faculty and student body that reflects the diversity of the broader society. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.   

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing an integrated, mission-aligned strategy that advances the school’s brand, reputation, and institutional priorities. This role serves as the school’s lead strategist and advisor on all matters related to communications, marketing, messaging, and storytelling. 

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director leads a communications team and collaborates with colleagues across the school, including Admissions, Advancement, Academics, and Student Life, to ensure cohesive messaging and alignment. The Director sets the vision for how the school tells its story to prospective families, students, parents, alumni, donors, faculty, and the broader public. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

 Strategic Communications Leadership 

• Support the Head of School in developing key communications for internal and external audiences  
• Design and implement a comprehensive, forward-thinking communications and marketing strategy that supports school-wide objectives. 
• Serve as a thought partner to the Head of School and leadership team, advising on communications positioning, strategy, messaging, and response. 
• Develop strategic narratives and institutional messaging frameworks that reinforce the school’s mission, values, and vision. 
• Lead efforts to build internal alignment and ensure consistency across all communications platforms and audiences. 
• Monitor trends, data, and engagement to inform strategy and refine tactics for greater impact. 

Brand Management & Messaging 

• Serve as brand steward, ensuring that the school’s voice and visual identity are consistent, compelling, and reflective of its mission. 
• Oversee and maintain brand guidelines, ensuring brand consistency and visual excellence across all touchpoints including school events, environmental brand experience, physical spaces and campus, merchandise and school swag, and marketing collateral and publications.  
• Lead the development and implementation of cohesive messaging across digital and print platforms. 
• Conduct regular brand audits to ensure quality and clarity in all outward-facing materials and campaigns. 

Media Relations & Crisis Communications 

• Develop and manage a proactive media strategy to elevate the school’s visibility and thought leadership. 
• Serve as the scho