External Communications & Marketing Officer

ABOUT NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

Notre Dame High School, a Catholic, college preparatory school sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross, educates the hearts and minds of students who are diverse in ethnicity, talent, and culture. As a community of faith, Notre Dame strives to form each student – spiritually, intellectually, and socially – to recognize the dignity of all persons and to serve the evolving needs of the world. Notre Dame faculty are expected to be men and women of integrity and able to espouse Catholic, Holy Cross, and Notre Dame mission values that will set a positive example for all students.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

The External Communications & Marketing Officer is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication campaigns targeting alumni, donors, media, and the broader community. This position manages all public-facing print and digital content, including advancement materials, newsletters, and the school’s official social media presence related to outward-facing constituents. This position is central in elevating the school’s brand and supporting fundraising and alumni engagement growth.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advancement and Fundraising Support
  • Develop and implement communications strategies for fundraising campaigns
  • Create compelling content for annual giving, planned giving, and capital campaigns
  • Produce and manage donor, alumni, and community publications such as the Knight Letter magazine (two issues per year)
  • Partner with the Advancement team to create segmented appeals, planned giving communications, and event invitations.
  • Coordinate with the Advancement Office on donor stewardship communications
• Alumni Relations
  • Manage communications to engage alumni and build stronger connections
  • Create content highlighting alumni achievements and stories
  • Support alumni events with appropriate communications and materials
  • Develop strategies to strengthen alumni networks and participation
• Public Relations and Community Engagement
  • Serve as the primary media contact for the school in conjunction with the President
  • Write and distribute press releases about significant school achievements and events.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with local media outlets
  • Manage crisis communications in coordination with school leadership
  • Represent Notre Dame at community events and with external partners
• Brand Management and External Marketing
  • Oversee Notre Dame's brand identity, ensuring consistency across all platforms.
  • Develop and implement marketing strategies to strengthen the school's position.
  • Manage advertising campaigns in relevant media outlets
  • Monitor and analyze engagement metrics to optimize communications strategies

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Experience with media relations and public speaking
• Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite
• Familiarity with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge and fundraising communications
• Project management skills with the ability to handle multiple deadlines
• Crisis communications experience preferred
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in educational practices aligned with Notre Dame