Position Title: Director of Marketing & Communications

Immediate Supervisor: Head of School

Status/Classification: Full-Time, Year-Round Administrative Position/Exempt

Location: German International School Chicago, 1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

About the School

The German International School Chicago (GISC) is a private, nonprofit, bilingual IB World School, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). GISC opened its doors in 2009 and is now offering classes for students from Preschool through Grade 8. With a projected student enrollment of 200 students for the 2024-2025 school year, GISC currently is building out its middle school enrollment, and eventually intends to grow through the completion of high school.

Job Summary

As a member of the Administrative Team, the Director of Marketing & Communications works closely with the Development and Admissions team as well as other administrative staff, faculty, students, parents, volunteers, and the Board of Trustees. The Director is responsible for all marketing initiatives to strengthen and increase GISC’s brand awareness and advancement efforts. Enhancing GISC’s community relations, marketing activities, and overall communications are essential elements of the position.

Essential Job Functions

• Develops strategies and programs to effectively market GISC in the internal and external communities as well as to targeted prospective student groups
• Manages the production of all advertising and promotional materials; manages GISC’s spirit stores
• Updates existing marketing plan as needed with strategic long-term and tactile short-term objectives
• Creates, manages, and maintains all content for GISC’s website
• Manages social media strategy and creates social media posts
• Manages the production and distribution of weekly newsletter and other school communications, job descriptions and postings, as well as quarterly newsletter
• Creates presentations and other materials for events
• Coordinates and maintains all marketing and communications documentation and plans
• Works closely with Advancement and other administrative team members as well as teachers and volunteers
• Organizes and executes school events in collaboration with other team members and volunteers
• Takes photos and videos as needed and crafts multimedia content
• Manages GISC’s relationships with advertising partners, graphic designer, media, and other marketing partners
• Manages and monitors GISC’s marketing budget
• Prepares monthly written reports for Board of Trustees meeting; liaises with the Board of Trustees’ Marketing Committee members on annual objectives
• Conducts demographic and market research as needed
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Specific Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree
• Proficiency in German language (both in speaking and writing); commitment to bilingualism and global citizenship
• Minimum five years’ experience in marketing, communications, and/or public relations, preferably in an independent school environment
• Creative and analytical mindset
• Self-driven team player who also works well independently
• Excellent work ethic with proven ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, multi-task, and carefully proof their own work
• Must have a keen eye for detail, design, and branding
• Excellent writing, storytelling, and editorial skills
• Great organizational and event planning skills
• Great interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate widely with various constituencies throughout GISC’s community
• WCMS (preferably Blackbaud), Meta (Facebook and Instagram), LinkedIn experience
• Google Suite, Google Analytics, Google Ads, and SEM experience
• Canva or other design software experience

Work Environment

This position operates in an office environment that is accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required, and those may not necessarily be fully accessible. This role does not allow remote work. It routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently climb stairs, lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds. This position requires occasional evening and weekend work. This workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment.

Work Authorization: Candidate must be authorized to work in the US

Compensation: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience

Benefits: Include health, dental, and vision insurance, generous vacation days, life & disability insurance, and a 401k which includes a matching program

Start Date: May 2024 or sooner

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to jobs [at] germanschoolchicago.com

The German International School Chicago does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender identity, religion, or disability in its employment policies. It is an equal opportunity employer. It is the school’s policy to comply with all applicable national and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60613: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person