What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Communications and Advancement Coordinator position at Harding Academy?
SUMMARY
The Strategic Communications and Advancement Coordinator plays a key role in supporting Harding Academy’s Advancement and Marketing Office by blending accurate data operations with brand distribution and management. Working closely with the Director of Advancement & Marketing, this position coordinates the day-to-day internal and external communications that advance the school’s public image, while simultaneously managing the donor database, accurate gift processing, and stewardship reporting. The Coordinator collaborates across the Leadership Team, Admissions, and the Business Office to execute
front-line marketing initiatives, support fundraising campaigns, and maintain brand consistency.
Qualifications:EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree
- Strong background (3 years preferred) in communications, marketing, or advancement operations.
- Experience with database management.
- Proficiency in graphic design and creative software (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, etc.).
- Knowledge of independent schools and the educational landscape is a plus.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Marketing & Strategic Communications (Priority Focus)
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- Support the implementation and execution of the annual marketing strategy and story arc across all channels (social media, print, and fundraising) to reflect the vision of school leadership.
- Maintain and enforce institutional brand consistency across all channels, merchandise/apparel, and
sub-brands (e.g., Harding Parents Association, Art Show, Summer Programs, School of Dance).
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- Lead the layout, production, printing, and editing of digital and print publications, including the annual Excellentia magazine, advancement collateral, and all admissions marketing materials.
- Update and regularly maintain the external website with current data, imagery, and provided content across all divisions, areas of campus life, and admissions pages.
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- Execute the school’s digital media plans and capture/organize photo and video content of the student experience.
- Coordinate and distribute weekly community communications (including CompassConnection), targeted mailings (grandparent calendars, community notices), and recurring admissions/prospective family emails.
- Execute and manage marketing distribution initiatives for admissions events outside of the Finalsite
platform.
- Database, Gift Management and Reporting
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- Manage the donor database (Raiser’s Edge), including gift entry, pledges, acknowledgments, new constituent tracking, and regular data cleanup/integrity.
- Process and maintain accurate records of all gifts and pledges, preparing receipts, tax letters, and
reconciliations in coordination with the Business Office.
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- Build queries and data exports for the Harding Fund Campaign, annual reports, NAIS reports, and institutional committees; generate dashboards to track fundraising progress and pledge reminders.
- Events and General Office Support
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- Provide logistical, structural, and on-site support for all advancement, admissions, and school-wide special events (including programs, registration, and media coverage).
- Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of Advancement and Marketing or Head of
School.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
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- Mission-driven and committed to Harding Academy’s values.
- Comfortable balancing behind-the-scenes operational work with visible event support.
- Proactive, resourceful, and eager to improve systems and processes.
- Warm, professional demeanor with the ability to engage positively with families, donors, and colleagues.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak; hear; stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, grasp or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be available to allow the employee to perform the essential functions of the job.