Director of Marketing and Communications

Company Description

Founded 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.

Job Description

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 & Writing

• Develop and execute an annual marketing and communications strategy aligned with the school’s mission, Montessori philosophy, and enrollment goals
• Write, edit, and publish a weekly newsletter for parents/families
• Write, edit, and publish a separate weekly newsletter for teachers and staff
• Craft clear, engaging copy for admissions and advancement materials, announcements, press releases, and event communications
• Maintain a consistent institutional voice and brand standards across all communications

Digital & Social Media

• Manage and grow the school’s social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), including content calendars, posting, and community engagement
• Monitor social media analytics and adjust strategy based on performance
• Respond to or route inquiries and comments in a timely, professional manner

Website Management

• Serve as webmaster: maintain, update, and troubleshoot the school website
• Ensure content accuracy, functionality, accessibility, and SEO best practices
• Coordinate with IT or outside vendors as needed for technical issues or upgrades 

Video & Graphic Design

• Plan, 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 graphics
• Maintain the school’s visual brand identity across all materials

Institutional Advancement Partnership

• Collaborate with the Director of Institutional Advancement on advancement, admissions, and fundraising campaigns
• Support event promotion and communications for open houses, fundraisers, and community events
• Provide communications counsel and materials for crisis or sensitive - topic messaging as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, or a related field
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and planning ability
• Hands-on experience producing and editing video content
• Proficiency in graphic tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar)
• Experience managing organizational social media accounts and analytics
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn Montessori philosophy and terminology
• Experience in an independent school, nonprofit, or mission driven organization

Key Attributes:

• A collaborative, mission-aligned team player
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills
• Comfortable working across a wide age-range community (toddler through Grade 8)
• Creative problem-solver who can execute independently and take initiative

Additional Information

Pay Information: The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $100,000 annually based on skills and experience

To Apply:

Visit our website and apply online: https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/NearNorthMontessoriSchool/

Submit the following application materials listed below to the Head of School - Angela Garcia

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Sample of communications work and one published writing sample
• Names of three professional references

Near 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.