The Strategic Communications & Content Specialist supports the development and execution of Catlin Gabel School’s narrative and content strategy across platforms. Working in close partnership with the Director of Communications & Marketing, this role helps shape how the school tells its story — identifying compelling angles, aligning messaging with institutional priorities, and producing timely, high-quality content across web, social media, media relations, email communications, and print publications.

This position requires a strong storyteller who can think strategically and execute nimbly. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable drafting a long-form feature, pitching a media story, creating a social post on a tight timeline, or compiling weekly newsletters. We are seeking someone who is intellectually curious, attuned to emerging trends in social media and education, and energized by finding new and innovative ways to elevate the school’s voice. This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to campaign messaging, fundraising communications, reputation management, and institutional storytelling, while helping reimagine how and where our stories are told.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Editorial & Narrative Development

Partner with the Director of Communications & Marketing to support the development and execution of editorial and storytelling strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
Lead communications campaigns for major institutional initiatives in partnership with school leadership.
Contribute ideas for storytelling themes, campaigns, and fundraising initiatives.
Identify and write compelling stories that highlight the mission, people, and impact of Catlin Gabel.
Identify and develop strong relationships with faculty, staff, and students to build trust and generate storytelling opportunities.
Serve as a primary writer and editor for school-wide communications.
Proactively surface new storytelling opportunities based on trends in education, media coverage, and digital engagement.
Bring forward bold, creative ideas for expanding audience reach, including new platforms, formats, partnerships, or contributor models (e.g., student-generated content, multimedia-first storytelling, digital-first publications).

Content Creation & Channel Execution

Develop and execute content strategy and calendar for social media platforms, including daily posting, engagement, and performance tracking.
Stay current on social media trends, emerging platforms, and evolving best practices, and test new approaches that increase engagement and visibility.
Develop theme and drive content development for The Caller, the school’s twice-annual magazine, in collaboration with Advancement/Alumni and designers.
Evaluate and propose improvements to existing communications vehicles (e.g., newsletters, magazine, email cadence), including opportunities for increased efficiency, digital innovation, or format shifts.
Gather, compile, edit, and distribute weekly divisional newsletters.
Draft and edit communications for the Head of School and senior leadership, in partnership with the Director of Communications & Marketing.
Write and edit content for web pages, admission materials, advancement communications, and institutional messaging.

Media Relations & Public Engagement

Support media relations efforts, including drafting press releases, pitching stories, maintaining a press list, and cultivating relationships with local media.
Monitor relevant local, national, and education-industry media for engagement opportunities; track trends in coverage to inform proactive storytelling and thought leadership opportunities.
Assist in managing communications for time-sensitive issues or crises.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with the Senior Digital & Brand Manager to ensure content aligns with brand standards and digital strategy.
Collaborate with the Multimedia & Athletics Content Producer to align written storytelling with video and athletics content.
Support divisional leaders, Advancement, Enrollment, and other departments in meeting communications goals.

OTHER DUTIES

Engage in activities that promote, support, and enhance the school community
Participate in ongoing professional development and training
Complete other work as assigned by the supervisor

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

BA or BS from an accredited college or university required; degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or related field preferred.
3–5 years of experience in communications, journalism, content strategy, marketing, or related field preferred.
Experience in education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations preferred.
Experience working with media, serving as a spokesperson, or contributing to public-facing communications on behalf of an organization preferred.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

Strong writing and editing skills, with fluency in writing for web, email, and social platforms.
Interest in and aptitude for strategic communications and campaign messaging.
Understanding of social media strategy, content planning, and analytics
Demonstrated curiosity about emerging communications trends and a willingness to experiment with new formats and approaches
Entrepreneurial mindset with the confidence to propose new ideas and the follow-through to execute them
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Collaborative, adaptable, and systems-minded.
Cultural competence and sound professional judgment.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in public-facing communications, with awareness of reputational considerations and institutional voice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No formal supervisory responsibilities.
May provide production guidance to student content contributors or coordinate freelance support as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are representative of physical requirements and may not be all-encompassing. Incumbents must be able to perform job duties with or without accommodations.

Ability to move safely over uneven terrain or confined spaces to attend meetings, events, and shoots.

Frequent and consistent operation of a computer and video equipment.
Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, and walking. Capable of bending, reaching above and below the shoulder, climbing, and squatting. Vision close up and at distance
Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
May need to travel locally for events

SCHEDULE

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), year-round position. The role requires regular on-campus presence. Some evening and weekend work is required.

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