Communications Manager

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School seeks a Communications Manager to lead its digital presence, institutional publications, and internal communications initiatives. You will work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications to ensure accuracy, consistency, and impact across school communications.

The role focuses on maintaining the website, producing compelling content, coordinating major publications, and developing systems that promote continuity, efficiency, and collaboration across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field.
• Three to five years of professional experience in communications, editorial management, digital content, or a related discipline.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling abilities.
• Experience managing website content and content management systems.
• Knowledge of website optimization, SEO principles, and digital best practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage Heathwood Hall's website content, organization, accuracy, and ongoing maintenance.
• Coordinate planning, development, writing, editing, and production of the Highlander Magazine.
• Write, edit, and coordinate schoolwide communications, press releases, and institutional messaging.
• Develop crisis communications protocols and support emergency preparedness efforts.
• Lead internal communications efforts, including a new faculty/staff newsletter and editorial calendars.
• Oversee professional storytelling highlighting institutional achievements and community partnerships.

Skills

Writing & editing

Content management

SEO knowledge

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field

Tools

WordPress

CMS

Email platforms

Job description

Communications Manager

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to its success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

Reports to: Director of Marketing & Communications

Work Schedule: 12 month employee; M-F with occasional night and weekend hours required

Position Summary

The Communications & Web Manager is responsible for managing and optimizing Heathwood Hall's digital presence, institutional publications, written communications, and internal communications initiatives. Working closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications, this individual ensures the accuracy, consistency, quality, and effectiveness of the School's communications while supporting institutional priorities and strengthening engagement across the Heathwood community.

This position plays a key role in maintaining the School's digital platforms, producing compelling written content, coordinating major institutional publications, and developing communication systems that promote continuity, efficiency, and collaboration across campus.

Essential Functions

Website Management & Optimization (30%)

• Serve as the primary day-to-day manager of the Heathwood Hall website.
• Oversee website content, organization, accuracy, and ongoing maintenance.
• Identify opportunities to improve website navigation, functionality, user experience, and overall performance.
• Conduct regular content audits to ensure information remains current, relevant, and aligned with school priorities.
• Implement SEO best practices, metadata updates, and content optimization strategies in partnership with the Director of Marketing & Communications.
• Monitor website performance and identify opportunities to improve search visibility, engagement, and conversion.
• Coordinate with external website vendors and internal departments to address technical needs and enhancements.

Institutional Publications & Storytelling (20%)

• Coordinate the planning, development, writing, editing, and production of the annual Highlander Magazine.
• Lead content development and editorial coordination for the annual State of the School report.
• Identify and develop compelling stories that showcase the School's mission, programs, achievements, and community.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and other stakeholders to gather information and develop content.
• Coordinate photography, interviews, and supporting creative assets for institutional publications.
• Maintain editorial calendars, production timelines, and publication schedules.

Copywriting, Editing & Media Relations (15%)

• Serve as a primary writer and editor for schoolwide communications, press releases, feature articles, announcements, and institutional messaging.
• Ensure all written communications reflect the School's brand voice, messaging standards, and editorial guidelines.
• Edit and proofread materials developed by departments to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and quality.
• Develop content highlighting student achievements, faculty accomplishments, academic programs, athletics, arts, alumni, and school initiatives.
• Coordinate written communications and media opportunities in collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Communications.
• Support external communications initiatives and institutional messaging in partnership with third party partners.

Crisis Communications & Institutional Preparedness (10%)

• Partner with the School's Safety Officer and Director of Marketing & Communications to develop, maintain, and regularly review the school's Crisis Communications Plan.
• Assist in developing communication protocols, templates, and response procedures for a variety of emergency and crisis scenarios.
• Ensure communication materials are organized, accessible, and ready for timely distribution.
• Coordinate updates to crisis communications documentation and support periodic reviews and exercises.
• Work with the Safety Officer to ensure communications procedures align with the school's broader emergency preparedness efforts.

Internal Communications & Employee Engagement (10%)

• Develop and manage a new faculty and staff newsletter to strengthen internal communication, community engagement, and school culture.
• Establish an editorial calendar and consistent publication schedule for internal communications.
• Highlight employee achievements, campus initiatives, important updates, institutional milestones, and opportunities for faculty and staff engagement.
• Collaborate with school leadership and departments to identify relevant content and communication needs.

Professional & Institutional Communications (10%)

• Manage and coordinate written content for the School's LinkedIn presence in collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Communications.
• Develop professional storytelling that highlights institutional accomplishments, faculty expertise, alumni success, community partnerships, and school initiatives.
• Support the development, editing, and maintenance of written institutional policies, procedures, handbooks, and related documentation.
• Ensure written materials are consistent, accurate, organized, and aligned with institutional standards.
• Assist departments with the development and refinement of formal written communications and documentation.

Departmental Continuity & Cross-Training (5%)

• Maintain organized archives of publications, communications, and institutional messaging.
• Document recurring workflows, publication schedules, and communication processes.
• Serve as a collaborative resource across departments to improve information sharing and communications efficiency.
• Support operational continuity during periods of staff absence, transition, or increased departmental workload.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field.
• Three to five years of professional experience in communications, editorial management, digital content, or a related discipline.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling abilities.
• Experience managing website content and content management systems.
• Knowledge of website optimization, SEO principles, and digital best practices.
• Experience with email marketing platforms and internal communications.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals across departments and organizational levels.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive communications with discretion.
• Experience with institutional publications, crisis communications, or educational organizations preferred.

Working Conditions

• Expansive school campus with 122+ acres, must be able to travel between buildings independently.
• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, and bending may be required throughout the day at various intervals, including moving throughout buildings and outdoor areas.
• Work may involve traffic, crowds, severe weather, emergency scenes, high attendance events, and urgent or emotionally difficult incidents.
• Must be able to observe conditions, communicate promptly, and respond safely.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Heathwood Hall Episcopal School participates in E-Verify, as mandated by South Carolina law. This position will require a Criminal Background Check.