Director of Communications

DovetailED Talent Sourcing; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Grammar Preparatory School in New York is seeking a Director of Communications to lead a two-person team and execute a strategic communications plan. The role focuses on refining the school’s brand narrative and delivering high-impact messaging across all channels to support school priorities and strengthen reputation.

The position requires a strong background in communications, marketing, and public relations with the ability to manage crisis communications and collaborate across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible communications, marketing, or public relations experience.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and editorial skills with ability to craft audience-specific messaging.
• Demonstrated experience in brand strategy and digital communications across multiple channels.
• Experience with crisis communications, issues management, and media relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Senior Leadership Team and report to the Head of School.
• Refine CGPS’s brand narrative and craft consistent, high-impact messaging across all channels.
• Advance school priorities and celebrate CGPS story to build trust and reputation.
• Foster connections with current and prospective families, alumni, faculty, staff, and trustees.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and multiple departments to support enrollment and community engagement.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Editorial skills

Brand storytelling

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Columbia Grammar Preparatory School | New York, NY

Director of Communications Opportunity Statement

About the School

Founded in 1764, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School (CGPS) is a vibrant Pre-K–12 independent school on Manhattan’s Upper West Side where academic rigor meets a warm, deeply supportive community. Driven by the core belief that a balanced education leads to a powerful life, CGPS empowers students to pursue their unique ambitions while keeping their curiosity and joy intact. As an educator or staff member here, you join a collaborative team that values innovation, individuality, and continuous growth—supported by dedicated professional development initiatives, including annual global faculty travel research grants. If you are passionate about fostering inquiry, resilience, and creative expression in a community where every individual’s strengths are celebrated, CGPS offers an inspiring environment to build a meaningful career.

Position Summary

Serving on the Senior Leadership Team and reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Communications will lead a dedicated two-person team that will play a crucial role in bringing CGPS’s upcoming strategic plan to life. By refining our brand narrative and crafting consistent, high-impact messaging across all channels, the Director advances key school priorities and celebrates the CGPS story. This role is vital to building trust, enhancing institutional reputation, and fostering meaningful connections with current and prospective families, alumni, faculty, staff, and trustees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible communications, marketing, or public relations experience, with demonstrated experience developing and executing organization-wide communications strategies.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and editorial skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling, audience-specific messaging and tell an organization’s story consistently across multiple channels.
• Demonstrated experience in brand strategy and digital communications, including websites, social media, digital publications, media relations, and other platforms that strengthen institutional visibility and engagement.
• Experience with crisis communications, issues management, and media relations, including the ability to advise senior leadership and develop thoughtful, timely messaging in sensitive or high‑pressure situations.
• Strong leadership, project management, and collaborative skills, with experience managing communications professionals and partnering effectively with senior leaders and colleagues across multiple departments and constituencies.
• Experience in an independent school, education, nonprofit, or similarly mission‑driven organization preferred, with an understanding of how communications supports enrollment, advancement, community engagement, and institutional reputation.