Director of Communications

Stephen Gaynor School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Stephen Gaynor School seeks a Director of Communications to lead its strategic communications and marketing efforts. This pivotal role involves collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring alignment with the school’s mission. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, alongside proven experience in branding and media relations, committed to promoting inclusivity and educational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive communications/marketing experience.
• Experience managing websites and content management systems.
• Proven leadership and management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all external and internal communication initiatives.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of digital and print materials.
• Serve as the school’s primary media contact and manage press coverage.

Skills

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Creativity

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

WordPress

Job description

Join to apply for the Director of Communications role at Stephen Gaynor School

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Director of Communications role at Stephen Gaynor School

Job Overview

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic communications and marketing program that supports Stephen Gaynor School’s mission, vision, and values. Serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Director ensures that all communications efforts are unified, mission-centered, and reflective of the school’s commitment to educational excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.

Job Overview

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic communications and marketing program that supports Stephen Gaynor School’s mission, vision, and values. Serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Director ensures that all communications efforts are unified, mission-centered, and reflective of the school’s commitment to educational excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.

The Director will lead all external and internal communication initiatives, ensuring clarity, consistency, and creativity across channels. This role requires close collaboration with school leadership, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and trustees, positioning the Communications Office as a vital partner in achieving the school’s strategic priorities.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the chief architect and steward of the school's strategic communications and marketing efforts.
• Advise the Head of School and leadership team on communications strategy, branding, and media relations.
• Preserve and strengthen brand consistency across all communications by enforcing the school’s style guide and reviewing all messaging materials.
• Lead and update comprehensive communications and marketing efforts to enhance the school’s visibility and reputation locally and nationally.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to leadership on key initiatives, including admissions, development, community engagement, and special programs.
  
  

Content Creation and Management

• Oversee the creation, production, and dissemination of print and digital materials, including but not limited to:
• Weekly Gaynor Notes newsletter
• Admissions collateral
• Family handbook
• Yearbook
• Summer camp and after-school brochures
• Biannual Gaynor Gazette magazine
• Write compelling news articles, press releases, speeches, and website content to promote the school’s programs and events.
• Oversee management and timely updates of the school website, Veracross Parent Portals and the school mobile app in collaboration with the Director of Technology.
• Supervise and coordinate all school social media channels, ensuring dynamic and engaging content.
• Attend and photograph school events; manage the photo and video archives with the Communications Coordinator for ongoing marketing use.
• Produce and edit video content to support school initiatives and storytelling.
  

Media and Public Relations

• Serve as the school’s primary media contact; build and maintain relationships with key media outlets and journalists.
• Craft and pitch story ideas, prepare media kits, and manage press coverage to elevate the school’s profile.
• Lead all crisis communications efforts, including the preparation of materials and active participation on the Crisis Response Team.
  
  

Team and Vendor Management

• Lead, mentor, and supervise the Communications Coordinator, fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Manage relationships with external partners, including designers, photographers, videographers, and printers.
• Oversee production and branding of promotional materials, school merchandise, and event giveaways.
  
  

Community Engagement and Research

• Ensure frequent, mission-aligned communication with all constituents, including parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and trustees.
• Promote and encourage the use of the school’s parent/employee app, including regular push notifications and content updates.
• Conduct periodic research, surveys, and analyses to assess communication effectiveness and inform strategy.
• Ensure the school's profiles on external platforms (e.g., Niche, educational directories) are accurate, updated, and compelling.
  
  

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the school’s Brand Kit in Canva.
• Collaborate on schoolwide events such as the Gala, Spring Carnival, Curriculum Nights, graduation, and performances.
• Develop white papers or thought leadership articles in collaboration with faculty and staff for external publication.
• Lead internal communication efforts and ensure staff and faculty understand and uphold communication policies and brand standards.
• Attend full faculty and staff meetings.
• Willing to commit to anti-bias and anti-racism work and to promoting inclusion, belonging and equity through their work in the classroom and school community.
• Ensure a commitment to the school’s DEI mission and goals by participating in continuous professional development for learning differences, anti-racism and anti-bias of all kinds.
• Be an active member of the Gaynor community
• Other duties and responsibilities as deemed appropriate
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive communications/marketing experience, ideally in independent schools or nonprofit organizations.
• Proven track record in developing and executing strategic communications plans, managing crisis communications, and leveraging social media.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong news judgment and creativity in identifying storytelling opportunities that advance the school’s mission and goals.
• Experience managing websites, digital platforms, and content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Veracross, Canva).
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and social media platforms.
• Experience with basic graphic design and web content management.
• Proven leadership and management skills; ability to foster a collaborative environment.
• A commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive and diverse community.
• Flexibility, resourcefulness, and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and deadlines.
  
  

Stephen Gaynor School offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive professional development program. Applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter and contact details for at least two individuals who can supply reference letters upon appointment.

Please apply online at Employment Opportunities.

THE GAYNOR DIFFERENCE: UNLOCKING EACH STUDENT’S POTENTIAL

A pioneer in special education founded in 1962, Stephen Gaynor School is an independent Pre-K, Lower, and Middle School for bright children with language-based learning differences.

At Stephen Gaynor School, students with learning differences develop essential academic and critical thinking skills through individualized and evidence-based approaches, empowering them to reach their full potential. Students learn to advocate for themselves and others while actively building an inclusive community, a sense of belonging, and a belief in their own possibilities.

Nearly 400 students ages three to 14 attend our school with a range of learning differences, from Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to speech, language, and reading delays such as dyslexia. With more than 60 years of experience in special education and a dedication to continuous improvement, Gaynor has the expertise to help children break down barriers to learning, build self-esteem, and realize academic success.

Our expert staff provides an unparalleled level of personal attention in a nurturing environment, allowing students to be academically challenged yet supported every step of the way.

Children leave Stephen Gaynor School full of smiles and self-confidence, well-prepared for the next step on their educational journey.

Our Diversity Mission: Stephen Gaynor School is dedicated to promoting and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within our school community. We recognize, value, and celebrate many types of diversity, including neurodiversity, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, ability, religion, sexual orientation, family composition, language, and gender identity/expression.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Stephen Gaynor School is an equal employment opportunity employer. Gaynor is committed to building a culturally diverse and anti-racist workforce. We provide opportunities for employment without discrimination or harassment on the basis of (including hairstyle), color, religion, creed, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, gender expression, national origin, alienage, age, pregnancy, marital/partnership status, immigration or citizenship status, status as a veteran or active military service member status, disability, genetic predisposition, status as a victim of domestic violence, prior arrest or conviction record, caregiver status, credit history, salary history, unemployment status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law (collectively, the “Protected Characteristics”).

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

• Industries

  Education Administration Programs

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Stephen Gaynor School by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Director of Communications” roles.

Director of Public Relations - Iconic, Global Professional Services Firm - New York, NY

New York City Metropolitan Area $180,000 - $200,000 1 day ago

Director, Strategic Communications (Evergreen)

Director, Communications (Banana Republic)

New York, NY $168,300 - $223,000 1 month ago

Director, Corporate Communications (Social Responsibility)

New York, NY
$165,000.00
-
$185,000.00
2 weeks ago

New York, NY
$243,000.00
-
$377,000.00
1 week ago

Sr Director, Communications, Social Media and Influence

New York City Metropolitan Area
$160,000.00
-
$175,000.00
2 weeks ago

New York City Metropolitan Area 5 days ago

New York City Metropolitan Area 5 days ago

New York, NY
$115,000.00
-
$125,000.00
3 weeks ago

New York, NY
$130,000.00
-
$160,000.00
5 days ago

New York, NY
$120,000.00
-
$145,000.00
1 week ago

New York, NY
$175,000.00
-
$200,000.00
1 week ago

Communications and Engagement, Assistant Director

Hoboken, NJ
$96,300.00
-
$180,100.00
4 days ago

Associate Director, Corporate Communications

New York, NY
$130,000.00
-
$170,000.00
2 weeks ago

New York City Metropolitan Area 1 week ago

New York, NY
$200,000.00
-
$260,000.00
3 weeks ago

Associate Director / Director, Brand Communications

New York, NY
$170,000.00
-
$180,000.00
4 days ago

Director, Corporate Reputation and Communications

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

New York, NY $210,000 - $250,000 5 days ago

Head of Communications, TCS Services Marketing

Director of Communications - Global Asset Manager

New York, NY $220,000 - $280,000 4 weeks ago

Director of Communications – Elite Global Alternative Asset Manager – Evanston, IL or NYC

New York City Metropolitan Area $200,000 - $300,000 1 day ago

Director, Communications (Banana Republic)

New York, NY $200,000 - $230,000 1 month ago

VP, Transformation Communications - C13 (Hybrid)

New York, NY $129,840 - $194,760 1 week ago

Director of Communications at Every Mother Counts

New York City Metropolitan Area $200,000 - $270,000 16 hours ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.