Staff Communications Specialist Maternity Coverage

Berwick Academy; South Berwick (ME); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Berwick Academy in southern Maine seeks a collaborative, creative Communications Specialist to cover a 2–3 month maternity leave starting September 2026. You will actively shape communications across digital marketing, content creation, and public relations in a dynamic school environment.

The role offers hands-on experience with graphic design, photography, videography, website management, and social media, reporting to the Director of Communications, with close collaboration to Admission and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, or related field (completed or in progress).
• Strong written and verbal communication with attention to brand consistency.
• Proficiency with DSLR/mirrorless cameras for event photography and video production (video editing a plus).
• Experience with social media management, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google Workspace.
• Understanding of media privacy protocols around PK-12 students.
• Highly organized, self-starting, able to manage multiple projects and timelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide real-time photography, videography, and social media coverage for key campus events.
• Draft, edit, and proofread engaging copy for the school website, social channels, and internal newsletters.
• Produce branded digital and print collateral using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Organize and archive photos and video footage in the school’s media library.
• Assist with routine website updates to ensure timely, engaging content.
• Collaborate on initiatives with Admission and Advancement teams, offering rapid communications support during peak periods.

Skills

Photography

Video production

Social media management

Graphic design

Content creation

Adobe Creative Cloud

Canva

Website updates

proofreading

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Marketing/Graphic Design or related field

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Premiere Pro

Job description

Berwick Academy, a PK-12 co-educational independent day school located in southern Maine, is seeking a collaborative, creative Communications Specialist to provide temporary coverage for a 2–3 month maternity leave beginning in September 2026.

This is a high-impact, hands‑on role perfect for an early‑career professional or advanced student looking for real‑world experience across digital marketing, content creation, and public relations in an active educational environment. The successful candidate will bring enthusiasm, initiative, and practical experience in graphic design, photography, videography, website management, and social media.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Coverage & Live Media: Provide real‑time photography, videography, and social media coverage for key fall campus events
• Content Creation & Newsletters: Draft, edit, and proofread engaging copy for the school website, social media channels, and weekly/monthly internal email newsletters for parents, faculty, and alumni.
• Graphic Design: Produce branded digital and print collateral (event flyers, social graphics, digital displays) using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Cloud in alignment with school style guides.
• Digital Asset Management: Organize, tag, and archive photos and video footage in the school’s media library to keep assets easily accessible for the team.
• Website Updates: Assist with routine updates to the school’s website to ensure accurate, timely, and engaging content across all departments.
• Department Support: Collaborate on special initiatives with the Admission and Advancement teams as needed, providing rapid‑response communications support during peak periods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (completed or in progress) in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a sharp eye for proofreading and brand consistency.
• Proficiency with DSLR or mirrorless cameras for event photography and video production (video editing skills a strong plus).
• Hands‑on experience with social media management, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro), and Google Workspace.
• Understanding of media privacy protocols and comfort working around PK‑12 students.
• Highly organized self‑starter capable of managing multiple projects and rigid event timelines independently with minimal supervision.

This position reports primarily to the Director of Communications, working closely with the Admission and Advancement departments.

Berwick Academy, situated on an 80‑acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 520 students, Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 12, from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves. Founded in 1791 and rooted in a tradition of college preparation, our culture of innovation prepares students for a complex and dynamic world.

Berwick Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We seek candidates who will add to the diversity of the school community.