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Holton-Arms School, Inc.

Assistant Director of Communications

Holton-Arms School, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, us, 20811

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Founded more than a century ago, Holton-Arms School encourages young women in grades 3-12 to approach the world with a thirst for challenge, unflinching curiosity, and a sense of responsibility to use what they learn for the greatest good. A nationally recognized school that prioritizes purposeful connections, Holton is a vibrant place where both students and faculty are deeply engaged in the process of learning and bring tremendous spirit and passion to their work. With a long legacy of excellence in educating girls, Holton provides students with time-tested and future-forward programming, preparing them for what the world needs next.

The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique potential of young women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.” Founded in 1901 by two visionary women, Holton-Arms continues to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community; tend to the health and wellbeing of its members; and build a global curriculum that responds to the learners in its classrooms and the world around us.

The School’s aspirations and current program are rooted in Mrs. Holton’s founding vision: “My high hope is that they who entered through the ‘Open Door’ of Holton- Arms remember they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life.” In this vibrant community committed to academic excellence, discovery, creativity, and joy, students are scholars, artists, and athletes who find their voices, take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue opportunities for leadership, and build lifelong friendships. The school motto Inveniam viam aut faciam (“I will find a way or make one”) exemplifies this spirit of agency and empowerment. Here, students excel, while as a community, they enthusiastically support the wins and experiences of one another.

Holton-Arms lives out its mission through a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach to supporting each student and ensuring that all students thrive in school and in life, growing into leaders who will make the world a better place. Inspired by accomplished alumnae, caring faculty and staff, and each other, Holton students step up to challenges, try often, fail gracefully, and succeed proudly.

Position Overview Holton-Arms School seeks an

Assistant Director of Communications

who will serve as the second-in-command and a critical partner to the Director of Communications, managing all key editorial, project management, and multimedia functions for the School. This individual helps tell Holton’s story and elevate the School’s brand by acting as managing editor of the school magazine, overseeing brand asset management, overseeing digital strategy, and managing the school’s analytics and website user experience. The Assistant Director acts in the Director’s place when necessary and ensures continuity across all communications platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Editorial and Magazine Management

Partners with the Director of Communications and Head of School to ensure consistent messaging and brand storytelling across all divisions and departments.

Collaborates with internal contributors and external partners to align all publications with Holton’s strategic messaging and tone of voice.

Serves as managing editor of the school magazine, owning the full production cycle, including story planning, writing, editing, design, and production.

Responsible for coordinating with vendors, developing the production timeline, and co-managing the vendor relationship for magazine printing.

Identifies and produces mission-centered stories that highlight student and faculty excellence, community milestones, and the Holton spirit.

Writes, edits, and proofreads a range of communications (website content, print materials, speeches, community messages, donor and alumnae features).

Works with the Brand and Design Lead on magazine layout and creative for marketing materials and print advertising.

Serves as final reviewer for high-level emails and reviews and approves designs when the Director of Communications is unavailable.

Photography and Multimedia Production

Works with the Director and Brand and Design Lead on contracted photography for school portraits, athletics, arts, and school events.

Schedules freelance photographers for events the team will not cover.

Coordinates with freelance videographers as needed, managing shoots and video production. Reviews videos, provides edit suggestions, and posts final videos to Vimeo and YouTube.

Works with the divisions to schedule student and faculty participants for both photo and video shoots.

Captures photos and short-form video content as needed to support daily storytelling.

Digital Communications, Web, & Analytics

Responsible for all marketing landing pages. Maintains the vision of the site user experience as a whole, especially through the lens of prospective families.

Manages the GA4 dashboard and analytics oversight. Uses analytics dashboards to review and evaluate website efficacy and update strategies as needed. Provides regular insights and recommendations to improve engagement and conversion.

Oversees social media strategy and calendar; flags any concerns for the Director of Communications.

Collaborates with Admissions, Advancement, and other departments to align digital communications with institutional priorities.

Leadership, Crisis, and Media

Serves as the acting Director of Communications when needed, ensuring continuity of communications leadership.

Works with the Director to develop, implement, and manage streamlined systems and processes to effectively receive, prioritize, and fulfill communication support requests from departments and divisions, ensuring their needs are met in a timely and consistent manner.

Drafts or reviews internal and external communications during urgent or sensitive situations. Proofs and reviews crisis communications with the Director of Communications.

Oversees and maintains the integrity of communication databases used for distributing community-wide emails and newsletters, including managing data synchronization and integration with other organizational systems to ensure accurate and reliable distribution lists.

Works with the Director of Communications on managing media requests, media pitching, and media relationships.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

5–7 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or project management – preferably in education, nonprofit, or mission-driven settings. Proven success managing multi-platform communications projects, publications, and digital campaigns from concept to completion.

Skills

Project Management & Organization:

Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to establish priorities, multitask, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Possesses superior organizational skills and close attention to details.

Communication & Collaboration:

Exceptional people management and communications skills (written and verbal). Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Judgment & Autonomy:

Can work independently, coordinate projects, and make sound judgment calls in the absence of the Director.

Storytelling & Media:

Creative mindset with a passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences. Experience and familiarity working with the media.

Writing, Editing, & Proofreading:

Exceptional writing, copyediting, and proofreading skills. Proven experience managing print production, vendor relationships, web analytics (GA4), and project management systems.

Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $90,000, the exact salary to be determined based on education and experience. Benefits include health insurance with a generous employer contribution to medical, dental, and vision; life and disability insurance; 403b retirement savings with an employer match and non-elective contribution; employee assistance program, tuition remission for eligible children; professional development opportunities; paid parental leave after one year of employment; paid vacation, sick and personal days; and lunch is provided on school days.

Application Details To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and the names and contact information of three references (one of whom must be a current or most recent supervisor).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement Holton-Arms cherishes the uniqueness of each of our members including current and former students, faculty and staff. We seek to create an inclusive environment that sees, values, and supports diverse identities and experiences, cultivates engaging discourse, and empowers our students to be thriving members of the global community.

At Holton-Arms, each of us is responsible for fostering an equitable, respectful, and just community. We are committed to:

Discovering, developing, and valuing our full authentic selves.

Deepening awareness of personal and systemic biases and being accountable for the impact of our words and actions.

Developing an understanding of the historical origins and perpetuation of systems of power and privilege.

Engaging in open and brave conversations that promote growth, understanding, connection, and agency.

Embracing every individual as essential to the community.

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