Director of Communications and Marketing

Bishop's College School • Estrie, Québec, Canada • 4h ago

OVERVIEW

Established in 1836 in Quebec, Canada, Bishop's College School (BCS) is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and certificates. With a campus bordered by farmland and rolling hills on one side and by the city of Sherbrooke on the other, BCS is a small, welcoming community and a "home away from home" to students from 37 different countries. We create a caring community of learning and development where cultures connect and individuals matter. By embracing a rigorous yet supportive academic program and a well-rounded education that includes athletics, the arts, leadership and development, and global citizenship, BCS is preparing students to become tomorrow's leaders.

THE POSITION

Working in close partnership with the Admissions and Advancement teams, the Director brings to life the everyday vibrancy of school life---its traditions, values, community, and transformational student experiences. Through compelling impact storytelling, innovative campaigns, and data-driven strategy, this role ensures that every touchpoint reflects the school's value proposition and positions BCS as a leader in the independent school landscape.

The Director is responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing and communications plans across print, digital, and social platforms, while leading a high-performing team. From elevating enrollment and fundraising efforts to managing the school's brand and online presence, this individual ensures a consistent, inspiring, and authentic voice that sets BCS apart.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the development and execution of a high-impact marketing and communications strategy that aligns with the school's mission, strengthens its brand and reputation locally and globally, and advances the school's strategic priorities. Provide strategic direction to ensure all initiatives position the school for sustained growth, influence, and engagement with key stakeholders.
Work in close partnership with the Admissions and Advancement teams to create and execute integrated marketing and communications initiatives that drive enrollment, engagement, and philanthropic support. Align messaging across departments to amplify the school's distinctive value and foster deeper stakeholder connections.
Define, articulate, and safeguard a cohesive and compelling brand identity across all internal and external communications. Ensure consistency in tone, visual presentation, and messaging that reflects the school's ethos and character.
Lead the creation of high-impact, mission-driven content for a range of platforms---including the school's website, social media, digital publications, newsletters, and print collateral---to engage diverse audiences and bring the school's story to life.
Cultivate strong relationships with local and national media to enhance visibility and reinforce a positive reputation. Serve as the school's primary point of contact for public relations and crisis communications as needed.
Oversee the strategic direction, functionality, and content of the school's website, ensuring an engaging user experience and up-to-date, informative content that supports admissions, advancement, and overall community engagement.
Develop and execute a targeted digital advertising strategy to attract prospective families and drive enrollment. Utilize data-driven audience segmentation, compelling creative, and platform-specific ad campaigns to maximize reach and engagement. Continuously monitor performance metrics and optimize campaigns to improve conversion rates and return on investment.
Design and implement targeted email campaigns that inform, inspire, and engage segmented audiences. Ensure communications are timely, visually compelling, and aligned with broader strategic goals.
Collaborate with Human Resources to support the development of internal communications initiatives that foster a unified, values-driven organizational culture, prioritizing efforts that align with the school's strategic goals.
Support the planning, promotion, and coverage of key school events---including open houses, alumni gatherings, fundraising events, and community celebrations---to enhance attendance, visibility, and impact.
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of marketing and communications professionals. Foster a collaborative, creative, and results-driven culture aligned with the school's values.
Manage the marketing and communications budget with fiscal responsibility. Ensure effective allocation of resources to maximize ROI across campaigns and initiatives.
Track, analyze, and interpret performance data across all communications and marketing channels. Leverage insights to inform strategy, optimize outcomes, and ensure continuous improvement.
Remain at the forefront of emerging trends, tools, and best practices in marketing and communications, particularly within the independent and boarding school sector. Introduce innovative approaches to keep the school's communications strategy fresh, relevant, and impactful.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

A bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field is required.
A minimum of 8 years of experience in marketing and communications, preferably in an educational, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization.
Experience working in an independent or boarding school environment is considered a strong asset.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that support organizational goals and drive measurable outcomes.
Proven experience in managing and evolving brand identity across multiple platforms and ensuring consistency in messaging and visual presentation.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across a variety of formats (e.g., digital, print, social, video) and audiences.
Strong understanding of website strategy, content management systems, email marketing platforms, SEO, Google Analytics, and social media strategy.
Experience using analytics to evaluate performance, generate insights, and optimize campaigns and communications strategies.
Experience managing media relations, handling press inquiries, and crafting responses to public relations opportunities or challenges.
Proven ability to build strong cross-functional relationships, particularly with Admissions, Advancement, and senior leadership, to align communications with institutional priorities.
Demonstrated success leading and mentoring a team, managing multiple projects, and fostering a collaborative, creative, and results-oriented work culture.
Strong organizational and planning skills with experience managing budgets, timelines, and competing priorities effectively.
A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to stay current on marketing trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, particularly in the independent school sector.
An understanding of and sensitivity to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives within a global boarding school community.
Bilingual in English and French, with strong ability to communicate in both languages.