Director of Marketing & Communications

$60,000 - $70,000/Yr

16 - Rochester, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

Rochester, NY

Real Estate

About the position

The Hochstein School is a vibrant organization located in Rochester, NY, dedicated to providing instruction in music, dance, and therapeutic arts. With an annual service to over 3,500 students from a 12-county region, the school is deeply embedded in the community and offers tuition assistance to more than 50% of its students. The acclaimed Hochstein Performance Hall, situated within the school's historic downtown building, frequently hosts concerts and events, enhancing the cultural fabric of the area. The Director of Marketing & Communications plays a crucial role in developing and implementing a strategy-based communications and marketing plan aimed at advancing Hochstein's brand, mission, vision, and programs. This position is responsible for engaging current stakeholders and attracting new audiences through creative and data-driven strategies. The Director will utilize current best practices, resources, and tools to support the organization’s goals of expanding enrollment, building audiences, measuring impact, and raising the profile of Hochstein throughout the region. In this role, the Director will supervise a team of part-time staff and collaborate closely with external advertising, media, graphic design, and website contractors. The position requires a strong in-person presence at The Hochstein School in Rochester, NY, and reports directly to the President/Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute marketing and communications plans to support student recruiting, audience building, fundraising and development, and profile-raising goals and campaigns.
• Write and edit advertising, web and other Marketing & Communications copy, developing style guides and ensuring consistent communications practices across the organization.
• Oversee and implement web site design, copy, development, and maintenance.
• Oversee and implement digital advertising and social media.
• Develop and maintain brand guidelines to promote and support Hochstein's mission, vision, and comprehensive programming.
• Develop and oversee print and digital media advertising.
• Oversee the design, printing and distribution of all print media, using either in-house or contracted designers. Oversee/coordinate copy development.
• Work with mail houses and internal departments to develop mailing lists.
• In collaboration with staff, write content, and publish the Hochstein e-newsletter.
• Plan and oversee public relations activities, including press releases, and story and photo placement. Develop PR plans to achieve organizational profile goals.
• Develop and manage annual budgets, including overseeing and implementing media buys consistent with annual recruitment and audience building goals.
• Oversee, monitor and report on an annual budget approved by the President/Executive Director. Create budget proposals as requested.
• Supervise and manage Marketing & Communications team (2 PT) and contractors, e.g. designers, etc.
• Other duties as assigned by the President/Executive Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent on-the-job experience/training.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including effective copy writing skills in a range of communications vehicles, e.g. e-newsletters, web site, print advertising, etc.
• Proven expertise in building and executing advertising campaigns and brand strategies to attract customers (e.g. students, audience members, etc.).
• Experience collaborating with content experts to develop copy, campaigns, and other messaging in a complex organizational and program environment.
• Graphic design experience, including working with outside contractors.
• Proficient with analysis and design software.
• Knowledge and experience designing and overseeing social media campaigns.
• Competence in internet marketing campaigns, including SEO.
• Experience with public relations a plus.
• Ability to execute a data-driven approach to track results, recognize trends and stay ahead of them, and adjust to meet goals.
• Strong computer skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work at a fast pace and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Excellent customer service skills and attitude; friendly and accessible temperament.
• Problem-solving skills, pro-active and innovative mindset, and high level of efficiency.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with public relations a plus.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Flexible spending account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• Employee discount
• Life insurance