Senior Director of Communications and Marketing | The Archdiocese of Chicago
Posted on Aug 31, 2022
Type: Job
Why join us?
A great education transforms lives, but great schools don’t just happen. They’re built by intentionality,
teamwork and love. The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago are experiencing a renaissance of academic achievement, instruction rooted in timeless values, and heightened parent interest.
Catholic schools have been a pillar in communities throughout Chicago, Cook, and Lake counties for generations.
We are now preparing the next generation to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually in the 21st Century. Effective communication – with parents, students, educators, staff, and parishes – is at the heart of nearly everything we do. We can only be excellent if we have excellent communications with our families, employees, and many stakeholders.
The Opportunity
We seek a Senior Director of Communications and Marketing to lead the Office of Catholic Schools’ (OCS) multifaceted communications and marketing efforts to advance Chicago’s Catholic schools. As a member of the
Superintendent’s leadership team, the person should be a strong collaborator, problem solver, strategic thinker,
relationship builder, and organizational leader who is committed to the mission of Catholic education.
OCS is part of the Archdiocese of Chicago, which has an Office of Communications that supports many units
throughout the Archdiocese. The Senior Director is part of the OCS team and works closely with the Archdiocese
Office of Communications to support the Church and its schools.
Responsibilities
In collaboration with the Superintendent, other staff within the Office of Catholic Schools (OCS), and the
Archdiocese’s Office of Communications, the Senior Director of Communications and Marketing will:
• Develop and implement an external communications plan to increase awareness and strengthen
perceptions of Catholic schools among various audiences, including prospective parents, public officials,
and other potential partners,
• Develop and implement an internal communications plan that provides principals, teachers, staff,
current families, and OCS staff with timely, important information about our schools and school system,
• Lead the Office of Catholic Schools’ student marketing and recruitment efforts, including social media,
paid and earned media, and direct support for schools,
• Ensure all OCS communications are well-written, effective, and on-message,
• Manage a team of 2 to 3 OCS marketing and communications staff and the work of outside consultants,
• Manage media relations for the Office of Catholic Schools alongside the Archdiocese’s Office of
Communications media relations staff,
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Archdiocese of Chicago School Board’s Marketing Committee, and
• Utilize the staff of the Archdiocesan Office of Communications, including its graphic designers,
publications staff, and video and photography staff.
All these responsibilities are to be carried out to support our schools’ enrollment, academic and financial
sustainability goals.
Who are we?
The Office of Catholic Schools oversees 154 schools in Chicago, suburban Cook County and Lake County. They
include 151 elementary schools and 3 high schools. We also have collaborative relationships with 12
independent Catholic elementary schools and 28 independent Catholic high schools. We serve over 60,000
students from diverse racial, ethnic, economic, language, and faith backgrounds.
Each school strives to create a community where students receive an excellent education in a safe, welcoming,
faith-based environment. Our schools deliver a well-rounded program that includes rigorous academics, moral
and spiritual growth, and concern for each student’s social-emotional well-being. We have high expectations for
our students, faculty and staff but also provide support to help them succeed.
Who are you?
You should consider this role if you are…
• Excited by the opportunity to shape and deliver an inspiring message about Catholic education to the more
than 6 million residents of Cook and Lake counties,
• Energized by the opportunity to support nearly 200 Catholic schools to tell their story,
• Experienced working with and coordinating the efforts of teams of professionals,
• Someone who is strategic and believes in prioritizing, including being willing to say no, and
• Someone who will not stop until the team you lead finds measurable success.
Ideal Experiences and Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
• 10 years of communications experience that reflects progressively complex responsibilities,
• A demonstrated ability to function successfully in a complex institutional environment,
• Experience successfully managing people and projects,
• A Bachelor’s degree
Experience with schools is a plus, but not required. Because our Catholic schools educate students who are
Catholic and students who are not, candidates for this position are not required to be Catholic but they are
required to enthusiastically support the mission of Catholic education.
Compensation and Location
The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a full range of medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision benefits, life
insurance, a 403(b) plan, and more. Salary will be $125,000 or more, commensurate with experience. Employees
of the Office of Catholic Schools are currently working on site (835 N. Rush Street) two days per week and
virtually three days a week.
How to apply
If you want to make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of students and believe you have what it takes
to be a successful Senior Director of Communications and Marketing, send your resume and cover letter to
Katherine Martinez, kmartinez@archchicago.org. Preferred consideration will be given to applicants who apply
by September 9th, though applications will continue to be received and reviewed after that date until the
position is filled.