Director, Communications & Marketing at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School

Director, Communications & Marketing

Department: Communications and Marketing

Reports to: Head of School (subject to change)

Education: Post Secondary Education in a related field, post graduate specialization preferred, with professional accreditation

Experience: 5+ years progressive leadership and/or consulting experience

Experience in an Independent School (asset)

Computer Skills: Mac, Google Suite, Microsoft Office

Working Conditions: School/Office Environment

Who We Are

Located on 10 beautiful acres in the heart of Olde Oakville, St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School (SMLS) is a premier independent school for girls from JK through to Grade 12. Our mission is to engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community.

Role Overview

The Director, Communications & Marketing plays a key leadership role in shaping and sharing the SMLS story. This position leads the development and execution of strategic communications and marketing initiatives that engage and inspire our diverse stakeholders, including current families, prospective students, alumni, donors, and community partners.

As a vital member of the Communications and Marketing team, the Director oversees the school's brand, messaging, and digital presence, ensuring alignment with the school's mission and vision. The Director also provides leadership and direction to the Digital Marketing & Content Specialist.

Candidates should be aware that this function is evolving, and as such, the position's reporting line and select duties may be refined over time, within reasonable scope. The fundamental purpose of the role and its primary areas of responsibility will remain intact.

Duties and Responsibilities

School Leadership

• Contribute to the overall health, success, and sustainability of the School, as a member of the school's Leadership Council.
• Contribute to the development, ongoing assessment, and execution of the School's Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan
• Contribute to the annual budgeting process including multi-year financial requirements and budget oversight for Marketing & Communications, opportunities for cost management, and identifying areas for investment
• Represent the School externally and act as an Ambassador
• Role model the SMLS Values and instill Leadership behaviours and expectations in others
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Head of School

Communications Strategy, Design and Oversight

• Create a clear and inspiring vision and strategy for the School's communications, marketing and branding, aligned with the School's strategic direction
• Develop and manage communications strategies that address and engage the School's varying constituencies
• Manage budget for all Communications and Marketing requirements
• Create and communicate style and branding guidelines and act as the School's brand ambassador
• Act as the School's representative with the media and manage all responses to the media requests (including crisis communication)
• Lead all crisis management communications and leverage external resources as needed
• Responsible for editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all SMLS publications.
• Work in close collaboration with all school divisions, particularly the Admissions, Advancement,

and Academic Teams, to support the development and execution of communications and marketing initiatives and strategies.

• Write and edit communications on behalf of Head of School and leadership, faculty and staff as needed with a lens for incorporating the school's brand narrative across all channels.
• Coordinate the design and creation of all print and electronic branded materials such as letterhead, use of logo, electronic signatures, brochures, etc.
• Support accreditation reviews and follow-up with recommendations from certifying organizations (CIS Ontario and CAIS)

Content Development and Project Management

• Produce all print and electronic communications content and materials (including Jubilate, SMLS Annual Report, e-Blasts)
• Provide ongoing maintenance of the School website and all social media channels (including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)

Digital Media Management & Content Development Produce all print, electronic and social media communication content and materials (including Jubilate, SMLS Annual Report, e-Blasts)

Who You Are

Your Strengths

The ideal candidate will bring a balance of strategic insight, creativity, and leadership, with a strong emphasis on communications excellence and brand stewardship.

• Strategic Communications Leadership – Develop and implement clear, cohesive communications strategies that align with the school's vision, mission and strategic priorities, ensuring consistency of message and tone across all audiences and channels.
• Partnership & Relationship Management – Work in partnership with academic, operational, enrolment and advancement departments to support school-wide goals. Collaborate effectively with external partners, including oversight of the school's marketing agency, to deliver high-quality, brand-aligned content and campaigns.
• People Leadership – Provide direction, mentorship, and support to the Digital Content & Marketing Specialist, fostering a collaborative and high-performing communications function.
• Brand Stewardship & Storytelling – Serves as a guardian of the SMLS brand, shaping authentic and compelling narratives that strengthen reputation, engagement, and community pride.
• Exceptional Communication Skills – Demonstrates superior writing, editing, and verbal communication abilities; comfortable developing content for a range of stakeholders and formats.
• Strategic Thinking & Insight – Uses data, analytics, and feedback to inform data driven decision making, communication plans, measure impact, and continuously enhance effectiveness.
• Integrity, Sound Judgment, and Stewardship - Demonstrates alignment with the values and mission of the school.
  

Why Join SMLS?

Our work is meaningful and important. As a school, we support each student's interests, talents, learning needs and strengths. Through our world-class facility, Signature Programs, expertise in girls' education, and dedication to personalization, our students become lifelong learners equipped to achieve excellence in whatever path they choose.

When you join SMLS, you join a fun and supportive community!

Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and may be eligible for some of the following benefits:

• Health, vision, and dental care
• Life insurance, AD&D insurance, and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Mental health & wellbeing resources
• Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan / RRSP program with up to 5% employer match
• A healthy lunch program during the school year
• On-site fitness facilities
• On-site parking
• Time off during Winter Break and March Break
• Summer hours and extra long weekends in line with the school calendar

OUR VISION

Young women empowered to challenge and transform the world.

OUR MISSION

To engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community.

OUR VALUES

Excellence · Courage · Integrity · Belonging

If you are interested in an opportunity to join our school, please apply online at

We appreciate and thank all applicants for your interest in SMLS, however, only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.

SMLS is an equal opportunity employer and we accommodate any needs under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment within our community. Please contact Human Resources with any requirements or questions.