Purpose of the Role
To maintain the consistency, quality, and impact of school communications and marketing efforts during the Communications/Marketing Director’s medical leave, supporting internal and external messaging, branding, and community engagement.

Duration
Estimated Start Date: July 14, 2025

Estimated End Date: September 22, 2025 (with possibility of extension)

Reports To: Advancement Director
Collaborates Closely With: Admissions, Principals, Arts and Athletics Departments, and Parent Volunteer Association

Key Responsibilities
A. Editorial and Content Management
Review & Edit School Communications

Edit and format weekly/monthly communications from principals to parents.
Edit and format academic/programming digital and print publications (course catalog, Connections and Winter Learning offerings)
Distribute communications via appropriate channels

Weekly Newsletter Production
Curate and compile weekly all-school newsletter (e.g., upcoming events, student spotlights, announcements).
Coordinate content collection from various departments.

Website Content Management
Regularly update homepage and key pages (news, calendar, event pages).
Coordinate minor content refreshes with department heads as needed.

B. Marketing & Branding Support
Social Media Management
Develop weekly content plan for school’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram)
Create/post timely updates, photos, highlights from classes/events.
Respond to messages/comments as appropriate.
Collateral Design & Development
Create print and digital marketing materials to support:

Admissions:  digital advertising, signage, open house invites, billboards
Fundraising & Events: donor appeals, event invitations, signage, programs

C. Storytelling, PR & Outreach
Brand Storytelling
Consistently highlight MSA’s mission to serve neurodivergent learners and prepare them to be “Real World Ready.”
Share stories of student success, innovation in the classroom, community partnerships, and alumni outcomes.

Public Relations
Write and distribute press releases about notable school news, student/teacher achievements, events, and initiatives.
Pitch stories to media outlets to increase awareness of MSA and its impact.
Content Creation for Strategic Campaigns
Develop branded narratives for fundraising, enrollment growth, and institutional milestones.
Capture testimonials from students, faculty, and families that reflect the MSA experience.

D. Fundraising Communications
Appeals & Donor Communications
Write compelling fundraising appeals, stewardship letters, and donor updates that reflect MSA’s mission and voice.
Collaborate with Advancement Team on giving campaigns, donor spotlights, and end-of-year giving pushes.
Cases for Support & Campaign Messaging
Create or update cases for support for annual or special campaigns and restricted giving.
Develop visuals and messaging for print and digital fundraising materials.

Grant Writing
Assist with drafting and editing grant proposals or supporting documents.

E. Event Support & Logistics
Manage event promotional plans, invites, signage, web content, talking points/speeches, registration/check-in support, RSVP forms, reminders
Assist event planning, setup and day-of logistics as needed.

Transition and Onboarding Plan
1–2 weeks of overlap with outgoing Communications/Marketing Director (if possible).
Provide:
Style guide / brand standards.
Calendar of recurring communications/events.
Shared drive or project management system access.
Sample newsletters, social media schedules, collateral.
Fundraising and donor communications archive.
Key messages related to "Real World Ready" and school mission.
Point people for each department.

Key Skills & Qualifications
Strong writing/editing and visual communication skills.
Natural storyteller with a strong sense for compelling, mission-aligned content.
Experience in school, nonprofit, or mission-driven communications preferred.
Ability to juggle multiple deadlines and stakeholders.
Proficiency with listed tools/platforms.
Familiarity with donor communications and fundraising best practices.
Flexible, organized, and collaborative.

About Mill Springs Academy

For more than 40 years, Mill Springs Academy has been dedicated to empowering neurodivergent students to discover their strengths and thrive. Our unique approach to education combines academic learning with practical skill development through Project-Based Learning (PBL). Our hands-on curriculum engages students in real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking, executive functioning skills, and social-emotional intelligence. At Mill Springs, our GOAL is clear—prepare students to be Real World Ready, equipped with the confidence, life skills, and resilience to succeed in whatever path they choose.

Connections working at Mill Springs Academy