Our Institution: Founded in 1860, Bard College is an international network of highly innovative and admired educational institutions grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. A division of Bard located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Bard College at Simon's Rock is the only four-year college in the U.S. specifically designed for motivated adolescents to fully realize their academic potential by beginning college immediately after the 10th or 11th grade. BA and AA degrees are granted in over 35 areas of study. Simon's Rock attracts a diverse student population of approximately 400 students, drawn nationally and internationally, with a significant population of students identifying as LGBTQIA2S+.

For over 50 years, Simon's Rock has practiced the simple yet radical idea that many students are ready for college before the age of 18, an idea that launched the Early College movement in the United States and beyond. In 2015, Simon's Rock launched Bard Academy, a two-year high school program for boarding and day students, with courses designed and taught by college professors and leading to entry into college after the tenth grade. In doing so, Simon's Rock has connected high school and college in one cohesive, coherent six-year arc. In 2019, Simon's Rock established the Early College Research Institute (ECRI), a locus for research into "what's next" in Early College. 

The Role: At Bard Academy and Bard College at Simon's Rock, we seek a dynamic and creative Director of Communications and Marketing to lead all external and internal communications. The Director will design and implement integrated communications and marketing strategies to attract a vibrant student population, as well as supporting on-going fundraising initiatives and executive communications. The Director, under the general direction of the Vice Provost, leads a team responsible for shaping communications content, including but not limited to the materials related to admissions, fundraising, academic program and policy descriptions, and general campus communications spanning all channels (e.g., announcements, newsletters, print and digital collateral, website). 

The Director is a key member of the Provost's senior leadership team, which works collaboratively to serve and strengthen all aspects of the Simon's Rock community, and the successful candidate's vision will contribute to strategic decision-making. The Director will work across departments to identify compelling content opportunities, and to design and carry out projects which advance the reputation and external profile of Simon's Rock. The Director, both mission-driven and data-driven, will develop and implement effective marketing strategies, and regularly analyze and evaluate those strategies and results with the intention of honing, adapting, and improving them. 

The Director oversees staff members and manages external contractors as needed to provide a unified communications capability. The Director must efficiently extract maximum impact and value from the available budget. The Communications department is a collaborative space, and the successful candidate will be a highly adaptive "player/coach" who inspires the group to do their best work while also being willing to lead by example, directly driving key tasks when necessary. 

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field of study
• Four to six years of progressively responsible experience in communications and marketing, preferably in the higher education and/or independent school markets 
• Recent experience with key communication and/or content design platforms and technology 

Preferred:

• Master's degree 
• Experience leading and developing a team 
• Experience managing a departmental budget 

This position is a full-time position with benefits. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Simon's Rock is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from candidates of all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socioeconomic levels.

To Apply: All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references. Submit your files to interfolio.com at  http://apply.interfolio.com/103551. No phone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

About Bard College

Building on a 150-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College's mission has expanded across the country, around the world, and to meet broader student needs.Now, approximately 2,000 undergraduates study in Annandale and more than 200 graduate students study in Bard programs, plus nearly 1,000 students in our early colleges. Total enrollment for Bard College and its global affiliates is approximately 5,000 students. The undergraduate program at our main campus in the Hudson River Valley of upstate New York retains a reputation for scholarly excellence and civic engagement. We are committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow's thought leaders.

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