About Maine Central Institute
Maine Central Institute (MCI) is one of New England's most distinctive secondary schools — an independent, coeducational boarding and day school in the Town of Pittsfield, Maine. MCI serves students from across Maine, the United States, and more than 20 countries, inspiring purposeful, happy lives and producing engaged world citizens.
The Opportunity
This is one of the most consequential roles at MCI. The Director of Strategic Communications, Media and Marketing is a senior institutional leader — someone who shapes how MCI tells its story, builds its brand, and positions itself for long-term strength in enrollment and advancement.
This is not a coordinator or executional role. It is a seat at the leadership table for a communications professional who can think and plan at a strategic level, write compelling content across diverse formats and audiences, and manage MCI's full media presence with excellence and consistency.
We are seeking a dynamic leader who understands that great communications is not about volume — it's about vision, voice, and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Brand Leadership
- Develop and own a comprehensive communications strategy that advances MCI's enrollment, fundraising, and institutional goals.
- Serve as MCI's primary brand steward — defining and protecting tone, visual identity, and messaging standards, while building the systems that ensure consistency across every department and channel.
Website & Digital Content
- Own day-to-day management of MCI's website, ensuring accuracy, freshness, and a compelling user experience.
- Develop and maintain a content calendar that authentically reflects MCI milestones, achievements, seasons, and community life.
- Manage and grow MCI's social media presence across Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
- Monitor analytics and data to continuously optimize content performance and audience engagement.
Photography & Videography
- Serve as the school's primary in-house photographer and videographer.
- Capture events, performances, athletics, academic life, and campus moments that tell MCI's story with authenticity and energy.
- Build and maintain a high-quality visual library that reflects the character and community of MCI.
Media Relations
- Proactively pitch and place MCI stories with local, regional, and national media to elevate the school's public profile through strategic earned coverage.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media contacts.
Advancement & Enrollment Support
- Partner with the Advancement team to provide media, storytelling, and communications support for a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
- Partner with the Admissions team to support recruitment of prospective domestic and international students through targeted, compelling content.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
- 7+ years of professional communications or marketing experience, ideally in an educational or mission-driven organization.
- Exceptional writing skills with the ability to adapt voice and style — from major donor correspondence to punchy social media copy.
- Demonstrated track record of strategic storytelling, not just content production.
- Experience managing websites and digital content management systems (CMS).
- Proficiency with social media platforms and email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp or equivalent).
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Collaborative mindset and the emotional intelligence to work effectively alongside senior leaders, faculty, and staff.
Preferred
- Experience in independent school, higher education, or nonprofit communications.
- Photography and/or video production skills.
- Familiarity with analytics platforms (Google Analytics, Meta Insights, etc.).
- Graphic design skills and experience with Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.
Benefits
MCI offers a competitive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Disability and life insurance.
- Flexible schedule and generous paid leave.
- Access to MCI's campus facilities and programming.
- The opportunity to be part of a genuinely mission-driven school community committed to student growth and global citizenship.
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials to David Pearson at [email protected]:
- A resume and letter of interest describing why you are drawn to this role and how you would approach it.
- Two writing samples that demonstrate your range — at least one of which should be a web article, blog post, or institutional narrative.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
MCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
Pay: From $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
