Founded in 1799, Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School is a Catholic, independent school for girls in grades 9-12, rooted in the Salesian tradition of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. With a mission to educate young women in mind, heart, and spirit, Visitation fosters academic excellence, faith formation, leadership, and service. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Visitation is known for its vibrant community, historic campus, and commitment to preparing students to make a meaningful impact in the world. The Director of Communications serves as the chief storyteller, brand steward, and institutional voice for Georgetown Visitation. Reporting to the President and working closely with the Academic, Salesian Center, Advancement, Admissions, Athletics, and Arts teams, this senior leader oversees all internal and external communications, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with the school’s mission and values. The role is both strategic and hands-on, balancing high-level planning with day-to-day execution of print, digital, and multimedia content. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the voice and reputation of a historic Catholic institution, ensuring its mission of “educating the mind and heart” is heard clearly and confidently in an ever-changing world. Strategic Communications Leadership Serve as the primary communications advisor to the President and senior leadership team on messaging, issues management, and media relations. Develop and implement a data-informed communications strategy that supports enrollment, advancement, alumnae engagement, and institutional priorities. Monitor emerging issues in education, Catholic schools, and society that could impact Visitation’s reputation; proactively advise leadership on response strategies. Act as an ambassador of the school’s voice, ensuring messaging reflects Catholic identity, institutional values, and thoughtful discernment on sensitive topics. Content Creation and Editorial Management Oversee the design and production of all print and electronic publications, including writing and editing copy for: Weekly parent newsletter Biweekly parent association updates Monthly alumnae newsletter ( Visi Views ) President messages Quarterly magazine Admissions and Advancement marketing pieces Ensure accuracy, consistency, and excellence in writing, editing, and visual design across all channels. Manage and maintain the school website, ensuring timely updates and user-friendly navigation. Media Relations and Urgent Communications Manage all media inquiries and cultivate positive press relationships. Lead urgent communication efforts, ensuring timely, accurate, and mission-aligned responses in coordination with school leadership. Proactively manage and mitigate potential reputation risks through ongoing monitoring of the broader educational landscape. Team Leadership and Collaboration Direct and mentor a small communications team, including an Assistant Director and part-time videographer. Foster a collaborative partnership with other departments to ensure consistent messaging. Manage external vendors and freelancers for design, photography, and print projects. Technical Operations and Budget Oversight Utilize tools such as Canva, InDesign, Basecamp, Google Drive, Veracross, and Finalsite for project and content management. Oversee the communications budget ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. Ideal Qualifications Significant progressive communications experience, ideally in independent schools, higher education, or mission-driven organizations. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with meticulous attention to detail. Proven ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion, sound judgment, and alignment to institutional values. Strong understanding of Catholic identity and social teaching, and the ability to navigate complex cultural conversations on behalf of the school. Experience managing crisis communications and serving as an organizational spokesperson. Visual design sensibility and ability to translate brand identity across print and digital platforms. Proficiency with communications tools and project management systems (Canva, InDesign, Basecamp, Finalsite, Google Suite). Personal Attributes Mission-driven and committed to the Catholic, Salesian tradition of Georgetown Visitation. High emotional intelligence, discretion, and ability to separate personal beliefs from institutional representation. Collaborative, approachable, and solutions-oriented leader who thrives in a dynamic school environment. Strategic thinker with strong instincts, creativity, and a willingness to raise questions and propose new approaches. Work Location The Director of Communications is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position. The Director is expected to work on campus 9am - 5pm, Monday thru Friday with occasional availability for school-related events on nights and weekends. Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to their age, color, disability status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or any other class protected by state or federal law. As a Catholic school, Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School reserves the right to use religion as a hiring criterion for selected positions, as permitted by law. Employment offers are contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a standard background screening.

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