Communications Specialist

Located in Pasadena, California, Westridge is a forward-thinking independent school for girls in grades 4-12 that emphasizes adventurous thinking, courageous, compassionate leadership, and equity and inclusion.

Our school community is vibrant and diverse. We balance challenging academics and a focus on leadership development with a priority on social emotional wellness, development of one’s sense of self, values, and goals, and thoughtful consideration of individuals’ responsibilities to others and the world.

Westridge is seeking a communications specialist to play a central role in executing the school’s digital media strategy and supporting fundraising, alumnae engagement, and communications efforts.

Reporting to the associate director of communications, this role is primarily responsible for designing digital communications and creating content aimed at alumnae, parents, and donors on behalf of the school.

Responsibilities

• Writing and designing email communications including weekly parent e-newsletters, digital solicitations, alumnae e-newsletters, alumnae event invitations, and other email marketing as needed.
• Lead content development and execution for most aspects of alumnae-specific social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), including content creation.
• Contribute social media content for the school’s primary social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube), including photography and videography.
• Write content for the school website and magazine, including alumnae profiles, campus news, and event coverage.
• Work closely with Advancement team to develop and execute digital fundraising campaigns and event promotions.
• Serve on team responsible for development of the school’s digital annual report website ( each year.
• Support the marketing efforts of the volunteer-run Summer Opportunities Fair through social media content template creation and website updates.
• Manage and systematize Communications photo library files.
• Manage digital form creation for events and other school functions.
• Attend and support Advancement events (including special events, volunteer events, Alumnae Weekend, or other promotions) as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned to support the Communications and Advancement teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business, English, or other relevant field, preferred.
• 2-4 years communications experience, nonprofit setting or fundraising background a plus.
• Proficiency with email marketing and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn), as well as experience using a website CMS and / or email marketing platform.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite preferred, or comfort with design platforms such as Canva (and open to receive training on the Adobe suite.)
• Proficiency with video editing software and a passion for social media-tailored videography preferred (or open to training.)
• Superior written and verbal communication skills (both long and short form), and proficiency in writing for web and direct digital communications.
• Basic photography and photo editing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional departments.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to self-prioritize projects and workflow, and to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Supports a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to anticipate and solve problems, and work respectfully with diverse groups.
• Criminal background check and clearance required.

This position is eligible for Westridge’s comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off, medical, vision, dental, and generous 403b retirement options.

Applications should submit resume and cover letter.