Senior Editor/Publications Manager

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in Atherton, California, and established in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a challenging academic curriculum complemented by outstanding creative arts and athletic programs. The School helps students develop positive values and nurtures character development in a supportive environment that upholds the highest moral and ethical standards. Our program encourages students to reach their fullest potential and to develop the skills necessary to respond intelligently and humanely to the complexities of a diverse and increasingly interconnected world.

At Menlo School, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging are at the core of our organizational identity. Through our daily efforts, the School demonstrates a shared commitment to the development of all stakeholders by supporting a campus ethos where equity, diversity, and inclusion reflect the major cornerstones of our community.

The Senior Editor/Publications Manager is a key member of the School’s communications team who serves as the school’s lead storyteller: conceiving and writing stories that highlight the School’s mission, values, and initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this individual is responsible for creating and disseminating a wide variety of high-quality content across multiple channels to engage a range of audiences, including current families and students, prospective families, alumni, donors, faculty/staff, as well as the general public. They serve as the editor-in-chief of the School’s major publications, including the website, digital magazine, annual report, admissions materials, and other newsletters and communications. This position is available immediately.

The ideal candidate brings a creative, collaborative spirit along with excellent verbal and written communication skills, superb attention to detail, and a strong background in content creation, content strategy, and digital communications. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary writer and editor of content for the School’s communications efforts, including website, magazine, e-newsletters, and other communications outreach for a variety of school constituents

   

  In collaboration with other members of the Communications team, work to ensure that the School’s mission and values are reflected in all communications, publications, and events, including crisis communications.

   

  Work independently to develop, research, and write long and short-form content for the School website, the Menlo Magazine, and various other publications throughout the year 

   

  Serve as a lead editor and proofreader of the Magazine as well as various other publications to ensure that materials are accurate, grammatical, and consistent with the School style guide and graphic standards.

   

  In collaboration with the Communications team, strategize and create content for various social media platforms

   

  Manage brand voice and identity messaging for the School’s various internal and external publications

   

  Remain in touch with and knowledgeable about the life of the school, including academic departments, student and alumni accomplishments, athletics, and the arts, in order to independently identify key stories and trends to highlight on various platforms. 

   

  As needed, work closely with the Director of Communications to strategize and implement crisis communications plans on a variety of issues

   

  As needed, promote Menlo stories to the media and serve as a media liaison

   

  Oversee special communications projects and initiatives as assigned by the Director of Communications

   

Core Qualifications of Ideal Candidates

• An outstanding writer, editor, and proofreader who can produce engaging, authentic, error-free copy for a variety of channels, often on a tight timeline, and exercises sound judgment as a final reviewer and approver

   

  Superb attention to grammar, spelling, word usage, and punctuation; familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style is preferred

   

  Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and visual communication skills as well as a sense of humor and the ability to work effectively with all constituencies within the School’s internal and external communities (faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni)

   

  Familiarity with journalism norms and/or public relations and media outreach

   

  Extremely detail-oriented and organized; adept at prioritizing and managing multiple projects simultaneously with demonstrated examples of work where versatility, resourcefulness, innovation, and problem-solving skills influenced the outcome

   

  Technically savvy: fluency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, and Slides); familiarity with a website Content Management System (CMS) and basic HTML; experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) is preferred; familiarity managing social media, including Hootsuite or similar social media management tool as well as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

   

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field. A minimum of three years of experience in the communications or public relations field. Familiarity with the education field, independent schools, and/or nonprofit work is desired but not required

   

  Some weekends and evenings may be required

   

We Offer:

• An exceptional work environment and caring community

   

  Excellent professional development opportunities

   

  Highly competitive salary

   

  A comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families

   

  Generous contributions to 403b retirement plan

   

  Free lunch on campus when school is in session

   

  On-campus child care center 

   

  Tuition remission

   

  Many other perks and benefits

   

To Apply:

To be considered for this position, you must apply through our portal.

To complete your application, we are requesting candidates submit the following supplemental materials in addition to their resumes. Priority will be given to candidates who complete these items.

In a brief cover letter, please address the following:

1. discuss how your skillset aligns with the position description and describe your experience managing complex communications projects

    

   explain why you want to work at Menlo School

    

   attach or provide a link to a portfolio of at least three writing/work samples you are particularly proud of and indicate your role in creating them and how they showcase who you are as a storyteller

    

(Note: when submitting writing samples through our portal, you must do so in a single document. Additional materials can be emailed to communications@menloschool.org.)

Menlo School is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

As an equal opportunity employer, Menlo values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply.