Hampton Roads Academy (HRA), an independent school serving the Virginia Peninsula, is seeking a dynamic and creative Communication Specialist. The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing a strategic communications plan that enhances the visibility and reputation of Hampton Roads Academy. We are seeking a driven individual with a passion for education. This role supports the school’s mission by creating compelling content for various platforms, managing digital and print media, and fostering meaningful engagement with internal and external audiences, including students, parents, alumni, faculty, and prospective families.

Key Responsibilities:

Content Creation and Management

• Develop, write, and edit high-quality content for newsletters, press releases, brochures, website updates, and other communication materials.
• Oversee and update the school’s website to ensure accurate and engaging content.
• Produce visual content, including photography and video, to support storytelling and marketing initiatives.

Social Media and Digital Strategy

• Manage the school’s social media accounts, creating and curating content to engage audiences and promote school events and achievements.
• Analyze social media and website analytics to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and adjust strategies as needed.
• Stay updated on emerging trends in digital media and apply them to enhance the school’s online presence.

Event Promotion and Public Relations

• Collaborate with the Advancement team to develop marketing materials for events, fundraisers, and school programs.
• Develop and execute robust marketing strategies to support key admission goals.
• Build relationships with local media outlets to generate press coverage for school activities and milestones.
• Act as a liaison with photographers, designers, and other vendors to ensure high-quality promotional materials.

 Communications and Collaboration

• Create and distribute internal communications to ensure alignment and engagement among faculty, staff, and current families.
• Support the Head of School and leadership team with speeches, letters, and presentations.
• Collaborate with School employees (including but limited to members of School Administration, Academic, Admissions, Advancement, and Athletics teams) to ensure content accuracy, functionality, and alignment with school events and media pages.
• Be present and engaged in the life of the school.

Brand Management

• Serve as guardian of HRA’s institutional image and branding.
• Advance the HRA school brand identity and broaden awareness of its programs across all audiences.

Work Environment:

• This is a full-time, on-site position.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours are required for school events and activities.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of writing samples and/or digital work to Head of School, James H. Lasley, at headofschool@hra.org.  Salary and benefits will be commensurate with other area independent schools and an applicant’s experience.  Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in a communications or marketing role, preferably in education or non-profit sectors.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, content management systems (e.g., WordPress), and email marketing tools with a basic understanding of HTML, SEO and Google Analytics.
• Strong photography and video production skills, including editing software like Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively.
• Self-starter with the ability to establish and execute priorities with minimum direction or instruction.
• Familiarity with independent school culture and values is a plus.

Desired Attributes:

• Creative thinker with a passion for storytelling.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A team player who can collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
• A proactive and flexible attitude in a fast-paced environment.

About Hampton Roads Academy

Hampton Roads Academy is an independent college preparatory school for boys and girls in grades pre-Kindergarten through 12. HRA was founded in 1959 with an enrollment of 60 students. Today HRA enrolls nearly 640 students on the 50-acre suburban campus in Newport News, Virginia. While known for its academic rigor, Hampton Roads Academy embraces the whole child philosophy. Character and integrity are more than mere abstractions. There are no locks on student lockers. When class work is done, close to nine out of 10 students are involved in sports and extracurricular activities. Ninety-five percent of HRA graduates are admitted to universities or colleges designated as their top choice.

Connections working at Hampton Roads Academy