Director of Communications
Cotter Schools, Winona, Minnesota
The Director of Communications is the primary communication agent for Cotter Schools. The position
reports directly to the President of Cotter Schools, and works closely with the Office of Advancement for
Catholic Education Winona.
Position Summary:
The primary function of this position is to communicate news and information about Cotter Schools and
Catholic Education Winona to current and prospective students, families, alumni, benefactors, and key
external audiences. In addition, a key strategy is to reinforce the brand, key messages, and mission of
organizations involved with Catholic Education Winona. Further, the position serves as a professional
resource for media relations, communications, and basic design needs for timely and effective website
updates, online and print communications, and events.
Responsibilities:

Develop and manage website content, working with school leadership, faculty, and staff to plan
and produce regular updates, supported by compelling content, and related graphics and photos.

Manage and update photo files regularly to support print and online communications, such as
brochures and collateral, view books, web visuals and media relations needs; take photos and
coordinate professional photo shoots, as needed, to update and expand the photo files.

Provide professional communications, desktop design and production support to internal
departments for print projects, including school publications, brochures, collateral, advertising,
posters, invitations and promotions for school departments, campaigns and events.

Oversee the research, writing and distribution of news, information and photos to the media,
school websites, e-newsletters, and publications.

Manage media relations by fostering solid relationships with newspapers, radio and TV stations
and web outlets, serving as the primary media contact, and proactively seeking extended
coverage, media interviews and appearances for school leadership.

Work closely with outside contractors, photographers, agencies, consultants, printers and other
vendors to plan, develop and manage large projects.

Continually monitor and support social media platforms and communications; research new and
expanded initiatives to capture attention and interest among online audiences.

Support Advancement, Admissions and Alumni teams to research and develop compelling
communications and prepare for key campaigns and events.

Attend leadership, staff and faculty meetings to stay current on news, campaigns and events and
plan, develop and manage related web and communications needs.
Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred in journalism, public relations,
communications, marketing or related field of study or a comparable, related combination of an
associate degree and career experience.

Five or more years of progressive experience in public relations, communications, content
management, marketing or related roles in a school, non-profit, agency, consulting or corporate
setting

Extraordinary writing, communications, and copy-editing skills are required; knowledge and
previous experience in media relations, writing press releases and producing compelling
communications and promotional materials are essential.

Well-versed in the use of technology resources for online communications, such as website
updates and online analytics.

Proven skills in desktop design and production, including experience in Adobe Creative Suite
(InDesign and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).

Experience with web content development and management, e-communications, and social
media.

Solid photography and photo-editing skills for print and web applications.
Additional Skills and Characteristics:

Ability to efficiently “multi-task” to balance responsibilities, needs, and deadlines for multiple
schools, departments, and projects.

A leader and team player who believes and supports the mission and values of Catholic education
in Winona.

Expert at managing competing priorities, working under pressure and on deadline.

Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends, to support
school events when needed.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Experience in preparing presentations, participating in meetings, and supporting large events.

Experience with video production.

Highly organized with attention to detail.