THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR

Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing 

CLOSING DATE: Open Until filled

CREATED: 04/23/2026

POSTED: 04/23/2026

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) maintains written Job Descriptions for most jobs. The Job Description is a guide to the basic and essential functions of each job; it is not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. These Descriptions are revised to meet the changing needs of ASD at the sole discretion of the executive leadership team and/or in accordance with guidelines and standards set for an approved private special education program.

Why Join ASD

ASD is a nationally recognized leader in deaf education and services with a long-standing history of innovation and impact. This role offers the opportunity to shape how ASD communicates its mission, engages its community, and expands its reach locally and nationally.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:          Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing 

Department:    Communications 

Supervisor:      Executive Director or Designee 

Description:     Full time – 12 Months Benefits Eligible

Union Status:   Non-Collective Bargaining (non-union) 

SCOPE OF DUTIES

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) seeks a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing. This role is responsible for developing and executing a unified communications and marketing strategy that strengthens ASD’s brand, enhances internal communication, and supports enrollment growth and program expansion.

The Director will oversee brand strategy, internal and external communications, marketing, digital engagement, and the ASD Museum as a key platform for storytelling and public engagement. This position will build and lead a communications and marketing function over time, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment across the organization.

Primary Responsibilities:

Brand Strategy

• Develop and implement a unified, enterprise-wide brand strategy.
• Ensure consistent messaging and positioning across all programs and services.

Internal Communications

• Lead a comprehensive internal communications strategy.
• Support leadership in communicating priorities and initiatives.
• Strengthen staff engagement through clear and effective communication.

Strategic Communications (External)

• Oversee public relations, media engagement, and organizational messaging.
• Support executive communications and manage reputation.
• Develop communications to support state requests, public funding initiatives, and organizational advocacy priorities.
• Prepare briefing materials, messaging, and supporting content for leadership engagement with state and external stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment and consistency in messaging related to public policy, funding, and external partnerships.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response.

Marketing & Enrollment

• Develop marketing strategies to support student enrollment and program growth.
• Partner with program leaders to align messaging with recruitment goals.
• Track performance and adjust strategies based on data.

Digital & Content

• Oversee website, social media, and digital engagement.
• Lead development of compelling, mission-driven content.
• Ensure accessibility and Deaf-centered communication practices.

Museum & Public Engagement

• Provide oversight of the ASD Museum as a storytelling and engagement platform.
• Align museum initiatives with overall communications and brand strategy.

Collaboration & Team Development

• Partner with Development & Philanthropy on messaging and storytelling.
• Build and manage a communications and marketing team over time.
• Establish systems, standards, and workflows across the organization.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
• 7–10+ years of relevant experience in communications or marketing.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans.
• Strong writing, messaging, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Experience in education, nonprofit, healthcare, or mission-driven organizations.
• Experience with brand development and organizational communications.
• Familiarity with Deaf culture, ASL, and accessibility best practices.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and execution.
• Brand development and messaging.
• Internal communications and organizational alignment.
• Collaboration across teams.
• Cultural competency and commitment to Deaf-centered practices.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Group health insurance and other fringe benefits are available.
• $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service for newly hired employees, not applicable for re-hires.

ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department. 

The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing). 

All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.