Posted: 12-Sep-23
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Full Time
Salary: Based on experience.
Required Education:
Additional Information:
Internal Number: 1008
About the School
Georgetown Day School opened its doors in 1945 as the first integrated school in a segregated city. Governed by a Board of Trustees elected by the parent body and administered by an appointed Head of School, it was founded by seven families who wanted to create a school committed not only to academic excellence and educational innovation but also to a value system emphasizing appreciation and respect for others. Believing that diversity was the ground out of which all deep and rich learning occurs, they established a school where all children would be welcome, celebrated, and challenged to be their best selves.
Today, the School's philosophy, programs, and position in the national educational landscape strongly reflect its roots. Having grown from 12 children in 1945 to 1075 students in PK-12 today, GDS is recognized as one of Washington, D.C.’s and the nation’s most dynamic educational institutions.
Since the school’s founding, GDS has called eight different locations home. In the fall of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools were all joined on one extraordinary campus.
About the Position
Reports to: Director of External Relations
Staus: Exempt
Georgetown Day School (GDS) seeks a Storyteller. GDS is a PK-12 nonprofit private school in Washington, DC with a city campus and an innovative and rigorous curriculum. Among the most cutting-edge and forward-leaning independent educational institutions in the Washington, DC area the school has more than 1,000 students; top-level faculty, leadership, and Board of Trustees; thousands of constituents; and an annual operating budget greater than $40M.
The Storyteller will document and share the truly amazing things going on at GDS in a variety of ways—writing, photography, videography—and in a variety of media—online (social media, blogs, website, emails) and print (magazines, newsletters, marketing materials.) We’re looking for an articulate, outgoing, and upbeat “roving reporter” who is a quick learner with strong communications and support skills, creative aptitude, and go get ’em initiative.
Duties and Responsibilities
In addition to providing general support to the Communications Department, the main areas of work are:
Content Production/Storytelling: Show and tell what’s going on at GDS
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Propose and write stories about GDS from inside and outside the classroom, build relationships with faculty, and track what’s going on at the school
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Draft and help manage the school’s internal and external newsletters ( two weekly, two monthly, three quarterly)
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Propose and draft articles for the biannual Georgetown Days magazine
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Take and edit photos and videos
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Manage photo database and professional photography vendors
Managing Social Media Platforms
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Manage and post GDS happenings to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms
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Monitor social media trends
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Engage, track, and grow online audiences
Supporting the Advancement Office and Other Departments including:
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Fundraising
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Event promotion
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Admissions marketing
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Athletics promotion
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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B.A. in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field
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Strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
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Experience with basic photography principles and photo-editing software; ability to use camera
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Experience in videography and video-editing software
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Proficiency in google suite and Microsoft Office
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Adept at engaging and building community on social media, mainly Facebook and Instagram, as well as blogging platforms
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Basic knowledge of HTML and/or content management systems
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Journalistic sense of newsworthiness and storytelling
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Availability to cover occasional night and weekend events
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Positive, self-motivated attitude
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Ability to manage multiple projects, be flexible and detail-oriented, and meet deadlines
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Exceptional organizational skills
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Desire and ability to work as a team player
Essential Functions
In addition to the physical and mental capabilities implied by the responsibilities detailed above, the essential functions of a Storyteller include:
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Frequent use of audio/visual equipment, weighing up to 30 pounds, that must be hauled around campus to record various events.
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Being able to remain in a stationary position up to 50% of the time.
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Frequent walking, standing, squatting, and/or kneeling while performing assigned tasks.
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Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions.
This position involves adapting to a changing educational environment and therefore, while accurate, is not exhaustive.
To Apply
In addition to completing an online application, please include:
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Cover letter
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Resume
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Two writing samples; one to two examples of your online engagement, photography, or videography skills
Qualified candidates should apply using our online application system through ADP/Workforce Now. No phone calls, please. Learn more about Georgetown Day School at www.gds.org.
COVID-Related Job Requirements
Please be informed that, for all new applicants to job opportunities at GDS (and in schools and child care facilities in the District, whether in the public, public charter, independent, private, or parochial sectors), the District vaccination requirement against COVID-19 is in effect. If hired, individuals must be vaccinated (including being fully boosted) before reporting for duty, unless they have been granted an exemption from such vaccination pursuant to, and are compliant with the requirements of, Section IV of the District's Order.
Americans with Disability Specifications
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
As a diverse, inclusive school devoted to preparing our students to live and work in an increasingly globalized and multicultural society, GDS is particularly interested in professionals with demonstrated interest and experience in working in such a school setting.
