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School Solutions to Meet the Moment
School Communications Directors Cohort Program - 2023-24
This cohort is for anyone responsible for the communications function - we know titles and reporting structures vary quite a bit from school to school!
The cohort:
Meets for 90 minutes monthly, October through May
also will include a monthly, unstructured “drop in” Zoom session
use a “reflecting team” protocol for participants to share their experiences and learn from the experiences of others (similar to Critical Friends)
include two 30-minute 1-1 meetings with one of the facilitators - one at the beginning and one at the end of the program
require minimal prep time before each session
include visits from other experienced communications professionals
agree that confidentiality will be maintained - what happens in the cohort stays in the cohort!
Description:
Communications directors have seen the demands on their role increase exponentially in the last five years. What may have started out as mainly an “alumnae magazine and admissions materials” department has evolved into crisis management, close partnership with the head, management of multiple communication channels, all with different “personalities” and expectations, and sometimes fighting to be seen as a distinct discipline and not just a resource to other departments in the school.
This cohort will bring together a small number [capped at 8] of administrators responsible for the communications function to support and elevate each other on their journey with a core goal of exploring the complexities you face in your day-to-day work while developing your best self as a leader within your community. Part of the goal is to help each of you come together as a trusted network that will support you long after the program is finished. Sessions will include a mix of “best practice in comms” discussions with use of a consistent protocol for the group to function as a “reflecting team” as participants bring forward problems and situations for discussion.
Goals for the sessions:
Develop meaningful connections with peers and build relationships that (we hope!) are just the start of enduring professional relationships
Come away from each session with practical insights into problem-solving, conflict management and healthy boundary setting
Relieve the isolation of being the “only one” in your position, at your school
Benefit from the facilitation of two accomplished professionals with complimentary but different points of view
About the facilitators:
Julie Faulstich and Lauren Castagnola are former coworkers and now friends and colleagues. When Julie served as Head at the Westover School in CT, Lauren came on board as her executive assistant and was quickly elevated to Director of Communications and then Chief of Staff. Julie founded Stony Creek Strategy in 2022, offering school solutions in enrollment management, hiring and evaluation, communications and leadership development. Lauren is currency Director of Communications and Advancement Project Strategy at the University of New Haven in New Haven. Both are based in CT.
Julie's newsletter on independent school leadership
Fees:
$2800 for each participant.
Note: Participants who join the cohort will be expected to set aside the time needed to be consistently engaged members of the group. It will be worth it to you, and the group will benefit from the presence of all members at all meetings.
Interested?
Stony Creek Strategy
Branford, CT 06405
www.stonycreekstrategy.com (coming soon!)