There is no such thing as a typical day in Communications. Each day, the office’s densely-packed schedule presents different tasks, such as covering student activities on the school’s social media channels, planning and writing content, meeting with partners across the school, and more.
Though its personel work behind the scenes, they present the face of the school. Ms. Catherine Calamé, marketing and communications strategist, said, “We are not extraordinarily visible, but we are everywhere, always.”
The primary job of Communications is to develop and curate the school’s image. Team members make sure that each video made, publication released, and email sent consistently conveys what makes the school unique.
In addition to updating the school’s website, staff in the office share photos and videos on social media and release publications that connect members of the community. These include the monthly Hotchkiss Happenings and Family Update newsletters, the annual Names and Faces booklet, and the Hotchkiss Magazine.
The Communications Office also assists the Head of School’s Office, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office; Admissions; Alumni and Development; and other departments.
The office is working to make the 50th coeducation anniversary exciting for both the school community and alumni. Ms. Robin Chandler ’87, communications project manager, leads the winter co-curricular 50 Years of Women in Hotchkiss Athletics, which offers students the opportunity to go behind the scenes and help work on athletic communications.
As this year’s student Communications Officer, Isamar Martinez ’24 connects students to the work of the Communications Office. She works with the all-school presidents to plan their presentations to the community and coordinate student activities, such as Dorm Olympics and Homecoming. In addition, she updates students on upcoming campus events through her weekly all-school emails.
Martinez said, “The most fun part of this job is being a voice of Hotchkiss students and connecting them to the forces at work running the school. It is so rewarding to see how my work is impacting the community.”
