Amherst College · 3 months ago
Director of Communications, Admission and Financial Aid
Amherst Campus
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$120K/yr - $140K/yr
7+ years expAmherst College is a highly selective liberal arts college committed to diversifying its student body and enriching its educational experience. They are seeking a Director of Communications, Admission & Financial Aid who will develop and implement marketing initiatives to advance the college's mission, ensuring effective communication with prospective students and families.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and continually refine the communications and marketing strategy for the Admission & Financial Aid division, ensuring Amherst’s message of academic excellence, access, and affordability reaches diverse audiences
Design integrated campaigns across print, web, social, and digital platforms to engage prospective students, families, and counselors, using research, data, and analytics to measure and improve effectiveness
Ensure messaging aligns with College-wide brand standards and reflects Amherst’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging
Manage significant communications and marketing budgets, including contracts with external vendors and service providers, ensuring resources are used efficiently and strategically
Supervise an Assistant Director of Communications, providing mentorship and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture
Oversee the admission and financial aid websites, enrollment marketing platforms, and other communications infrastructure
Partner with the Assistant Director of Communications to produce and edit print, digital, web, social media, video, and presentation content that is accurate, creative, and effective
Draft and deliver clear, timely messaging for sensitive or high-profile topics, including financial aid policies, admission updates, and access and affordability initiatives
Lead projects from concept through delivery, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on execution
Ensure communications reflect diverse perspectives and resonate with students and families across a wide range of backgrounds and experiences
Work closely with the Dean of Admission & Financial Aid, senior divisional leaders, and colleagues across the College, including the Office of Communications, IT, Advancement, and Student Affairs, to align enrollment communications with broader institutional initiatives
Build and maintain relationships with outside agencies and partners to bring innovative, mission-driven communications projects to fruition
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or related fields, with success in enrollment, higher education, or mission-driven organizations
Equivalent combination of education/experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience
Exceptional writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to craft messages that resonate with varied audiences, including young people and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Experience managing complex projects and budgets, including collaboration with external vendors and partners
Supervisory experience with a track record of mentoring staff and fostering inclusive, collaborative teams
Proficiency with traditional and digital media, including web content management systems, CRM-driven communications platforms (such as Slate), social media, and analytics tools
Ability to use data and market research to inform strategy, evaluate outcomes, and make evidence-based decisions
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in communications content, practices, and workplace culture
Required reference and background checks
Preferred
Graduate degree in communications, marketing, higher education, or related field
Experience with web content management systems (CMS), such as Drupal
Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, such as Slate
Experience with design and creative tools, such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
Experience with project management tools, such as Asana
Fluency in a language in addition to English
Benefits
Comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families
Company
Amherst College
Amherst College is home to curious thinkers and remarkable doers.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Amara Cunningham
Executive Assistant to the Chief Advancement Officer
Amy Rondeau, SPHR
Human Resources Business Partner
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