Director of Communications, Admission and Financial Aid

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial socio-economic and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Director of Communications Admission & Financial Aid position. The Director of Communications Admission & Financial Aid is a full-time year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $120000 - $140000.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors including but not limited to relevant education training and experience tenure status and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here forBenefits Information.

The Director of Communications Admission & Financial Aid is the divisions subject matter expert and senior leader responsible for developing implementing and evaluating enrollment communications and marketing initiatives that advance Amherst Colleges mission and goals. Reporting directly to the Dean of Admission & Financial Aid the Director creates compelling data-informed strategies and messaging that communicate Amhersts distinctive value and commitment to access and affordability to prospective students families counselors and broader audiences.

As the divisions communications lead the Director manages projects that shape how Amherst is understood by prospective students and families. This includes producing and coordinating enrollment communications across print digital web and social media and ensuring that information about admission and financial aid policies is clear accurate and accessible. The Director also manages the divisions marketing budget supervises staff and vendors and ensures consistent creative and effective messaging across all platforms.

Amherst is particularly proud of its success in recruiting admitting and enrolling a diverse student body. The Director will demonstrate a sustained commitment to diversity equity and inclusion by ensuring that communication strategies and content reflect diverse perspectives and resonate with students and families from a wide range of backgrounds.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Communications & Marketing Strategy

• Develop implement and continually refine the communications and marketing strategy for the Admission & Financial Aid division ensuring Amhersts 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 Amhersts commitment to equity inclusion and belonging

Project Budget and Team Management

• 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

Creative Development & Content Execution

• 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

Collaboration and Partnership

• 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

Qualifications:

• Bachelors 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

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.