<p>The Associate Director of Communications is charged with operationalizing the College's strategic communications plan and ensuring smooth daily operations of A&S news, web and promotional functions. Their overarching responsibility is to strategically promote A&S in support of admissions and fundraising goals. As managing editor of A&S news, web and social media, the incumbent directs, reviews and evaluates content, ensuring brand and messaging alignment across platforms. This includes evaluating the strategic communications plan and developing an annual report in consultation with the Executive Director. The incumbent works closely with A&S admissions, advancement and advising offices, as well as central marketing and communications, to coordinate high-level messaging and continuously expand the College's reach. The incumbent also supports the Exec Director in the Dean's speechwriting needs and in crisis communications circumstances. Internally, the Associate Director provides educational/informational resources to departments and units, and supervises a staff of five (plus freelancers).</p> <p>Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in communications, PR, journalism or related field. Master's degree preferred. </li><li>Five (5) plus years of experience writing and editing in higher ed or other fast-paced, communications-related field. </li><li>Strong interpersonal and discernment skills are necessary. </li></ul> <p>Skills and Knowledge</p> <ul> <li>Content strategy, planning and execution expertise. </li><li>Broad and deep understanding of evolving best practice for digital and print media. </li><li>Excellent editing and proofreading skills and keen sense of good stories. </li><li>Strong brand stewardship and content marketing principles. </li><li>Collaborative yet firmly committed to protecting the A&S brand and standards. </li><li>Emotional intelligence and discretion. </li><li>Proven ability to lead high-profile projects that surprise and delight partners, on time and within budget. </li><li>Demonstrated dedication to continuous improvement and professional development. </li><li>Familiarity with CoPilot/ChatGPT or similar, Wagtail CMS, WordPress, Microsoft products and AP style a must. </li></ul> <p>Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Oversees the creation and distribution of brand-aligned, engaging content across A&S channels, including digital, social media and print. </li><li>Ensures consistent messaging and brand voice across platforms. </li><li>Evaluates said content performance and refines tactics based on metrics. </li><li>Meets regularly with A&S business partners to ensure comms efforts continue to be aligned with business goals. </li><li>Leads development of annual report and, in consultation with Exec. Director, periodic updates of strategic comm plan. </li><li>Manages high-visibility projects such as the twice-yearly A&S magazine (print/digital in fall; digital in spring). </li><li>Reviews and approves all A&S news articles and other content, including social media and newsletters; reviews and provides feedback on centrally produced content. </li><li>Ensures that A&S website provides the content and functionality needed to support our audiences' needs and the College's business goals. </li><li>Provides content support for major events like Commencement, Opening Weekend, etc. </li><li>Oversees timely and effective completion of partner-requested projects and attends related meetings. Projects include: bookmarks, email campaigns and digital ad campaigns for Admissions; postcards, folders and leave-behinds for Advancement; web enhancements for Advising. </li><li>Advises Dean's office and operations team on branding or other project needs. </li><li>Partners with central marketing, communications and media relations offices to: increase visibility of A&S' distinctive offerings/contributions among external audiences; support student, faculty and staff recruitment and retention; and support fundraising efforts. </li><li>Partners with the Maxwell School to ensure to ensure that undergraduate prospects and the University community understand the nature and value of the partnership. </li><li>Drafts Dean's speaking points as needed. </li><li>Supports crisis communications as needed. </li><li>Act as consultant on departments' projects. </li><li>Lead multiple educational sessions for departments each semester (News Exchange; Office Hours). </li><li>Lead professional development for staff (Site visits; retreat). </li></ul> <p>Physical Requirements</p> <p>Not Applicable</p> <p>Tools/Equipment</p> <p>Not Applicable</p> <p>Application Instructions</p> <p>In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.</p>