Assistant Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs

Wellesley College • Wellesley, MA

40d • $154,000 - $180,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

More than a college, Wellesley is a force for change in the world. Every day, we prove Wellesley’s founding radical idea: Educating women leads to progress for everyone. A Wellesley education prepares students to realize their own highest ambitions and aspirations—and they do. One of the nation’s premier colleges and the top women’s college, we are unparalleled in educating pathbreaking women in every arena. The Office of Communications and Public Affairs (C&PA) seeks an assistant vice president for communications and public Affairs (AVPCPA) to work directly with the vice president for communications, public affairs, and global engagement (VP). The assistant vice president will have primary responsibility for providing administrative leadership and support in planning, coordinating, and implementing the College’s strategic communications and integrated marketing, including but not limited to: editorial, digital communications and social media, media relations, internal communications, issues management, crisis communications, and stakeholder communications with alumnae, donors, government officials, and others. Summary of position The AVPCPA will serve as a trusted deputy to the VP and will have the authority to operate as such with the campus community and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Education Required Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred)
• Experience Required 10 to 15 years progressive leadership experience in marketing and communications in higher education or another relevant field, including supervising teams
• Strong management, leadership, and supervisory experience and skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including writing and speaking clearly and effectively
• Demonstrated experience with integrated marketing and communications strategies to increase stakeholder engagement, philanthropic campaigns, student recruitment, and strengthen institutional reputation
• Significant issues management experience, including serving as the spokesperson for an organization and managing both internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience with media relations, editorial judgment, and analytics
• Excellent organizational, decision-making, and time management skills
• Ability to work outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, as required
• Strong experience as a manager, team builder, and problem solver

Responsibilities

• Strategic communications, issues and crisis management and government relations (40%). Oversee the directors of executive communications and media relations to ensure a cohesive strategic communications strategy and an effective implementation of that strategy. Serve as a consultant to cross-campus colleagues in the Office of Development, the Office of Admission, Career Education, and others in conceiving, planning, and executing strategic communications projects. Serve as a key member of the C&PA team regarding the strategy and execution of issues and crisis management; when needed, represent C&PA on the College crisis management team. Draft and edit timely communications on behalf of the College, including press releases, statements, talking points and other announcements regarding strategic initiatives and crises. Work with the VP to support government and external relations efforts at the local, state and national levels as required.
• Direct communications strategy for College’s upcoming comprehensive philanthropic campaign and promote integrated marketing for editorial content, social media, and digital communications (40%). Oversee the directors of digital marketing, editorial, and creative services to enhance the division’s marketing strategy in support of key priorities such as fundraising, student recruitment, alumnae engagement, and planning and marketing for key events and institutional initiatives. Effectively lead cross-departmental teams and stakeholders across the College for major events, marketing, and external and internal communications. Bring a new level of strategy, analytics, and discipline to all of the College’s marketing and communications efforts. As the College prepares for the public launch of its philanthropic campaign, the AVP will be a key partner in developing the creative, storytelling, and activation campaign strategies. The AVP will coordinate with development staff, Wellesley’s creative agency, and additional campaign staff to develop strategic marketing materials, and will plan key activation events to powerfully articulate the priorities of the campaign and engage key stakeholders.
• Communications leadership (20%). Oversee key functions of the C&PA team in order to promote greater integration and impact. Serve as the VP’s deputy with Senior Leadership when needed. Represent the C&PA team with all constituencies across campus. Serve as the division’s point person with industry organizations and external stakeholders as designated by the VP.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
• Paid Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
• Retirement Savings: Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
• Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
• Tuition and Education Benefits: Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
• Campus Privileges: Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees