Director of Communications, Admission and Financial Aid

Amherst College•Amherst, MA

72d•$120,000 - $140,000

About The Position

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: $120,000 - $140,000. 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 for Benefits Information. The Director of Communications, Admission & Financial Aid is the division's subject matter expert and senior leader responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating enrollment communications and marketing initiatives that advance Amherst College's mission and goals. Reporting directly to the Dean of Admission & Financial Aid, the Director creates compelling, data-informed strategies and messaging that communicate Amherst's distinctive value and commitment to access and affordability to prospective students, families, counselors, and broader audiences. As the division's 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 division's 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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

Benefits

Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families.

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