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: $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 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: Required 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 Successful completion of required background and reference 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 https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. 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. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request. 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. Welcome to Amherst College! We are excited to share our current openings. You are invited to explore the opportunities available and we encourage you to apply for those that are aligned with your skills and experience. Thank you again for your interest in Amherst College Amherst College, one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the nation, is located in Amherst, Massachusettsa town of about 35,000 residents in the western part of the state. The college community includes around 1,800 students from 48 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 54 countries around the world, along with about 1,000 staff and faculty members. The scenic 1,000-acre campus features a 500-acre wildlife sanctuary and the Book and Plow Farm; three museums: Emily Dickinson Museum, Beneski Museum of Natural History , and Mead Art Museum; and multiple educational and cultural venues and resources through the Five College Consortium. Amherst College is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. Amherst College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or the administration of its programs and activities based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, military service, or any other characteristic or class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Amherst College complies with all relevant state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. If you have any related inquiries, please contact the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Amherst College, P.O. Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002-5000. 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. Amherst College's policy is to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@amherst.edu. Click here for information about Title IX at Amherst. Inquiries may be directed to: Civil Rights and Title IX Coordinator Amherst College 79 S Pleasant Street Suite 120 Amherst, MA 01002 crtixoffice@amherst.edu Amherst.edu/offices/title-ix