Communications Coordinator

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected].

Department

Job Description

Job Summary

Support the goals of the Conway Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center and Design Thinking Initiative (DTI) through comprehensive communications strategies. Lead and take responsibility for compellingly conveying the multitude of programs and services offered by each unit, including promotion (print/digital collateral), documentation (written/audio/visual), and post-event storytelling to the full range of our audiences. Serve as liaison with the college's Communications & Marketing team regarding policies and publications. Manage student workers in maintaining, expanding, and analyzing the effectiveness of each unit’s communications.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

*Note: this is a two-year, limited-term position with no possibility for renewal. End Date 06/30.2028. This is also an academic year position.

Essential Functions

Communications and Marketing Coordination (60%):

• In consultation with unit Directors, develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to communicate the mission and learning goals of each unit.
• Ensure buildout of effective and consistent messaging and visual identity for each unit.
• Create collateral and content to promote, document, and tell the story of programs produced by each unit.
• Engage and inform students, faculty, staff, alums, and the general community about events and initiatives of each unit via a multitude of outreach platforms.
• Work with Smith's Communications & Marketing department to publish featured stories about Conway and DTI activity.
• Ensure that all print and digital outreach materials are thorough, accessible, consistent, and aligned with college policy.
• Lead website updates for each unit in collaboration with the college web team.
• Attend Studio Design Partner at DTI weekly meetings to develop a good working rapport and engage them in communications strategies.

Student Intern Supervision (30%):

• Hire and manage a team of up to 5 student interns at the Conway Center, and 2 at the DTI.
• Mentor and work with these interns to execute weekly and long term communications content, including, but not limited to weekly email blasts, postering, quarterly newsletters, and social media, following a schedule to be developed to maximize engagement.

General (10%):

• Contribute to the Conway Center/DTI’s general operations
• Attend all relevant staff meetings (including all-staff, intern, and supervisory meetings)
• Other duties as assigned.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• HS, GED, or Associates degree
• 1-5 years experience
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Graphic design skills, including asset development, photo editing, and layout.
• Commitment to work in and contribute to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture; ability to embrace an always evolving environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors degree preferred; working in higher education environment strongly preferred.

Proficiency using design tools – most importantly the Adobe professional suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
Proficiency using website content management systems and html-formatted emails (like WordPress, MailChimp or similar tools).
Proficiency with audio recording/editing.
Knowledge of marketing fundamentals.
Proficient in ensuring accessibility of materials.
Some familiarity with Airtable.

Skills:

Capacity to co-create in real-time with other people.
Self-reflective and interested in developing as a professional through this role.
Ability to see the bigger picture of the work across the two units and own the detailed responsibilities of this role.
Proven problem-solving skills and ability to exercise good judgment.
Ability to prioritize and remain agile while paying attention to details
Ability to manage time effectively to consistently meet deadlines.
Superb interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, seeking guidance as needed.
Ability to work as part of a team; comfort with leading other people and collaborating with other staff members.
Eagerness to contribute ideas for communications strategies and capacity to invite and take team members feedback in service of iteratively improving those ideas together.
Self-motivated with an excellent work ethic, driven to iterate, innovate, and learn new skills and tools.

Additional Information

*Note: this is a two-year, limited-term position with no possibility for renewal. End Date 06/30.2028

Compensation

Position Type

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

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Review of applications will begin

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.