Communications Specialist, Student Affairs

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The Communications Specialist, Student Affairs serves as the primary communications liaison between the Division of Marketing and Communications and the Division of Student Affairs. Reporting to the AVP, Institutional Communications, the Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, writing, and managing a broad portfolio of communications that inform and engage students, parents, families, and campus partners. The Communications Specialist is a skilled storyteller and communicator who can translate complex student affairs programs, services, and initiatives into clear, compelling content across multiple channels and audiences. The Communications Specialist must be a sharp critical thinker with a proactive approach and a talent for building relationships.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Develop, write, edit, and manage communications on behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, including newsletters, announcements, website content, emails.
• Draft remarks, talking points, scripts, and briefing documents for Student Affairs leadership for use in meetings, presentations and events.
• Write and produce the Division’s regular parent and family newsletter, coordinating content gathering from multiple departments.
• Support the college’s social media strategy by identifying content opportunities from the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life.
• Manage the Emerson Student Affairs social media account, including: Strategy, Content development - copy, graphic design, videos, schedule management.
• Ensure all communications from Student Affairs are accessible and embody the values of community and belonging.
• Develop and implement an annual communications calendar for Student Affairs, aligning messaging with key institutional moments (orientation, move-in, Family Weekend, commencement, etc.).
• Create, design, edit and manage distribution for digital and hard copy presentations, reports, and collateral materials for Campus Life and across the Division of Student Affairs
• Partner with Student Affairs leadership to identify priority communications needs and develop tailored communications approaches.
• Ensure consistency of brand voice, tone, and visual identity across all Student Affairs communications in accordance with institutional standards.
• Provide communications counsel and support to Student Affairs departments on an ongoing basis, including guidance on best practices for audience engagement.
• Track, analyze, and report on the performance of Student Affairs communications using relevant metrics (open rates, click-through rates, engagement, reach, etc.).
• Produce regular data-driven reports on communications effectiveness for Student Affairs and Marketing and Communications leadership, including trend analysis and actionable recommendations.
• Use audience insights and engagement data to optimize content strategy, distribution channels, and messaging.
• Maintain documentation and archives of communications campaigns and outcomes.
• Serve as the embedded communications partner for the Division of Student Affairs, building strong working relationships with department directors, program staff, and administrative leaders.
• Coordinate with the broader Marketing and Communications team on content planning, design, digital, social media, and other communications needs related to students and families.
• Work with the Office of Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, and other divisions as needed to ensure coordinated, cohesive messaging to students and families.
• Represent Marketing and Communications on relevant Student Affairs committees, working groups, or task forces.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience creating marketing materials, including communication, writing, graphic design, marketing, required.
• Demonstrated experience using graphic design platforms, PowerPoint or Google Slides required.
• Demonstrated experience in creating and editing video content, especially for social media and presentations required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job. 

• Proficient in graphic design for various digital and print materials, with a preference for Canva knowledge
• Skilled in writing, content editing, and copyediting for diverse communication styles and lengths.
• Competent in handling basic data sets using Excel or Google Sheets, with a preference for Qualtrics knowledge
• Familiarity with key social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook), Google Slides, and email marketing tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact
• Committed to staying informed about accessible communication practices
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member
• Strong dedication to the principles of equity, accessibility, and social justice, with a willingness for ongoing learning in these areas
• Excellent attention to detail
• Capable of prioritizing and managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position is generally sedentary in nature, movement throughout the area is required from time to time
• Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors is essentials
• Repetitive movements, occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds, reaching, lifting, stooping and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding and read fine print will be expected

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Usual Office Conditions

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.  Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Compensation: $58,850.00 - $72,150.00 annually, commensurate with experience.

 

Grade of Position: S-23-07E

Employment Category: Regular

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Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

This position will be exclusively represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 888 for purposes of wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. 

Emerson Employment Categories influence work schedules, benefits eligibility, and time off policies. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage and commuter offerings, are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.