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…