Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications

About the position

Mount Holyoke College is seeking an Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications (AVP) to drive our strategic communication efforts and elevate our brand. In this pivotal hybrid role, you'll report to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications and play a key part in implementing multi-channel strategies that strengthen our brand, enhance student recruitment, boost fundraising, and foster a vibrant sense of community.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day communications operations, providing hands-on leadership, creative guidance, and professional development to a talented team of 4-6 direct reports.
• Implement comprehensive communication plans across print, digital, social, video, and email platforms, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, especially in brand management, enrollment marketing, and alum and donor engagement.
• Develop compelling, audience-specific messaging for prospective students, alums, donors, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
• Ensure consistent application of our brand voice, tone, and messaging architecture across all channels.
• Manage content planning and publishing across web and social media, collaborating with digital colleagues to enhance user experience and engagement.
• Assist in media outreach, coordinate timely responses to press inquiries, and help prepare essential media materials and executive messaging.
• Track and report on communications performance, using analytics to inform improvements and contribute to assessments of tools, workflows, and vendor partnerships.
• Provide expert marketing communications guidance to senior leadership and various departments, ensuring consistency and clarity in all institutional communications.
• Assist in drafting messages from senior leadership, coordinating campus-wide updates, and helping facilitate crisis communications.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, preferably within higher education or a mission-driven organization.
• A Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, English, journalism, or a related field; an advanced degree is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in implementing multi-platform communication strategies with measurable impact.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a deep understanding of brand voice and tone.
• Proven experience managing teams and complex cross-departmental projects with competing priorities.
• Familiarity with digital content strategy, CMS platforms, social media tools, analytics, and email marketing systems.
• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a service-minded, collaborative approach.
• A profound commitment to equity, inclusion, and authentic storytelling that reflects diverse experiences and perspectives.
• A curious mindset, a good sense of humor, and a genuine appreciation for Mount Holyoke’s mission and vibrant community.

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 10.5% of salary)
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Disability and Leave Benefits
• Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex