Assistant Director of Advancement Communications

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 Assistant Director of Advancement Communications position. The Assistant Director of Advancement Communications is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $60,000 to $65,000.

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 Assistant Director of Advancement Communications plays a central role in strengthening connections between Amherst College and its alumni by developing and promoting compelling storytelling, visual media, and digital engagement. As a key member of a small, highly collaborative team, this position produces high-quality written, visual, and multimedia content that highlights alumni achievements, demonstrates the impact of Amherst, and fosters lifelong engagement with the College.

Reporting to the Director of Advancement Communications, the Assistant Director manages a broad content portfolio that includes feature stories, alumni profiles, multimedia assets, event-based coverage, and digital campaigns. The role also contributes to alumni-facing social media strategy and execution, ensuring alignment with institutional messaging and close coordination with colleagues across Alumni Relations, Major Gifts, Donor Relations, and other Advancement teams. The Assistant Director may also support additional Advancement communications priorities as needed, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to evolving strategic and project needs.

The Assistant Director of Advancement Communications is a creative and thoughtful communicator who brings strong judgment, curiosity, and a collaborative approach to their work. An exceptional writer and editor, they produce polished, persuasive content with a consistent voice and impeccable attention to tone, style, and accuracy. They are a careful listener and strategic thinker who excels at shaping clear, compelling narratives and translating complex ideas into engaging, audience-centered content across a variety of platforms. Comfortable managing multiple priorities with autonomy and attention to detail, this individual approaches projects with creativity, a problem-solving instinct, and a strong sense of responsibility to the institution and its constituents.

Advancement staff are expected to promote a positive, solutions-focused workplace culture through professional and constructive engagement in meetings, collaborations, and daily interactions. Advancement work also includes “all-hands-on-deck” events that require occasional evening and weekend participation to support key College events, including—but not limited to—Reunion and Homecoming.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Content Development: Planning, Writing, and Editing

• Develop compelling written, visual, and multimedia content that strengthens connections between Amherst College and its alumni and supporters.

• Research, pitch, write, and edit stories and profiles that highlight alumni achievements, institutional priorities, and the impact of philanthropy; conduct interviews to produce authentic, mission-aligned narratives.

• Produce and/or curate photography, video, and other visual assets for use across web, email, print, and social channels.

• Support planning and day-to-day management of alumni-facing social media, including content creation, scheduling, community engagement, and basic performance tracking.

• Uphold College editorial, brand, and accessibility standards, ensuring content reflects Amherst’s values of inclusion, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

• Maintain editorial calendars and manage timelines and deadlines to ensure consistent, timely delivery.

• Stay current on digital storytelling formats, social media trends, and emerging tools to strengthen audience engagement.

Project Management

• Partner with Advancement colleagues to identify and prioritize storytelling opportunities tied to key initiatives, alumni achievements, and institutional priorities.

• Manage end-to-end project workflows by setting timelines, coordinating reviews/approvals, tracking deliverables, and ensuring on-schedule execution.

• Maintain relationships with campus partners and external vendors to support collaborative projects and improve processes.

• Use performance insights and analytics to inform content decisions and recommend engagement strategies.

• Contribute to portfolio planning by identifying emerging needs and new content opportunities.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's Degree.

• At least three years of experience demonstrating strong abilities in storytelling, writing, and project management in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.

• Strong skills in storytelling, writing, visual communication, and project management, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging, audience-centered content.

• Demonstrated ability to listen actively, think strategically, and solve problems creatively to develop effective communications and engagement strategies.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams, building productive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with a high degree of autonomy, sound judgment, and attention to detail, meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated commitment to and experience with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in a professional setting.

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events, deadlines, and donor-related activities, as needed.

• Successful completion of required reference and background checks.

• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check.

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.