Director of Communications

Position: Director of Communications

Status: Full-time, Exempt, Staff

Department: Marketing & Communications

Supervisor: Executive Vice President for Advancement & Enrollment

Salary: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 annual salary

Join a dedicated group of colleagues on our stunning 14,000-acre campus in the heart of the Adirondacks. You will be surrounded by nature, perched on the edge of Lower St. Regis Lake. Paul Smith's College recognizes the importance of work-life balance, and you will enjoy ample vacation time as well as generous benefits.

In partnership with the Executive Vice President for Advancement & Enrollment, the Director of Communications is responsible for implementing strategic messaging that reflects the mission and voice of Paul Smith’s College. This role leads content development across the college’s website and social media platforms—amplifying the stories that make this place so distinctive. The Director ensures that every message is grounded in authenticity, rooted in place, and aligned with the values that define the Paul Smith’s experience.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work both independently and as part of a small and innovative team, composed of selected members from Marketing & Enrollment Management, Institutional Advancement, and the campus community, to develop and prioritize, design, write and edit communication materials that increase the College’s institutional presence locally, nationally and internationally.
• Identify and research proactively major stories about PSC, its faculty, students and staff, for placement in the local, regional and national news media.
• Develop and maintain strong contacts with news, education, sports, arts and specialty editors at local and regional newspapers, magazines, websites, television and radio.
• Serve as spokesperson for the College; respond to print, broadcast and web media requests for information concerning PSC; offer contact with experts able to comment on newsworthy topics.
• Develop crisis communication plans for the College
• Develop ad hoc communications as directed by Sr. Leadership.
• Manage the news portion of the College’s website and associated social media.
• Produce quality promotional and communications, correspondence, feature stories, and related material for college publications, including the College’s recruitment materials, alumni magazine, The Sequel; trustee newsletters; campus bulletins; news releases; direct mail campaigns; admissions materials; web content; event materials and other assignments as required.
• Assist in photographing College events, both on and off campus.
• Maintain brand consistency through training and partnering with all departments to ensure communications within the organization are aligned with organizational values and branding requirements.
• Develop an effective working relationship with faculty, students and staff.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related fields such as Journalism/Marketing Communications.
• Demonstrated performance and excellence in writing and editing, with at least three years professional experience as a writer in areas related to enrollment management, nonprofit organizations, fund raising, public relations, media, or political campaigns.
• Knowledge of design software including Quark or PageMaker and Photoshop.
• Web design experience highly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with digital and film-based photography.
• Excellent interpersonal and multi-tasking skills.
• Knowledge or keen interest in the people, environment, history, and economics of the Adirondack Park of New York State will be a plus.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.

To apply, please submit a letter of application, resume, contact information for three professional references, and a portfolio of published materials.

Review of applications will begin immediately.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.