Communications Specialist

Haverford College; Lower Merion Township (Montgomery County); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-from-home opportunities

10% retirement contribution

Dependent tuition benefit (40-50% or 0

14 paid holidays

Job summary

Haverford College invites applications for a Communications Specialist who will develop communications plans, craft audience-focused messaging, and produce content advancing institutional priorities. The role partners with academic and administrative departments to support enrollment, advancement, and reputation initiatives.

The position emphasizes strategic communications, writing, and media relations, with a hybrid work schedule and a strong emphasis on collaboration across campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field.
• Three years of professional communications experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders to develop stories and content.
• Familiarity with AP style a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications plans for institutional initiatives and priorities.
• Write and edit content for websites, admissions materials, advancement communications, campaigns, newsletters, and reports.
• Assist with media outreach and press materials to increase visibility.
• Coordinate multiple projects and partner with faculty, staff, and campus teams to ensure successful execution.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Proofreading

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field

Job description

Haverford College invites applications for our full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt, benefits-eligible Communications Specialist opportunity.

Salary

• Salary: Salary range begins at $70,000
• Benefits: The College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes possible work-from-home opportunities, automatic 10% retirement contribution to your retirement account upon eligibility (no match required), a 50% tuition benefit for dependent children upon eligibility, 14 paid holidays (including the week before New Year’s Day), affordable medical plans, Health Savings Account contribution of $700 for individuals and$1400 for families (no match required, available to employees enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan), and a beautiful arboretum campus with walking trail and easy public transportation access. Please visit the Benefits page (https://www.haverford.edu/human-resources/benefits ) for more information.
• Work Location: This position will be eligible for a hybrid work schedule, pursuant to the College’s Work Location Policy.

About the Position
The Communications Specialist reports to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications and is responsible for developing communications plans, creating audience-focused messaging, and producing content that advances Haverford College’s institutional priorities and engagement goals. The Communications Specialist will work closely with colleagues across the College and serve as a communications partner to academic and administrative departments to support initiatives related to enrollment, advancement, academic excellence, institutional reputation, leadership communications, and media relations.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Communications (40%)

• Develop and implement communications plans for institutional initiatives, campaigns, and organizational priorities
• Identify communications goals, target audiences, key messages, and content strategies
• Collaborate with clients to support enrollment, advancement, fundraising, and reputation-building objectives
• Provide communications recommendations and messaging guidance

Writing and Messaging (40%)

• Develop messaging that translates complex information into clear, compelling, and engaging communications for both internal and external audiences
• Write and edit content for websites, admissions materials, advancement communications, campaign collateral, newsletters, executive communications, reports, and marketing materials
• Research, develop, and tell stories that highlight the achievements, impact, and priorities of the College and its community

Media Relations Support (10%)

• Assist with media outreach efforts and the development of press materials
• Support initiatives that increase visibility and awareness of the College

Client and Project Management (10%)

• Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously
• Build and maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and other campus partners
• Participate in planning discussions, working groups, and committees as appropriate
• Coordinate with writers, designers, and other team members to ensure successful project execution

Line of Report:The Communications Specialist reports to Vice President for Marketing and Communications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field
• Three (3) years of professional communications experience
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders to develop stories and communications content
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, healthcare, or mission-driven organizations
• Experience supporting admissions, enrollment marketing, advancement, or fundraising initiatives
• Experience with media relations
• Familiarity with AP Style

We are aware that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet qualifications as described in the job advertisement. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career trajectory, and have skills and abilities gained outside a classroom context, or an equivalent skill set. We encourage you to apply and share how you meet the position’s qualifications.

Haverford College strives to maintain an equitable, accessible, and welcoming environment where staff, faculty and students of all backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experience can work, learn, and thrive. Haverford College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other identity or characteristic protected by law. Haverford College recognizes that we live and work on Lenape land.

Assistant Director of Talent Acquisition