Presidential Communications Strategist

Smith College; College Place (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College is seeking a Strategic Communications Writer to serve as the president’s writer and executive communications strategist. You will shape the voice across speeches, remarks, and correspondence, translating the president’s vision into compelling narratives for internal and external audiences.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Media Relations and Strategic Communications, you will work with senior leaders across the college to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Political Science, Public Policy or related field.
• 8 years of experience in executive communications, journalism, public affairs or related field.
• Demonstrated experience writing for senior executives or organizational leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects with competing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary communications writer for the President, developing speeches, remarks, and other executive comms.
• Translate complex priorities into clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
• Ensure consistency and authenticity of the President’s voice across communications.
• Conduct research, interviews, and background prep for accurate messaging.
• Coordinate research, review, revisions, approvals, and logistics with confidentiality.
• Collaborate with colleagues to elevate the President’s thought leadership.
• Advise on messaging strategy and prepare briefing materials for speeches and interviews.
• Monitor higher education and public policy to identify relevant issues.
• Maintain an archive of presidential speeches and messaging resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Editing

Verbal communication

Political judgment

Discretion

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Journalism/English/Political Science/Public Policy

Job description

Smith College is seeking a Strategic Communications Writer to serve as the president’s writer and executive communications strategist. You will shape the voice across speeches, remarks, and correspondence, translating the president’s vision into compelling narratives for internal and external audiences.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Media Relations and Strategic Communications, you will work with senior leaders across the college to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with