If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

College RelationsJob Description

Job Summary

The Communications Editor is a member of the College Relations Digital Strategy and Design Team, which strengthens the reputation and relationships of Smith College. As part of a team of writers, editors and designers, this position creates and edits compelling content about Smith College, its students, faculty, staff and alumnae. This position serves as copy editor for the Office of College Relations, ensuring writing quality and language that promotes inclusion; fact-checking; advising about issues of usage and style; and providing thoughtful writing, editing and proofreading of a variety of materials and publications in print and online. This position requires exceptional customer service and customer relationship management skills. This position reports to the Director of Digital and Creative Strategy and can expect to work with the President’s Office, faculty, students, alumnae, and various other members of the Smith College community.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Ensure all copy is well-written, accurate, consistent and ready for publication (45%)

• Copyedit text to ensure that it is clear, accurate and logically structured, and in keeping with the college style guide and branding guidelines

• Make text changes and suggestions to writers and content providers, and rewrite text as necessary

• Ensure all text is respectful of all audiences

• Fact-check all data and information for publication; understand how and where to find accurate, reliable resources and correct information as necessary to ensure accuracy

• Have a basic understanding of copyright law—particularly for poems, quotations and music—to prevent legal problems

• Ensure that all data cited by the College Relations Department is current, accurate and verifiable; confirm all data with Institutional Research and work with them to compile annual spreadsheet of commonly cited information

• Proofread text

• Monitor production schedules and deadlines

• Be on-call for crisis communications

Write marketing copy as needed for special events, web, emails, social media and other print marketing collateral (45%)

Create and maintain a Smith-specific style guide (10%)

• Revise Smith Style Guide so it remains useful, relevant, logical and topical for collegewide use

• Serve as a resource for departments across campus on questions of style, usage, grammar and inclusive language

Other Functions

Perform other duties as assigned

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or another relevant field required

• Minimum of 4 years relevant work experience

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills are required

• Advanced proficiency in AP Style

• The ability to offer editing guidance in a constructive manner is essential

• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge and experience using Drupal content management system

Skills

• Excellent copywriting, editing, and proofreading skills

• Excellent written and oral communications skills

• Positive work ethic; good relationship management skills and a good team player

• Ability to work independently or in a group setting

• Creative, enthusiastic and strategic with an ability to suggest improvements

• Flexibility to revise ideas with input from team members and other college partners

• Detail-oriented, organized, and a structured thinker

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple activities and deliverables simultaneously while adhering to deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Collaborative and consultative work style; strong partnering skills

• Strong understanding of digital communications

• High standard of accuracy and attention to detail; strong organizational skills

Additional Information

In addition to your cover letter and resume, please submit at least one work sample that demonstrates your writing skills.

For the care and safety of our community, Smith College requires that all employees be vaccinated as a condition of employment and as such, the incumbent will be required to be immunized against COVID-19 on or before their first day of employment. Proof of vaccination status will be required. Individuals may seek medical or religious exemption with HR, but must do so prior to their arrival.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

March 6, 2023

Compensation Grade:

Grade I

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Diversity and a culture of inclusion among students, staff, faculty, and administration are crucial to the mission and values of Smith College. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religions, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.