Communication Specialist

Ripon College is seeking applications for a Communication Specialist as part of their Marketing and Communications Office. This person will work with the marketing team and institution to help develop and communicate the College’s brand story while uplifting key institutional messages, alumni stories, and the student experience. This is a unique opportunity for an early to mid-career, talented writer to work with a small, dedicated team to establish and execute upon a communication vision for one of America’s distinguished liberal arts colleges.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications this position will help develop communication vehicles for the overall brand including focus on supporting enrollment/admissions, alumni/development, athletics, and academic departments. They will be involved in developing and executing the day-to-day messaging across all mediums.

Responsibilities

• Support and execute the College’s brand story and voice in partnership with the Marketing team
• Work with various campus constituencies to create brand-consistent and informative communication pieces for digital, print, and broadcast mediums. Work will include Identifying, researching, writing, reviewing and editing engaging and compelling content for internal and external audiences
• Content creative will also include identifying the theme and structure and write college the bi-annual alumni magazine
• In collaboration with Marketing senior leadership, draft internal messaging including regular campus communication
• Under the direction of the Executive Director, work to develop and execute messaging map and ongoing content strategy
• Participate in regular marketing and communications team strategy sessions, supporting the design experience and assisting in executing an overall integrated marketing plan
• Oversee the work of student workers as needed

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 2 years of direct or comparable experience preferred
2. Demonstrated ability to mine for and develop stories for various audiences and platforms including internal communication, institutional publications, long-format blog content, and print
3. Experience with AP style and strong ability to proof written communication
4. Prior creative copywriting experience or PR experience a plus
5. Ability to think strategically and creatively, with experience in supporting multichannel campaigns
6. Experience in executing a brand messaging across several channels
7. Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of a professional team required. Can operate independently and has the ability to manage projects
8. Successful file management and organizational skills are required
9. Professional experience in a nonprofit, higher education or a similarly structured setting preferred
10. Ability to balance multiple projects, deadlines, and daily changes; a self starter that has the ability to take a concept to reality

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, online portfolio and contact information for three professional references addressed to the search chairperson Shawn Karsten, Vice President for Advancement, Marketing and Communications and Chief of Staff.  The cover letter should outline how your background matches the responsibilities of this position. These materials should be emailed to [email protected]

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Ripon College is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and adheres to non-discriminatory policies in employment and student enrollment. Ripon College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women and minorities to apply.