Colgate University

Posting Details

Position Information

Job CategoryProfessional/Administrative

Position TitleAssistant/Associate Director for Dean of the College and Parent Communications

Full Time/Part TimeFull Time

DivisionOffice of University Communications

DepartmentOffice of University Communications

Hiring Wage/Salary RangeAssistant Director: $62,355 – $64,000 / Associate Director: $64,000 – $68,925

• Professional Experience/ Qualifications
• A minimum of 2–5 years’ experience in communications, project management, marketing, public relations, or related field
• Excellent writing, editing, publication, and project management skills
• Broad understanding of traditional and social media platforms and experience in web content writing and social media content creation
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to interact comfortably with a broad spectrum of individuals within the organization to gain consensus
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key clients across all divisions, as well as with external stakeholders such as parents and families
• Knowledge or experience in higher education

Preferred QualificationsExperience working within email marketing platforms such as Emma or Mailchimp, project management software (Basecamp, Smartsheets), website content management platforms such as Drupal or WordPress, familiarity with Colgate style guide and visual identity

EducationA Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field is required

Certifications

Offer DeterminationWhen extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Physical Requirements

Other InformationCandidates will be considered at either the Assistant or Associate Director level, depending on experience and qualifications. The Associate level requires meeting all of the listed qualifications, while the Assistant level is intended for candidates who meet some or most qualifications and demonstrate the potential to grow into the role with appropriate training and support.

BenefitsColgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.

Department StatementColgate’s Office of University Communications is staffed by a team of talented, creative, and collaborative individuals who believe that the quality of their work and the success of the University are intertwined. Among its many functions, the office produces Colgate Magazine, operates the University’s official social media accounts, manages the University’s web presence, conducts media relations, coordinates admission marketing, and supports advancement fundraising communications.

This collegial yet demanding environment is ideal for communications professionals who want to prove their talents and test their skills in an unparalleled liberal arts setting. Now in its third century, Colgate has entered a new era. At this crucial moment, successful applicants will have the opportunity to create, curate, and share the unique Colgate story with the nation and the world.

AccountabilitiesColgate University invites applications for the position of Assistant/Associate Director for Dean of the College and Parent Communications, a key role bridging the Office of University Communications and the Division of the Dean of the College. This individual will develop and deliver strategic, high-quality communications that support the student experience and build meaningful connections with the families of current students.

In addition to producing and managing a broad range of digital and print content, this role serves as the primary liaison to parents and families, helping them engage with the University in informed, supportive, and constructive ways. The position works in close partnership with campus stakeholders to ensure parent communications are timely, consistent, and aligned with Colgate’s mission, brand, and values.

This position will:

• Manage and create content for the parent and family resources web pages
• Facilitate the production of – and create content for – parent-facing communications materials, such as such as newsletters, family resource guide, and new-family onboarding publications
• Maintain, monitor, and create content for the University’s Parent Facebook Group
• Monitor and manage the parents@colgate.edu inbox, document parent concerns and questions
• Communicate with — and provide assistance to — parents and families, referring them to resources and helping de-escalate issues
• Conduct new family orientation sessions
• Assist with managing DOC departmental newsletters
• Work closely with DOC departments and the university communications design team to develop engaging e-newsletter templates, digital promotional materials, and social media templates
• Facilitate the production and regular updates of internal, student-facing promotional DOC materials such as brochures, signage, and student life departmental promotional materials
• Serve as an editorial liaison and assist with content strategy for DOC departmental websites
• Develop communications plans, marketing materials, and signage for campuswide events related to incoming students and Colgate student families such as Arrival Day, Orientation, and Family Weekend
• Serve as the DOC communications liaison and project manager for incoming student and family onboarding

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number2025S054Posting

TemporaryNo

Work ScheduleWeekdays with a partial remote opportunity

Some weekend work may be required and will be scheduled in advance

37.5 hours per week

Job Open Date06/13/2025

Job Close Date

Open Until FilledYes

Special Instructions Summary

EEO StatementThe University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

Clery ActCAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.