Job Description

Hobart and William Smith seeks a dynamic, creative and strategic Associate Vice President for Communications (AVP) to lead an integrated communications operation that tells the HWS story with clarity, impact and vision. Reporting to the Vice President for External Relations, the AVP plays a critical role in shaping the institutional narrative and ensuring consistent, high-quality content that advances the mission, values and reputation of HWS.

The AVP will oversee a talented team of professionals responsible for content creation, graphic design, photography, videography, web content, media relations and publications. The selected candidate will ensure that communications across all platforms — including the HWS website, alumni magazine, newsletters, campaign materials and media outlets — are engaging, strategic and aligned with institutional priorities.

This is a leadership role for a strong communicator who can think strategically, write and edit with excellence, and inspire creative approaches to telling the HWS story to a variety of audiences and in a variety of ways.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Content Leadership:
  • Oversee all content creation for HWS digital and print platforms, including the HWS website, alumni magazine, newsletters, campaign materials, news releases, and marketing collateral.
  • Ensure stories reflect the mission, values and strategic priorities of HWS.
• Creative Strategy and Oversight:
  • Supervise a talented team encompassing writing, editorial, design, photography and videography.
  • Ensure content meets brand standards and supports institutional goals.
  • Lead the team in developing thoughtful, creative responses to major institutional events and moments.
• Digital and Print Communications:
  • Oversee web content strategy and execution, ensuring the HWS website remains current, compelling and aligned with institutional messaging, and that it conforms to evolving search trends.
  • Direct the production and deployment of weekly internal and external communications, including This Week in Photos, E-Newsletters and videos.
• Campaign:
  • Collaborate closely with Advancement and Alumni Relations staff to make certain that fundraising priorities are being met including creating and/or reviewing campaign collateral pieces, talking points, event scripts and proposals.
  • Lead communications efforts that support HWS’ campaign – Further Together: The Campaign for Our Third Century.
• Media Relations and Brand Amplification:
  • Direct media relations efforts and build relationships with local, regional and national media.
  • Stay current on emerging trends to amplify HWS stories.
  • Promote the achievements of HWS through strategic placement and innovative storytelling.
• Strategic Leadership:
  • Serve as a key member of the communications team, helping to shape and execute institutional communication strategies.
  • Bring a proactive, forward-looking approach to content strategy and storytelling.
  • Ensure communications are cohesive, compelling and reflective of HWS’ values and brand.

Other Information:

This is a full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible position. Normal office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional evening and weekend responsibilities as required. This position description is not all-inclusive, as other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. Salary range: $130,000 - 150,000.

About HWS

A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.

Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men’s Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in communications, journalism, marketing or related fields.
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills with a strong editorial voice.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Demonstrated success in media relations and strategic communications.
• Strong understanding of digital communications platforms, including web and social media.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in higher education or mission-driven organizations preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute effectively.
• Collaborative and collegial leader who values teamwork.
• Creative, flexible and nimble in responding to fast-changing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
• Passion for higher education and for amplifying the impact of a liberal arts mission.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Colleges are an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment in their programs and activities against employees or applicants based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, social class, or any other category or characteristic protected by applicable law.