Job Description

The Content Strategy & Editorial Manager plays a central role in shaping the presence of Hobart and William Smith, primarily on the website but also in other publications, both digital and printed. This position manages website content, ensuring accuracy, clarity and brand consistency; produces high-quality written content for the website, newsletters and other publications as assigned; and contributes to graphic design needs across print and digital platforms. The role is ideal for a versatile communicator with strong editorial judgment, a clean writing style, competency working within a CMS, and an eye for compelling visual presentation. This opportunity is well-suited to a creative problem-solver with the confidence to suggest improvements and new ideas, and the knowledge to make them happen.

Essential Responsibilities:

Website Content Management

• Oversee content across the HWS website, ensuring pages are accurate, current and aligned with institutional messaging and brand standards.
• Audit and maintain site structure and navigation to support user experience best practices.
• Partner with Communications colleagues and campus stakeholders to identify content needs, gather information and ensure messaging consistency.
• Working with the Creative Director and the Associate Vice President for Communications, monitor site analytics to recommend content improvements and identify emerging trends.

Writing & Editorial

• Report and write stories for the HWS website, e-newsletters and the Pulteney Street Survey magazine, including feature stories, student and faculty profiles, campus news and event coverage.
• Write and edit website and marketing copy for clarity, accuracy and tone.
• Assist in developing editorial calendars for digital and print channels.
• Conduct interviews with students, faculty, staff and alumni to support storytelling.
• Ensure all written content reflects institutional voice and editorial standards.

Graphic Design Support

• Support the Communications design team with basic graphic design needs for print and digital, including web graphics, social media assets, simple publications, posters and promotional materials.
• Prepare images and graphics for the web, ensuring accessibility, performance optimization and brand alignment.
• Collaborate on visual storytelling by pairing written content with compelling images, layouts and multimedia elements.

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.

Other Information:

This is a full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible position. Some evening or weekend work may occasionally be required for event coverage or time-sensitive updates. Hybrid work options may be available. This position description is not all-inclusive as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the academic year, with a possible shortened workweek during the scheduled summer hours’ time period. Salary $70,000

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in content management, web writing, journalism, marketing communications or related work.
• Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing across a range of formats.
• Proficiency with content management systems, or ability to learn.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Strong attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and comfort working in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of UX principles, SEO/AEO basics and web accessibility standards.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders across the institution.

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.