📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Manager, Graduate Admissions
🔹 Company: Emerson College
🔹 Location: Boston Campus, Boston, MA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education, Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing communication strategies for graduate admissions
- Managing outbound communications to prospective students, applicants, and admitted students
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging and student engagement
- Leveraging CRM capabilities to optimize engagement strategies and drive enrollment
- Representing the institution at events and promoting graduate programs
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, experience in higher education or related fields, and proficiency in CRM systems. It is ideal for candidates seeking to grow their career in communications and admissions within a dynamic academic environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Serve as the primary communications lead for the Office of Graduate Admissions, overseeing all admissions-related communications
✅ Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to engage prospective students, applicants, and admitted students
✅ Ensure all messaging aligns with institutional branding and is effectively targeted to specific audiences
✅ Utilize Slate CRM to develop, manage, and optimize automated workflows, audience segmentation, and personalized communication sequences
✅ Identify and implement strategic communication touchpoints to drive conversion at key enrollment milestones
✅ Lead efforts to streamline and integrate communications across various offices to ensure a seamless, coordinated experience for prospective and admitted students
✅ Collaborate with the Senior Marketing Manager and graduate programs to develop and deploy multi-channel communication assets
✅ Monitor engagement metrics and analyze communication effectiveness to refine strategies and enhance outreach efforts
✅ Serve as a liaison for prospective students in designated programs, providing admissions counseling, guidance, and personalized communication
✅ Conduct proactive outreach via phone, email, and other channels to support prospective students in the admissions process
✅ Represent the institution at events, presentations, and meetings to promote graduate programs and communicate their value to prospective students
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistency and efficiency in messaging and student engagement efforts
✅ Perform other duties as assigned to support the objectives of the Office of Graduate Admissions
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, creative writing, and data-driven analysis. It requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is required; a Master’s Degree is preferred
Experience: 3-5 years of experience in graduate admissions, higher education communications, or a related field is required
Required Skills:
- Strong writing, editing, and messaging development skills
- Excellent project management skills
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting
- Proficiency with CRM systems and marketing automation tools (Slate experience preferred)
- Strong understanding of enrollment management principles and best practices in admissions communications
- Ability to create compelling, student-focused messaging that resonates with diverse audiences
- Analytical mindset with the ability to track, assess, and optimize communication effectiveness
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently while also contributing to a team-oriented environment
- Commitment to delivering high-quality service and fostering positive relationships with prospective students and stakeholders
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in customer service, admissions counseling, or student recruitment
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in higher education or related fields, strong communication skills, and proficiency in CRM systems are encouraged to apply. A Master’s Degree in a related field is preferred but not required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $57,250.00 - $70,200.00 annually, commensurate with experience
Benefits:
- Outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses
- Dental plans
- Generous time-off programs
- 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible
- Life and disability coverage
- Commuter offerings
Working Hours: 36.25 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on Emerson College's compensation structure for this role. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and may vary based on individual circumstances.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, Performing Arts
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 2010
Company Description:
- ArtsEmerson is the professional presenting and producing organization of the Office of the Arts at Emerson College
- Founded with the commitment to build a cultural institution that reflects the diversity of Boston
- Operates from the core belief that the arts are for everyone, presenting outstanding work from around the globe
Company Specialties:
- Presenting and producing contemporary world theatre
- Promoting social cohesion through civic engagement activities
Company Website: artsemerson.org
ASSUMPTION: ArtsEmerson is a dynamic and innovative organization that values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. This role offers the opportunity to work in a creative environment that is committed to making the arts accessible to all.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Marketing Manager
Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work or hybrid arrangements
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to senior-level roles within the Office of Graduate Admissions or other departments
- Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of communications and marketing within higher education
- Chance to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive enrollment and enhance the student experience
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally while making a significant impact on the success of Emerson College's graduate admissions efforts.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a hybrid or remote work arrangement possible
Office Location(s): 120 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, US
Geographic Context:
- Boston is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and a thriving arts scene
- The Boston Campus is located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to public transportation, dining, and entertainment options
- Emerson College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the city's diverse population
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend events
ASSUMPTION: The Boston Campus offers a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to the city's many cultural and recreational opportunities. The work schedule is flexible and accommodating, with the possibility of occasional remote work or hybrid arrangements.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Senior Marketing Manager
- Background check and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and writing samples
- Experience with CRM systems and marketing automation tools
- Understanding of enrollment management principles and best practices in admissions communications
- Alignment with Emerson College's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide examples of your writing and communication skills, such as press releases, email campaigns, or social media content
- Demonstrate your understanding of higher education admissions and the unique challenges and opportunities of this role
ATS Keywords: Communications Manager, Graduate Admissions, Higher Education, CRM, Marketing, Enrollment Management, Student Recruitment, Boston
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates are encouraged to tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills. Demonstrating a strong understanding of higher education admissions and the unique challenges and opportunities of this role will be essential for success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Slate CRM
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Slate CRM and other relevant tools is required for this role. Candidates should be comfortable learning and utilizing new technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence
- Inclusion
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Integrity
Work Style:
- Dynamic and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Emerson College's core values?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
- How do you approach collaboration and teamwork, particularly when working with diverse stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: Emerson College values candidates who are passionate about the arts, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and eager to contribute to the college's mission and goals.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day tactical tasks
- Adapting to changes in enrollment trends, student demographics, and communication channels
- Working with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic environment and adapt to changes as needed.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other communications roles in higher education, this position offers a unique focus on graduate admissions and the opportunity to work closely with various teams to enhance the student experience
- In the context of Emerson College's mission and values, this role is critical to driving enrollment and promoting the college's graduate programs
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior-level positions within the Office of Graduate Admissions or other departments, offering opportunities for growth and advancement
ASSUMPTION: This role is distinct from other communications positions in higher education, offering a unique focus on graduate admissions and the opportunity to work closely with various teams to enhance the student experience.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a targeted email campaign to increase application submissions from prospective students
- Creating and distributing a quarterly newsletter to keep admitted students engaged and informed throughout the enrollment process
- Collaborating with the Senior Marketing Manager to plan and execute a virtual event series showcasing the college's graduate programs
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Communications Manager, Graduate Admissions may undertake to drive enrollment and enhance the student experience.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for Emerson College's graduate programs?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the Office of Graduate Admissions collaborate with other departments to ensure consistent messaging and student engagement?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role and the Office of Graduate Admissions?
- How does Emerson College support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's goals and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide examples of your writing and communication skills, such as press releases, email campaigns, or social media content
- Prepare for phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager, focusing on your communication skills and experience with CRM systems
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
