"Enrollment Management Communications Strategist"

Job Summary

The Enrollment Management Communications Strategist is a vital member of the Enrollment Management team, reporting directly to the Associate Director of Communications and Marketing. This position supports the division's comprehensive communication strategy with a specific focus on student retention initiatives for current, returning and prospective students.

This position addresses a critical need within the Enrollment Management division by supporting the substantial communication demands that have increased with the addition of the Student Success department. The Enrollment Management Communications Strategist will enable more strategic, personalized outreach that directly impacts student persistence and retention. This role is essential to the division's ability to craft tailored messages that resonate with diverse student needs and experiences, ultimately contributing to improved student satisfaction and retention outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications (30%): Support the Associate Director in implementing division-wide communication strategies, with particular focus on student retention and persistence. Develop targeted messaging for diverse student populations at critical stages of their academic journey. Create personalized outreach campaigns that address specific student needs and foster ongoing engagement. Coordinate with the Student Success & Career Services, Academic Advising, and Financial Aid departments to align communication efforts with retention initiatives. Assist in the development and maintenance of communication workflows within the Slate CRM system.
• Content Development & Management (25%): Create engaging written content for various channels including email campaigns, social media, web content, and print materials. Develop personalized messaging that resonates with current, returning, and prospective students. Support and assist with new student recruitment communications for undergraduate admissions, transfer admissions, and graduate admissions. Edit and proofread communication materials to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with institutional brand standards. Assist in updating and maintaining enrollment management websites with relevant, timely content. Support the Associate Director in the annual redesign/update of recruitment and retention materials.
• Slate CRM Support (20%): Implement automated and ad hoc communications through the Slate CRM system. Assist in developing and refining targeted queries to reach specific student populations. Utilize variable data to ensure personalization of messages to diverse student audiences. Monitor communication metrics including open rates, click rates, and engagement. Generate reports to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies.
• Retention-Focused Initiatives (15%): Support undergraduate and graduate student success efforts with tailored communication campaigns. Create data-driven communications that address specific barriers to student persistence. Develop messaging for student onboarding, academic milestone recognition, and re-enrollment. Assist in implementing proactive outreach to students at risk of non-persistence. Collaborate with campus partners to promote student well-being and success resources.
• Event Support & Additional Duties (10%): Attend New Student Recruitment events and assist in developing communication materials for recruitment and retention events. Support the Associate Director with presentations and communications for senior leadership. Attend enrollment management events as needed. Other duties as assigned by the Associate Director.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, higher education, or related field
• 1-2 years of experience in professional communications or marketing
• Excellent writing and editing skills with ability to craft engaging content
• Experience with CRM systems and digital communication platforms
• Strong attention to detail and project management abilities
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments
• Understanding of higher education student recruitment and retention concepts

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Slate CRM
• Knowledge of student development and retention theories
• Background in higher education communications or student affairs
• Experience with data analysis and reporting
• Familiarity with web content management systems
• Design skills and experience with creative software

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge: Understanding of communication strategies, retention principles, and marketing best practices
• Skills: Strong writing and editing, project management, time management, basic data analysis
• Abilities: Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities, collaborative mindset