Strategic Communications Director
- Franklin & Marshall College 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 450 College Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603 $80,000
- $87,000 a year
- Full-time Franklin & Marshall College 64 reviews $80,000
- $87,000 a year
•
Full-time Location:
Lancaster, PA Category:
Communications & Marketing Job Type:
Exempt Posted On:
Wed May 20 2026
Job Description:
Franklin & Marshall College is recruiting for a full-time Strategic Communications Director.
Job Details:
Location :
F&M Campus•
Lancaster, PA Classification :
Full-time, Exempt Schedule :
40 hours, Monday
May require evenings and weekends. Reports to :
Vice President of Communications and Marketing Department :
Communications and Marketing Approved Salary Range :
$80,000.00
00
Job Description:
The Strategic Communications Director (SCD) is the senior-level lead communicator and editorial architect for Franklin & Marshall College. This position is responsible for the coordination and supervision of the writing staff and all media relations activities within the Office of Communications and Marketing. The SCD serves as a senior individual contributor and leader, deciding on the narrative direction and editorial tone of materials to support the College's educational and community missions. This position works to create high-impact communication strategies that meet and exceed the quality standards of a premier liberal arts institution.
Essential Functions:
Assume artistic and creative control over the College's narrative and provide editorial leadership for all Strategic Communications Specialists. Directly supervise the writing staff (three Strategic Communications Specialists), delegating projects, providing constructive critiques, and motivating direct reports. Serve as the primary media relations person for the College, managing press inquiries and proactively pitching stories to local and national outlets. Provide creative communication solutions to the College's marketing challenges and ensure all messaging is in alignment with the F&M strategic plan and brand. Collaborates with Creative Services and Digital Content divisions to produce a wide variety of materials, including websites, print advertisements, social media graphics, and news features. Translate complex and technical institutional information into easily consumed content for target audiences and supports live presentations as needed. Provide quality assurance by reviewing all written content that goes through the Office of Communications and Marketing. Accurately estimates work hours for communication projects and manages revisions efficiently from stakeholders. All other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, or a related field; or an extensive portfolio demonstrating multiple years of professional, high-quality work. At least five years of related experience in professional communications, media relations, or journalism. Expert writing and editing skills with a demonstrated ability to utilize best practices in AP Style and storytelling. Ability to supervise a team, delegate responsibilities, and provide constructive feedback while maintaining the brand. Ability to use institutional software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Teams, PowerPoint), Zoom, and media monitoring platforms. Strong organizational skills to maximize workflow efficiency and the ability to complete projects by assigned deadlines. Ability to stay up to date on relevant media trends and familiarity with the communication strategies of F&M's competitors. Excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication skills. Proficiency in Google Suite Products (Docs, Gmail, Sheets, Slides, Drive) Evidence of a commitment to community & belonging. Successful interview. Successful completion of background checks.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's Degree in relevant field. Experience in senior-level project management for complex projects involving multiple creative and digital producers. Understanding of how written content integrates with User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design.
Additional Information:
Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of reference checks, a criminal background verification, and verification of credentials. The College will coordinate these verifications. Full-time members of the Franklin & Marshall College professional staff receive competitive starting pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, dental, vision, generous retirement savings plan contributions, education benefits for employees, spouses and dependent children, and enjoy access to all College facilities including dining venues to suit all tastes, recreation and fitness facilities, and libraries, plus access to College performances, lectures, and events. To learn more about our Benefits, please visit our Benefits Page. Franklin & Marshall College is committed to having an inclusive campus community where all members are treated with dignity and respect. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the College does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender/gender-identity, sex, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, genetic information, family or marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected class.
