The Senior Manager, Communications provides strategic leadership for the development, execution, and continuous evolution of an integrated communications strategy that advances the visibility, reputation, enrollment objectives, research impact, and philanthropic goals of Clark University's School of Climate, Environment, and Society (CES).

The Senior Manager is a pivotal integrator within the School and across the University enterprise, serving as the primary communications lead and key advisor to the Dean and School leadership team, ensuring that School-level communications align with University communications strategy, brand standards, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Senior Manager transforms often complex and technical effort into accessible, compelling, human-centered narratives for key internal and external audiences, while managing information flows across CES units, with broader university stakeholders, and external partners. Through a strong collaborative partnership with the Office of Marketing and Communications (MarComm) regularly find opportunities for amplification and leverage.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership, Governance & Compliance (35%)

• Develop and lead a comprehensive communications strategy for the school, including tailored plans for CES units (Center for Geospatial Analytics, George Perkins Marsh Institute), aligned with CES and University priorities.
• Serve as senior communications advisor to the Dean. Establish and maintain communications governance standards, ensuring adherence to University brand guidelines, accessibility standards (including digital accessibility requirements), FERPA and student privacy considerations, intellectual property guidelines, and other applicable regulatory and institutional policies.
• Partner with MarComm, Legal, Advancement, and Admissions to plan shared communications efforts and to mitigate reputational and compliance risk.

Content Strategy, Editorial Oversight & Quality Assurance (30%)

• Oversee development of high-impact content across digital, print, and multimedia platforms.
• Write and edit complex communications materials for CES, including executive messaging, internal and external newsletters and event promotion, research highlights, recruitment materials, donor communications, and feature stories that translate technical subject matter into compelling and easily consumed content.
• Ensure accuracy of claims, appropriate representation of research and data, and compliance with institutional policies prior to publication.
• Maintain editorial standards that align with MarComm guidelines and protect institutional integrity and reputational standing.

Digital Strategy, Analytics & Platform Compliance (20%)

• Lead CES' digital presence including website and social media strategies, channels and communities.
• Ensure website, social media and other digital content is regular, compelling and timely.
• Meet University accessibility standards and applicable digital compliance requirements.
• Monitor and analyze engagement metrics and recommend data-informed improvements.
• Coordinate with central IT and MarComm teams to ensure proper content governance, security awareness, and platform best practices.

Project Leadership, Vendor Oversight & Risk Management (15%)

• Lead complex communications initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Oversee external vendors, contractors, and student workers as assigned, ensuring contractual expectations, brand standards, and compliance requirements are met.
• Identify and proactively address reputational, messaging, or compliance risks in collaboration with appropriate University partners.
• Manage communications budgets as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field preferred
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive professional experience in communications, journalism, marketing, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic communications initiatives with measurable institutional impact
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills with strong attention to accuracy and risk mitigation
• Experience ensuring communications compliance with brand standards, accessibility requirements, privacy considerations, and institutional policies
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders and collaborate across academic and administrative units
• Experience using content management systems and digital analytics tools
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and ethical, transparent use of AI-enabled tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, research institutions, or mission-driven organizations
• Experience leading communications initiatives related to climate change, environment, and other CES thematic priorities.
• Experience supervising staff, student workers, or external vendors
• Working knowledge of WordPress or similar web publishing platforms
• Experience supporting advancement campaigns or major institutional initiatives
• Demonstrated interest in climate, environmental, or social impact-related work

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based or hybrid work environment
• Occasional evening or weekend work to support events or time-sensitive communications
• Minimal physical demands; ability to sit, stand, and use standard office equipment
• Limited local travel may be required

Expected Hiring Range: $78,000 to $87,000

Pay Transparency Disclosure:
The compensation for this position will be determined based on factors that include available budget, internal equity, and the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials. This range represents Clark University's good-faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting consistent with Clark's compensation philosophy and internal alignment.

At Clark University we believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here.

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About Clark University

Founded in 1887, Clark University is a liberal arts-based research university committed toscholarship and inquiry that addresses social and human imperatives on a global basis. It is the place where Robert Goddard invented the modern rocket, where Sigmund Freud delivered his only lectures in the United States, and where current students stake their claim to the Clark motto, “Challenge Convention, Change Our World,” which is the rallying cry that inspires our community every day. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Clark University educates its undergraduate and graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world, and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. The University’s engages students in such areas as biology, chemistry, economics, geography, psychology, urban education, management, environmental science and policy, Holocaust and genocide studies, and international development and social change. Clark University’s pioneering model of higher education, LEEP (Liberation Education and Effective Practice) compels undergraduate students to thrive in authentic world and workplace settings, and prepares them for lives and careers of consequence.

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