Communications Manager Jobs in Rensselaer, NY (NOW HIRING)

Williams College is seeking a Development Communications Manager to join our College Relations department. Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for College Relations, you will serve as a primary writer, project manager, and content curator for the college's fundraising communication efforts. In this role, you will work at the intersection of fundraising and institutional branding to translate our mission and strategic priorities into compelling narratives across web and print platforms.

A central focus of this position is developing content for major fundraising initiatives. You will be responsible for creating a comprehensive suite of materials-from high-level cases for support to digital impact stories-with an anticipated focus on an emerging student experience campaign centered on athletics, wellbeing, dining, and residential life. We are looking for an adaptable, collaborative professional who can help shape the story for how these fundraising initiatives are presented to our community.
Responsibilities:
Your work will directly impact the college's ability to fund vital institutional initiatives by driving our philanthropic narrative. The core responsibilities are categorized as follows:

• Development Writing: Draft cases materials for college-wide initiatives in close partnership with leadership; create bespoke proposals for principal and major gift prospects; and develop initiative menus, one-pagers, and program content to market gift opportunities to specific donor segments.
• Campaign Content & Digital Strategy: Lead content creation for development and campaign websites; produce data-driven stories of impact that demonstrate how philanthropy transforms the student experience; manage campaign editorial calendars across print, email, and web; and manage relationships with external freelancers and vendors.
• Collateral Curation & Brand Alignment: Partner with colleagues in Communications and Alumni Engagement to co-develop content and ensure all materials align with visual identity and core institutional messaging; curate a toolbox of templates and talking points for frontline gift officers; and oversee print collateral production from concept through distribution.
• Leadership Support & Internal Communications: Assist the AVP in preparing executive communications, briefings, board reports, and internal updates for leadership; develop volunteer toolkits for campaign committees and other volunteers; help create and distribute situational communications for anticipated and unanticipated events; and collaborate with campus staff to gather stories and data.
  

Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in writing, marketing, communications and/or communications project management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple diverse assignments/projects simultaneously and meet complex goals.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the capacity to work efficiently in a fast-paced, multi-task environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and sustain relationships with key campus partners, respond diplomatically to diverse constituencies, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in assessing and translating data to address complex challenges.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Communications and marketing experience within a higher education or non-profit fundraising environment.
• Experience working with freelancers, vendors, and other contractors.
• Direct experience working within Slate CRM or similar advancement databases.
  

Application Details:

Application review will begin on July 7, 2026. Pay range is from $74,000 - $84,000, commensurate with experience.

A cover letter is required in order for your application to be considered. In your letter, please address your interest in this particular position and the strengths you would bring to the OCR team. Applicants should highlight writing and project management experience and are encouraged to include information regarding meeting the preferred qualifications outlined above.

Remote Work Policy: Hybrid on-site/remote work arrangements may be available for up to 2 days of remote work per week for employees based in MA, NY, CT, or VT, following a fully in-person onboarding period. This position requires a majority physical presence on campus with a minimum of 3 days per week of on-campus, in-person work. Remote work arrangements are subject to review and revision as policy evolves.

Our Community

Williams College is committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive. Williams invests in our employees, offering generous health care, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, paid leave, access to gym facilities, and more. Our vibrant 450-acre campus is home to around 2,000 students who benefit from a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, and their energy is the heartbeat of an active population. Many people come to Williams for the job and stay for decades because of the lively environment and warm neighbors. You're more than a person doing a job; you are joining our community. Apply today to become our next Development Communications Manager and help us shape the future of Williams College.

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.