Assistant Director of Email Marketing

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff. Job Description: Amherst College invites applications for the Assistant Director of Email Marketing position. The Assistant Director of Email Marketing is a full-time, year-round position, starting at $61,545 - commensurate with experience. Given Amherst’s distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community. The Assistant Director of Email Marketing is responsible for creating (individually and in partnership with Amherst colleagues), building, and sending broad-based and small-scale email communications to Amherst College constituents, a highly diverse group of primarily alumni, parents, and friends. This position manages the Advancement division’s email marketing platform and is a strong project manager, responsible for overseeing e-mail project implementation, helping to develop and execute broad-based fundraising, cultivation, and engagement strategies, and working with multiple external vendors and internal constituents to bring projects to completion. The Assistant Director of Email Marketing is a strong proofreader and copy editor, able to spot and correct spelling and grammatical errors, inconsistencies in formatting or style guide adherence, and factual inaccuracies. As they work with diverse volunteers and stakeholders beyond the Advancement division, they will exercise editorial judgment to flag language that could be outdated, misinterpreted, or counter to Amherst’s mission and communications strategy and diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. The Assistant Director will understand the database processes for capturing gift, demographic, and other data, and manage database query requests for mailing lists to ensure the accuracy of the list for all projects. They will use reporting and ROI analysis generated by Advancement Communications colleagues and Advancement data specialists to implement testing of content and design, identifying opportunities for new initiatives and programming and new digital resources to ensure that all email communications are both leading-edge and connected to the College’s mission and traditions. A firm understanding of alumni sentiment and preferences (e.g. reasons to give, reasons not to give, controversial terms/issues) available through quantitative data is also important. The person in this role is expected to work as part of a collaborative and inclusive team including taking appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participating in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. In addition, all advancement staff members are required to support and staff key events such as Reunion, Homecoming, and Family Weekend. These events may require occasional evening and weekend hours. Summary of Responsibilities Email Management, Creation, Proofreading and Editing, and Analysis Maintains master calendar for all email communications; manages email requests and schedules emails for colleagues in Advancement and the broader College community. Partners with ADV colleagues to determine best format, layout, graphic assets for each message. Builds and schedules emails in Emma/Slate. Uses writing skills and knowledge of Amherst’s style guide and visual identity toolkit to copyedit and proofread content; ensures that all messages meet or exceed visual communications and brand standards. Follows QC procedures to ensure accuracy of messaging and data for all emails; adds to and revises QC documents on an ongoing basis, both proactively and reactively. Works with digital communications colleagues and Amherst Fund team to create email campaigns and stand-alone solicitations that include graphic elements, dynamic content, personalization, and A/B testing to optimize ROI Understands database processes for capturing gift, demographic, and other data; manages data query projects to ensure accuracy of lists for intended audience. Analyzes and reports ROI data related to solicitation result tracking, segment composition, and population performance. Provide cost-benefit analysis of direct marketing projects outlining the return on investment. Acts as a proactive partner in the conversion to Slate. Resource Management Collaborates and coordinates with colleagues across Advancement and the College to identify opportunities to identify and promote diverse events, initiatives, and individuals in support of College priorities and initiatives. Maintains and cultivates relationships with outside vendors, identifying new products and opportunities to innovate whenever possible. Works to find efficient and cost-effective solutions in support of projects. Manages relationships with campus partners. Qualifications Required: Bachelor’s Degree A minimum of two years of progressive work experience in email marketing and communications; significant experience in higher education philanthropy or closely related service organization preferred. Proficiency in HTML and CSS coding. Exceptional verbal and written communication, interpersonal, customer service, organizational, and time management skills. Familiarity with and commitment to understanding the needs and preferences of a highly diverse group of constituents to foster engagement and relevancy across demographic groups. Experience with copyediting and proofreading. Knowledge of major email platforms or enterprise-level solutions like Slate is preferred. Database experience and familiarity with CRM and email clients. Familiarity with direct marketing best practices and current web trends and tools. Familiarity with graphic and web design and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred, but not required. Occasional evening and weekend hours required as all Advancement staff members are expected to support and staff key events such as Reunion, Homecoming, and Family Weekend. Commitment to working with a diverse community. Amherst College offers many opportunities for professional growth and development, continued learning, and career advancement. Amherst College requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (medical and religious exemptions may apply). Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Benefits are an important part of our overall compensation, so it is critical that you review all of the options to ensure it meets your total compensation requirements. Click here for Benefits Information. Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs . Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Career icon from their Workday home screen) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To find information about job group and level (JGL) follow this link.