Communications Manager (Remote within the State of Colorado possible)

About the position The Communications Manager in the Admission Office develops and leads integrated, student-centered communication strategies that support prospective and incoming students and their families throughout the recruitment, admission, and enrollment journey. This role takes a proactive approach to anticipating student needs and ensuring timely, culturally responsive, and accessible communications aligned with Fort Lewis College’s mission and strategic priorities. The position reports to the Associate Director of Communications in Enrollment Management. Using Slate CRM and related digital tools, this role guides multi-channel student communications and leverages data and engagement insights to continuously strengthen recruitment outcomes and the student experience. The Communications Manager collaborates with campus partners, Marketing and Communications, third-party vendors, and agencies to ensure messaging is cohesive, brand-aligned, inclusive, and compliant with accessibility standards. Responsibilities • Content Creation & Brand Alignment (50%) Oversee the creation, writing, design, and execution of high-quality, student-facing communications across digital and print platforms, including email, app notifications, website updates, and chatbot content, using tools such as Technolution’s Slate CRM. • Maintain and update key digital platforms—including the admission website, chatbot knowledge base and scraping sites, and external digital recruitment platforms—in collaboration with vendors to ensure accuracy, engagement, and accessibility. • Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop innovative storytelling approaches, leverage data to strengthen messaging impact, and ensure alignment with institutional branding guidelines and messaging standards. • Partner with third-party marketing agencies to support the timely development of communication plans and content, including proofreading for accuracy, brand alignment, and consistency with broader comprehensive communication strategies. • Create inclusive and accessible content that meets ADA and Section 508 standards and reflects Fort Lewis College’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Work collaboratively with campus partners to gather content and ensure communications are student-centered and responsive to the diverse needs of Fort Lewis College’s student body. • Maintain knowledge of digital accessibility standards, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508, and produce and remediate digital materials in accordance with Fort Lewis College standards. • CRM Management and Analytics (30%) Lead the implementation of communication campaigns using Slate CRM, including audience segmentation, query building, email design, and testing to ensure effective delivery and engagement. • Monitor campaign performance and apply data insights to optimize communication strategies, troubleshoot issues, and continuously improve results. • Provide guidance and support to staff in the effective use of communication tools—including Slate CRM, HTML, CSS, and analytics dashboards—to strengthen campaign execution and technical proficiency. • Develop and manage a comprehensive communication calendar that coordinates messaging across platforms and audiences, ensuring consistent, timely, and relevant communications. • Strategic Oversight, Leadership, and Collaboration (15%) Develop and execute multi-audience communication strategies that support student recruitment and align with institutional branding and messaging standards. • Analyze communication effectiveness through data-informed reporting and recommend strategic adjustments to maximize engagement and enhance the student experience. • Champion inclusivity and accessibility across all communication efforts in alignment with the College’s mission and diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. • Demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, including experience working with broadly diverse communities. • Collaboration (15%) Serve as a strategic partner to campus departments—including Financial Aid, Advising, Orientation, and Housing—to ensure cohesive, student-centered messaging for prospective and incoming students and their families. • Collaborate closely with Marketing and Communications to align enrollment communication efforts with institutional goals and priorities. • Support high-impact Admission Office events and initiatives, particularly during peak recruitment and yield periods. • Perform other duties as assigned. Requirements • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university • Minimum of four years of experience in a communication-related role • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, think strategically, and execute projects on a deadline. • Excellent writing, editing, and digital content creation skills. • Technically minded and comfortable learning and navigating new technologies. • Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple projects simultaneously. • A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities. Nice-to-haves • Bachelor’s degree in communication, marketing, business, writing, English or related field. • Experience in higher education communication or a similar role within a admission-focused environment. • Knowledge of AI tools and their applications in communication workflows. • In-depth knowledge of CRM systems, advanced data analysis, and reporting capabilities. (including experience with a CRM or email platform, drag-and-drop design software, or query writing and reporting) • Experience with Technolution’s Slate CRM • Experience with HTML and CSS Apply tot his job