If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Department

Alumnae Relations & Development

Job Description

Job Summary

Steward the college’s most generous and loyal donors by working closely with Alumnae Relations and Development’s (ARD) senior leadership and frontline gift officers to ensure the delivery of high-level, accurate, meaningful and timely stewardship communications. Partner with students, faculty, staff and administrators throughout the college to develop compelling case studies showcasing the impact of philanthropy. Strong writing, proofing and communication skills are essential.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

#ALMDEV#

Essential Functions

Stewardship (75%):

Work closely with management to maintain and execute an annual calendar of stewardship deliverables to strengthen long-term relationships with the college’s top donor and donor groups at various recognition levels and across certain key constituencies (i.e. the Board of Trustees, scholarship donors, The Smith Fund’s Sophia Smith Leadership Society).
Ensure that details of stewardship plans are compiled and communicated to all involved parties, as well as implemented.
Plans involve a range of activity from regular or ad hoc reports to private visits both on- and off-campus to facilitating donor and student meetings.
Work collaboratively with colleagues in Alumnae Relations & Development, academic departments and Marketing & Communications as well as with selected faculty, staff and students to develop compelling content and recognition opportunities, including impact reports, donor profiles, news stories, thank you letters and more.
Creatively engage donors with events and activity across campus.
Participate in stewardship task forces or other committees/work groups responsible for developing and implementing strategic and comprehensive stewardship plans aimed at increasing donor and potential donor contact with the college.

Copywriting and Editing (20%):

Write, copyedit and proof a variety of communications pieces for the Alumnae and Donor Communications team.
Research and write strategic, innovative and inspiring newsletter, website and social media content, such as student profiles, news items, case statements and more.
Assist with the development of other printed and digital communications that support Smith’s alumnae engagement efforts.
Projects include but are not limited to video scripts, presentations, speeches and event materials.
Support special projects and general editorial needs by reviewing and editing written materials generated by staff to ensure quality and consistency.
Adhere to and promote the college’s and the department’s communication plan and branding standards

Other (5%):

Participate in team meetings, task forces and committees as required.
Back up other staff needs as necessary.
Perform related duties as assigned by management.

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree
1 to 5 years experience
Focus on communications, preferably in development, alumni relations, marketing or public relations fields
Experience in or understanding of development work is required.

Skills:

High-level skills in writing (from journalism to marketing copy), editing and interviewing.
Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, work effectively under time constraints and prioritize a high-volume of work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Creativity, curiosity, sense of humor, high energy level and an enthusiasm for meeting and working with a wide range of individuals.
Must have a strong customer service orientation and be extremely detail-oriented.
Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively.
Knowledge and experience with electronic communications and strategic use of social networks.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and databases.
Must be well-versed in AP Style.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred.

#ALMDEV#

Compensation

In addition to a competitive benefits package, pay for this role is typically between $51,556.31 - $69,752.66 annually covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

Position Type

Regular

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

December 8, 2025

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

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Stewardship Writer