Summary of the Director of Content job at Whitman College

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

As Whitman’s most senior writer and editor, the Director of Content will develop and execute an integrated content strategy in partnership with the Vice President for Communications, and manage the day-to-day content creation for whitman.edu, Whitman Magazine, admissions and development materials, and other print and digital communications.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• This role supervises at least one regular staff position.

Content Strategy & Editorial Leadership (60%)

• Work with the vice president to implement a coordinated cross-channel content strategy that advances the priorities of the College and includes a full range of print and digital tools (e.g. print publications, online advertising, search engine optimization, email, video, podcasts, electronic newsletters, social media, and websites) to facilitate content delivery.
• Oversee the day-to-day development of content creation for the college’s print publications and digital channels, including assigning stories and content development to both staff and freelance writers/producers. Directly supervise/manage the managing editor, marketing specialist, and multimedia producer.
• Through broad supervision of the senior writer/magazine editor (who serves as the managing editor of Whitman Magazine), oversee the editorial direction of the magazine to ensure overall quality, accuracy, timeliness and appropriateness of content.
• Interact with members of the campus community to find stories that align with and strengthen various overarching college themes and that help fulfill strategic communications objectives.

Content Development & Quality Assurance (15%)

• Research, write, edit and produce content for print, digital and social media that informs, interests and engages both internal and external audiences.
• Oversee copyediting, proofreading and fact checking; maintain the College's editorial style guide.

Performance Measurement & Operations (15%)

• Utilize web analytics and other qualitative and quantitative approaches to measuring the success of content across channels and continually improve the impact of Whitman’s content.
• Ensure appropriate oversight of all content channels through effective policies, procedures, budget, structures, and deadlines.

Evolving Responsibilities (10%)

• Contribute to additional projects and initiatives as needed, adapting to evolving priorities and organizational needs.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current on Communications best practices, applying new knowledge to enhance college communication efforts.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Ability to work collaboratively and build productive relationships with college staff, students, faculty, and alumni.
• A sophisticated understanding of how to recognize, develop and tell compelling stories in print and digital media
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Ability to actively and positively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access.
• A strong understanding of the digital and multimedia content development process.
• A strong visual sense and understanding of how design supports editorial content.
• Leadership, management and supervisory skills.
• Strong organization, time management, and budgeting skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of flexibility, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or a related field. 
• 5+ years of experience in a related field. 

BENEFITS 

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance for eligible employees. 

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

January 2027