O'Laughlin Ambassador

Position Title: O’Laughlin Ambassador

Semester/Year: 2025-2026 Academic Year

Total Positions Available: 10-15

Supervisor: Deanna Spencer

Pay rate: $15.50 per hour 

Start Date: October 27, 2025

End Date: May 12, 2026

Description

Mara O’Laughlin graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 1966 and spent most of her career working in the Admissions Office. During her time as Director of Admissions, she admitted two thirds of the current body of William Smith alumnae and spread her love for the colleges to many. The O’Laughlin Ambassadors are named in honor of Mara and her decades of service and commitment to Hobart and William Smith.

In the HWS Admissions Office, O'Laughlin Ambassadors will be expected to handle a variety of responsibilities including marketing and promoting Hobart and William Smith as a tour guide, welcoming guests to the Admissions Office, and helping to support on-campus events such as Open Houses. These students will introduce the Colleges' campus, curriculum, and programs to prospective students, their families and any visitors as needed. All O'Laughlin Ambassadors are expected to assist with special events including some weekend programs. O’Laughlin Ambassadors typically work 1.5-4 hours a week, and scheduling is done based on availability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct campus tours for prospective students, their families and other visitors
• Work at Admissions’ events such as Admitted Student Days and Open Houses
• Answer incoming phone calls, take messages and transfer calls to other departments
• Greet visitors, assist with maintaining the appearance of the office and ensure daily visits are running efficiently
• Confidently share experiences of Hobart and William Smith students and answer general questions about the colleges

Qualifications

• Reliable, organized and responsible
• Confident and comfortable with public speaking and leadership roles
• Solid customer service and interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills
• Open to all class years

Application Instructions

After the initial application, students will be selected for group interviews and contacted via email. The group interviews will be conducted by Head O'Laughlin Ambassadors and Admissions Staff. A series of questions will be asked that provide insight into you and your personality. After the group interviews, some students are selected for the final round of interviews. The final steps consists of a mock tour of a spon on campus of the student’s choosing. During the mock tour stop, evidence of knowledge about HWS, confidence/enthusiasm, and ability to be personable will be evaluated. Shortly after the mock tours conclude, offers will be extended with the hope that students can start the training process in the Fall semester and begin working regularly scheduled shifts in the Spring semester. For specific questions, please email Deanna Spencer at dspencer@hws.edu.