Assistant / Associate Director Of Communications

As a member of the communications team, you will collaborate with foundation colleagues and university partners to develop strategy and write copy for various publications and marketing materials across all communication channels. Additionally, you will develop persuasive and personalized content for proposals, case statements, concept documents, impact reports, and other communications that help inspire and generate private and corporate support and steward donors. This position also supervises student writer(s).

Based on qualifications and experience, a selected candidate may hold one of these job titles: Assistant Director of Communications or Associate Director of Communications.

Core responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead content strategy and serve as lead writer/editor for Your Iowa State newsletter and Advancing Iowa State e-newsletter. Contribute to other publications as needed.

• Write compelling copy for case statements, proposals, and impact reports for donors across all marketplaces.

• Execute donor stewardship strategies through researching, writing, and editing.

• Contribute to concepting and copywriting for foundation marketing materials, including videos, radio advertisements, and more.

• Supervise and create a positive learning experience for student writers that helps prepare them for future careers.

• Serve as an in-house expert in matters of grammar, usage, and style.

• Uphold brand standards and effectively influence others to do so.

Qualifications

Education & Work Experience

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in English, journalism, creative writing, or communications.
• 3+ years of professional experience, preferably in donor or marketing communications.

Desired Skills & Experience

• A critical and creative thinker, skilled researcher, and excellent persuasive writer who can understand the needs of a particular audience and craft a compelling message that resonates.

• Experience writing newsletters, news stories, and narrative nonfiction for print and digital channels, as well as writing proposals or grant applications.

• Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.

• Experience working for or with nonprofits, institutes of higher education preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Adept at handling several activities simultaneously with attention and adherence to deadlines and accuracy.

• Ability to manage workload independently.

• Ability to work in a team setting and navigate working with a variety of personalities.

• Occasional participation in evening and weekend work-related activities is required.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality is required.

• Creativity, patience, a sense of humor, and a belief in our organizational mission: Aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Iowa State University's land grant ideals.

To apply, please include a resume and three writing samples.

Travel: No travel required

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Ames, IA; potentially hybrid

For additional information, visit the following pages:

• Iowa State University Foundation

• Benefits Package Information

• Iowa State University