Assistant Director, Advancement Communications (Hybrid)

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Benefits

Current Benefits

Colgate University is proud to offer in-depth, competitive benefits that support the health and wellbeing of our employees and their family. The majority of benefits are effective on the date of hire.

We pride ourselves on the scope and quality of the benefits offered to our employees. We invite candidates to visit our Benefits page to learn more about our generous benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:

Health and Wellness:

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, behavioral health benefits, disability and life insurance, 403 B Retirement with employer core and matching contributions.

Paid Time Off:

Vacation time (varies based on position classification), sick time, 13.5 holidays including a Winter Recess between Christmas and New Year's and 3 floating holidays.

Paid Family Leave:

After six months of employment, employees become eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid time off up to 67% of salary to a state maximum for bonding with a newborn, adopted or foster child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition or to help after a family member has been deployed to active military duty abroad.

Continuing Education and Professional Development:

Employees and their spouse/domestic partner may take up to 2 courses per semester at Colgate, tuition free with a $20 per course registration fee.

Funding for work related courses to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree related to your current position.

After 7 years of service in an eligible position an employee's eligible children may be awarded up to half of Colgate's tuition to attend an accredited college, university or trade school of their choice.

Along with a generous benefits package, additional perks unique to Colgate University include but are not limited to free on campus parking, free gym membership with discounts for family members, reduced Seven Oaks Golf Course memberships, University Bookstore discount, free library access, 3 free tickets for any regular season athletic home event, access to Colgate owned Bewkes Center and Glendening Boathouse, free access to all cultural events.

Department Statement

The Office of University Communications is responsible for all official Colgate University communication and the University's visual identity.

Accountabilities

The assistant director of advancement communications focuses on the development and production of advancement communication content across platforms, including print, digital, and web. The assistant director is responsible for implementing campaign-specific and general advancement communications strategies in support of Colgate's Third-Century. The position reports to the Associate Vice President, Communications and Strategic Initiatives, in the Office of Communications and works closely with members of the Colgate advancement office.

Technical Competencies

Name Content Creation and Production Description

Demonstrates ability to develop and implement cross-platform communications for the advancement office, such as website content, brochures, reports, magazine stories, invitations, video scripts and storyboards, solicitations, newsletters, etc.

Demonstrates expertise in researching, interviewing, writing, and editing high-quality, error-free copy in line with Colgate's editorial style. Curates and adapts content for designated communications channels.

Assists with editorial suggestions for university publications based on Third-Century priorities.

Coordinates with the communication team for creative design and execution of materials.

Name Communications Planning and Strategy Description

Demonstrates a high level of collaboration serving as a liaison with advancement staff to identify communications needs, develop and implement annual communications plans, and ensure achievement of goals and objectives for philanthropic support.

Demonstrates the ability to oversee effective project development, from initial client concept meeting through launch or delivery.

Demonstrates knowledge and applies consistency with branding and messaging across all platforms of advancement communications.

Demonstrates ability to develop metrics, with reporting plan, for advancement communications initiatives, suggesting changes and redirection of strategies as needed.

Name Communications Technology Description

Demonstrates ability to use relevant content creation systems and technologies across multiple platforms and media, including - but not limited to - social media and e-mail. In collaboration with the web manager, assists with the maintenance of Third-Century website.

Demonstrates ability to stay current on trends, innovations, and best practices in advancement communications.

Demonstrates high level of expertise in the use of specific applications such as Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Basecamp, and social media applications.

Name Vendor Management Description

Demonstrates ability to negotiate favorable terms with key vendors and ensure these vendors perform to expectations.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Personal Accountability for Results Description

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Name Effective Communication Description

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Name Problem Solving and Decision Making Description

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Name Change Management Description

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Name Leadership and Teamwork Description

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Name Creativity and Innovation Description

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Name Diversity and Inclusion Description

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Name Sustainability Description

Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university's commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university's sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

Requirements

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

A minimum of 3 years experience in advancement, fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, or communications.

Excellent writing, editing, publication, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of digital communications best practices strongly preferred.

• Knowledge or experience in higher education advancement or alumni relations preferred.

• Experience with Drupal and BBNC preferred but not required.

Education

A Bachelor's degree is required.

Certifications Physical Requirements Other Information