Director, Advancement Comm

Posting Title

Director, Advancement Comm

Overview

The Director of Communications for University Advancement oversees all publication development, collateral creation, and shapes overall messaging for the Division, focusing on creating narratives that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy on the University. Additionally, the Director will participate with others on the creation of a communications plan for the University's next comprehensive campaign, extending to the execution of all collateral (both print and digital) for the campaign.

Other responsibilities include close coordination with the Annual Fund, Alumni Engagement, and Advancement Events teams in creating appeals and other communications vehicles, providing strategic counsel to maximize philanthropy via online and social promotion for colleagues in central Advancement, (and extending to our school-based advancement directors / deans), and managing crisis communications for the Division, (this work will always be coordinated with the University's Marketing and Communications division and lead communications officials). The Director will write and craft philanthropic messaging for University leadership (including the University President, Vice President for University Advancement, and others) and will serve as the liaison between the Division and the University's Office of Marketing and Communications. The position oversees several staff members who assist in the precise execution of the Division's communications apparatus.

Responsibilities

• Working with leadership team, and key stakeholders both within Advancement and across the schools of the University, develop and refine an overall communications plan (including donor stewardship communications in collaboration with the Director of Stewardship) for the Division and foster through all vehicles a distinctive "voice" around the impact of philanthropy on the life and programs of Catholic University. Serve as the driving creative force behind all the University's communications with donors.

• Develops and executes the messaging and collateral for the University's comprehensive campaign, which includes crafting a campaign communications plan, working with stakeholders on the marketing language and tone used to describe the campaign's priorities and impact, and leading the execution of collateral pieces, (print and digital / video) throughout the campaign.

• Serve as the editorial voice for leadership, (VP, AVPs, President and executive cabinet as it requires), regarding messages, speeches, or other forms of written communication regarding philanthropy and the University. The position will also manage the work of an Associate Director / Development Writer, a position that will be producing a substantial volume of written communication for the Division and leadership. The lead role in shaping a philanthropic editorial voice extends to crafting of campaign communications vehicles such as case statements.

• Manage the work of the Associate Director of Digital Content (this position oversees day-to-day management of the website, social media, and some video production related to the Annual Fund and major Advancement events), and of the Assistant Director of Digital Content, who plays a key role in creating digital / social content.

• In partnership with the Associate Director, serve as strategic counsel in leveraging web / digital presence, social media, and crowd-funding or other techniques to spur greater online giving participation, working in concert with the Annual Fund and Constituent Engagement teams, school-based development directors, and other internal constituents.

• Write, edit, and plan content for key Advancement / Campaign communications vehicles, including but not limited to: Advancement content in CatholicU Magazine, collateral material for programs within Advancement, solicitation content, web content, and school-based content that supports philanthropic activity.

• Manage the work of freelance writers and other communications vendors (like graphic designers, photographers, and printers) on behalf of the Division.

• Work closely with stewardship staff and University leadership to ensure timely and appropriate donor communications and relationship maintenance around endowed funds and other major and principal current-use gifts. Examine existing stewardship practices and personalized major donor stewardship pieces and harmonize the stewardship deliverables with approved divisional messaging and language.

• Serve as the liaison between the Division and the Office of Marketing and Communications for the University, which oversee all creation of publications and marketing material across the University. Coordinates with this Office on all public announcements concerning philanthropy and on crisis communication issues.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required and at least 5-7 years of professional experience working in communications or marketing, preferably in higher education, development/advancement, nonprofit fundraising, or both. Excellent writing and editing skills essential with an emphasis on versatility between outputs (collateral materials, proposal writing, web). Creative and innovative approach to communications for philanthropy and alumni engagement will be actively sought.

Substantial experience building or revamping communications programs in either nonprofit or higher education settings very beneficial, particularly in a campaign setting. Background in design / layout management for print a plus, as well as experience with basic web and email design using interface programs and templates. The successful candidate will possess the ability to work in an environment that puts a strong emphasis on metrics and success as well as the capability to work independently and as part of a team. He/she will possess a demonstrated ability to take initiative and be a self-starter; manage projects; determine priorities and maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

Excellent proofreading and editing skills; strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills are essential; ability to prioritize work and general office procedures. Proven and demonstrated management ability, with regard to managing professional staff in a complex team and with regard to project management.

Ability to work independently, under deadlines, without close supervision; self-direction in the initiation, coordination and completion of tasks; acute attention to detail. Excellent relationship-building skills; ability to work effectively with internal and external constituencies, including individuals of significant influence and affluence.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Raisers Edge (alumni and donor database software) preferred but not necessary. Familiarity with AlumnIQ or other similar platforms a plus.

Possession of current and valid U.S. driver's license appropriate to the type of University vehicle and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR) as stipulated in the Vehicle Guidelines and Procedures Manual administered through the office of Environmental Health and Safety. Annual clearance of MVR check through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.