Development Content Manager

Overview

For 140 years, National Louis University has been driven by one core belief: education changes lives. Since our founding, we've stayed grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity, and we've never wavered from the idea that education is the greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community built on continuous improvement and a genuine commitment to serving those we teach.

Through education, we empower change and build stronger, healthier communities. Our hard-working team runs on collaboration and mutual respect, for one another and for every student we serve.

The Development Content Manager serves as the lead writer and editor for Institutional Advancement, developing compelling content that supports fundraising, donor engagement, and alumni relations initiatives. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, this role translates institutional priorities, student impact, and academic achievements into clear, persuasive communications that inspire philanthropic support and strengthen relationships with key constituents.

The Manager is responsible for creating and managing a wide range of Advancement communications—including fundraising appeals, reports, alumni content, and digital communications—ensuring consistency in voice, tone, and messaging across all platforms. This position partners closely with Advancement leadership and cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives, maintain an editorial calendar, and deliver high-quality communications that align with the University’s mission and goals.

This is a highly independent, hands-on role requiring exceptional writing, editing, and project management skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Serve as the primary writer and editor for Advancement communications, including fundraising appeals, alumni communications, annual reports, newsletters, event materials, and digital content
• Develop compelling, donor-focused messaging that supports philanthropy, engagement, and institutional priorities
• Research and interview faculty, students, alumni, and donors to develop feature stories and impact narratives
• Ensure consistency of tone, voice, and messaging across all communications
• Edit and proof content to maintain high standards of quality and accuracy

• Partner with Advancement leadership to develop messaging for fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and donor engagement efforts
• Translate complex institutional priorities into clear, persuasive communications
• Support development of case statements, donor communications, and strategic messaging

• Manage and maintain an Advancement communications calendar
• Coordinate content development timelines and ensure timely delivery of communications
• Align messaging across different audiences and communication channels

• Partner with Marketing, design teams, and external vendors to produce high-quality communication materials
• Ensure Advancement communications align with university brand standards

• Bachelor's Degree in:
  Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or another related field
• Minimum of 5 years of professional writing experience including creating multi-channel content (print, digital, email) and audience-specific messaging
• Experience working in a service-oriented role with both internal and external constituents, and collaborating with staff in a team-oriented department
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Ability to synthesize complex ideas and systems, and to connect with a wide variety of constituents, including staff, faculty, volunteers and alumni. Proven ability to write in multiple styles, including journalistic (features), persuasive (fundraising), and marketing (brochures). A keen understanding of how to segment messaging for diverse audiences and varying levels of constituent engagement.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office (particularly Word and PowerPoint), Google Docs, and…