Executive Director, Marketing & Communications ARD

Department:
Alumni Relations & Development

Salary/Grade: EXS/13

The target budgeted salary for this position is $165,000 to $180,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.

The Executive Director, Marketing and Communications is responsible for driving an integrated marketing and communications strategy that informs, inspires, and engages the audiences of Northwestern Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) around the world. The Executive Director leads marketing and communications strategy as well as content strategy, development (editorial and design), deployment and analytics across multiple channels in support of ARD’s goals and strategies.

This position serves as the marketing and communications liaison for the frontline fundraising teams, working with them to develop marketing and communication strategies and programs that contribute to the division’s goals. The Executive Director also supervises the content development, design, and project management teams within Marketing and Communications, and oversees media relations for ARD. In addition, the Executive Director serves on the ARD Senior Team and serves the back-up to ARD’s Senior Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications on priority projects for senior leadership, issues management, and the overall management of the Marketing and Communications function.

• Work with the Senior Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications to develop strategies and campaigns to engage and motivate alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, donors and volunteers, and inspire meaningful philanthropic support from the global Northwestern community.
• Serve as the marketing and communications liaison with multiple teams within Alumni Relations and Development
• Collaborate with colleagues within ARD to determine the communication strategies for motivating outright and planned gifts at the major and principal gift levels from alumni and other constituents.
• Partner with the Senior Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications to develop and implement brand and communications strategies for the University’s comprehensive fundraising campaign and other formal fundraising campaigns.
• Stay updated on trends and best practices in client areas.

• Use a data-driven approach to identify audience segments, and develop communications objectives and strategies, to optimize the development and distribution of content, with the goal of advancing alumni engagement and inspiring philanthropic giving.
• Serve as editor-in-chief and collaborate across functions and departments to direct the development of captivating content reflecting the Northwestern University brand and strategic priorities.
• Develop a comprehensive messaging strategy for Northwestern’s alumni engagement and fundraising enterprise.
• Provide editorial guidance and drive the overarching vision for content across paid, earned, shared and owned channels, including digital, print, internal, external, and issues management and media relations.
• Champion innovative, integrated content opportunities that drive awareness and engagement among audiences, enhancing brand experiences across existing and evolving channels.
• Ensure the timely and effective writing and editing of a high volume of communications delivered through multiple channels (print, digital, multi-media and events).
• Oversee the development of fundraising and alumni engagement collateral, including brochures, fundraising campaign materials, gift officer materials,…