Advancement Communications Specialist Job Saint Paul area,Minnesota USA,Marketing / Advertising / PR

About Bethel University

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 4,700 students from 50 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world.

Bethel University’s Christ-centered mission includes a commitment to equal educational opportunity and equal employment opportunity. Bethel does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, or age in its admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

Position Overview

Advancement Communications Specialist advances Bethel University’s mission by planning and executing compelling, mission-driven communications that inspire constituent engagement, loyalty, and giving. This role serves as the primary communications partner for Advancement team members, crafting and managing multi-channel content across print, digital, email, and social platforms to support broad base giving campaigns, alumni engagement, stewardship, and fundraising initiatives.

Working in close collaboration with Bethel’s Marketing Division, this position ensures that all Advancement communications align with institutional brand standards while speaking authentically to the motivations and values of donors, alumni, parents, and friends of the University. The Specialist brings creativity, storytelling skill, and data-informed thinking to every campaign, helping Bethel build a culture of generosity that sustains long-term philanthropic support.

In Arden Hills, MN. The starting salary range for this position is 58,000.00–62,800.00 USD per year.

Primary Responsibilities Advancement Communications & Content Strategy (45%)

Develop and execute integrated communication plans that support broad-based giving goals, donor stewardship, alumni engagement, and fundraising priorities across email, text, direct mail, web, social media, and print.

Partner with stakeholders to produce compelling donor-facing content including appeal letters, impact stories, campaign emails, stewardship reports, event materials, newsletter articles, and acknowledgement correspondence.

Create and manage an annual advancement communications calendar, ensuring timely delivery of messaging across all channels and audiences.

Build and maintain segmented donor audiences to deliver targeted, relevant messaging aligned with donor behavior, giving history, and institutional priorities.

Develop and refine donor-facing digital journeys — including email drip sequences, giving day experiences, and onboarding communications for new donors — to increase year-over-year engagement and retention.

Apply a test-and-learn approach to content, evaluating open rates, click-through rates, and conversion metrics to continuously improve communication effectiveness.

Identify and cultivate compelling impact stories from students, alumni, faculty, and program outcomes to humanize Bethel’s case for support and inspire donor connection.

Brand Stewardship & Marketing Division Collaboration (25%)

Serve as the primary liaison between University Advancement and Bethel’s Marketing Division, ensuring all donor-facing content aligns with institutional brand guidelines, voice, and visual identity.

Coordinate closely with Marketing on design and production of print and digital materials, including campaign collateral, impact reports, event invitations, and donor recognition pieces.

Attend regular cross-divisional meetings and actively contribute to shared communication workflows, project timelines, and approval processes.

Advise Advancement colleagues on brand-aligned messaging standards for external communications, presentations, and stakeholder correspondence.

Coordinate with vendors, freelancers, and campus partners to support production needs related to advancement communications projects.

Donor…