Manager, Development Writing and Digital Engagement

Reporting to the Assistant Dean, Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE), the Manager, Development Writing and Digital Engagement is responsible for leading and developing integrated communications strategies and initiatives to advance and support UBC Faculty of Arts ambitious fundraising and alumni engagement objectives. The Manager connects the fundraising and alumni engagement experiences and priorities across UBC Faculty of Arts DAE department, ensuring that communications with alumni and donors are aligned with their interests and the school’s key priorities.

The Manager leads donor- and alumni-specific content strategy and storytelling, including case statements, stewardship materials, and digital engagement initiatives that reflect the priorities and relationships of the DAE portfolio. In close collaboration with the ASC Communications team, the Manager contributes to shared storytelling initiatives, including web features, integrated campaigns, and faculty-wide digital engagement, ensuring that donor and alumni narratives are woven into the broader Faculty of Arts communications efforts.

The Manager is at all times expected to be cognizant of the need to liaise appropriately with our colleagues in UBC Faculty of Arts Marketing and Communications, a and Development and Alumni Engagement’s communications teams to deliver an integrated, portfolio-wide communications offering.

Organizational Status

Reports to:

Assistant Dean, DAE;
Dotted-line accountability to the Director of Communications, UBC Faculty of Arts to ensure integration and coordination with UBC Faculty of Arts overall marketing and communications program.

Works with: UBC DAE, senior administrators, and other stakeholders as required. Liaises with the UBC Faculty of Arts marketing and communications team, DAE’s communication team and UBC’s central communications team as needed.

Supervises: DAE Communications Strategist, Advancement Officer, Donor Relations and Contract writer UBC Faculty of Arts.

Work Performed

• Leads the design and development of communication materials, including letters, case statements, donor proposals, speeches and other fundraising materials for donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and deepening alumni relations through relevant, content-driven initiatives that align with UBC Faculty of Arts mission.
• Leads integrated digital storytelling initiatives with the ASC Communications team for donor and alumni audiences, including coordinated multi-channel campaigns, analytics review, and engagement reporting. Uses data to evaluate the effectiveness of donor and alumni communications, and applies findings to inform strategy, content priorities, and channel selection.
• Designs and executes one-to-one and one-to-few communication strategies specifically for the donor audience, ensuring materials resonate with their interests.
• Drives strategic direction and execution of large scale and high visibility donor communications programs;
  Develops and delivers complex fundraising proposals and case statements for high value donors ($250K-$10M), stewardship materials and cases for support. Drafts and develops donor communications on behalf of UBC Faculty of Arts leadership, including the Dean, focusing on fundraising proposals, impact report letters, and personalized content aimed at deepening donor relationships.
• Serves as a key liaison between UBC Faculty of Arts departments of Development and Alumni Engagement and ASC Communications. Works closely to ensure content strategies are in sync without duplicating efforts, particularly for multi-channel campaigns such as fundraising campaigns, stewardship communications, and alumni community engagement.
• Collaborates closely with the ASC Communications team to support online community building activities, including planning, strategy and implementation of a variety of campaigns and communication channels such as email marketing, social media channels, website updates, audio and video production, print pieces (ads, postcards, etc.) and online community engagement platforms.
• Liaises with and develops and maintains a coordinated relationship with ASC Communications, Central DAE communications team, and communications team to build out a more collaborative approach for donor and alumni engagement specific communications.
• Supervises and develops the DAE Communications Strategist providing regular coaching, constructive feedback, and professional development support. Models collaborative and accountable leadership practices that reflect the values of both the DAE and ASC Communications teams.
• Oversees a high volume of…