Associate Director, Advancement Communications

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director, Advancement Communications helps in leading and executing strategy for communications that enhance alumni anddonor engagement at Bentley University. Reporting to the Director of Advancement Communications within University Advancement, thisrole collaborates with partners across the division and campus todevelop and deliver unique content and communications plans forevents, giving campaigns, affinity groups, donor relations andmore. The Associate Director is a strategic, creative, highly motivated and deadline-oriented team member, with strong organizational and project management skills, excellent writing skills and a keen eye for design.

The Associate Director is committed to creating a culture of philanthropy and keeping alumniand donors connected to their alma mater.

• Maintain a keen understanding of institutional strategic and fundraising priorities and ensure they are considered while developing all advancement communications, including those thatfocus on engagement.
• Partners with teams across University Advancement to create,produce and execute communications strategy and tailored campaigns to motivate engagement and giving among various audiences forevents, volunteerism, lifelong learning and philanthropy. Ensurescontent is compelling, fresh, on trend, and audience/channelappropriate.
• Responsible for independently leading and managing projects that include print, digital, and web, serving both as primary project manager as well as content creator and executor. The role willlargely focus on digital communications including email marketing and website development and updating, but will work with multiplepartners to execute and publish high-quality, cohesive multichannelcontent. Proofs and ensures accuracy, accessibility and brand alignment.
• Manages advancement communications projects, includingcollaborations with Marketing and Communications on design or multimedia needs. Works with the Director of Advancement Communications to maintain the overall Advancement Communicationsproduction schedule, making sure deadlines are met, and overseeingscheduling for strategic release and to avoid email fatigue and audience overlap.
• Trains on and masters University Advancement platforms and technology, including but not limited to Slate email marketing andforms, Drupal, RGE Studio and similar html builders, and analytic stools. Stays informed on enhancements and new releases and shareswith the team.
• Collaborates with Advancement Services team on project dataneeds, submitting data requests in a timely manner and working closely with colleagues to ensure data is accurate and beingutilized effectively.
• Stays up to date on marketing trends and best practices,monitors performance of communications, and makes recommendations.
• Contributes to content creation, proofing, and management ofadvancement content for Bentley Magazine as needed.
• Assist in managing freelance and external vendors, including designers, photographers, printers and mail houses.
• Edit and proofread outgoing communications as needed, ensuring that content is reviewed and approved as required prior topublication or distribution.
• Hire, train, and supervise student worker(s), providing direction and leadership and delegating effectively on a variety of communications tasks, including design, writing, data analysis, andmore.
• Identify storytelling opportunities for alumni and donor engagement and write stories or spotlights.
• Provides support for Advancement Communications team members asneeded for social media, flagship events, fundraising campaigns,etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of experience inadvancement communications, marketing, or marketing communications.
• Strong project manager with a customer-focused approach who canwork independently, take initiative and meet deadlines andgoals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of marketing strategy for multichannel,segmented communications campaigns, including a strong understanding of digital engagement, analytics and data-informedstrategy development.
• Detail oriented, with excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Exceptional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency and comfort working with HTML and email design tools.
• Experience creating and maintaining websites using Drupal orsimilar CMS.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop) and Canva.
• Proficiency with complex project management tools (e.g. Wrike) to…