Director of Advancement Communications

Hiring Department: Alumni Activities Job Description: Join our dynamic team and make a meaningful impact. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for External and Donor Relations, the Director of Advancement Communications will proactively drive a strategic communications program that generates support for the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Housed in the University’s Office of Advancement, the Director will create and implement an integrated and multimedia communications plan that appeals to prospective and current donors, alumni and other key stakeholders. Advancement communications should create and improve a culture of philanthropy, elevate the University’s profile, and align with institutional needs. The Director will be responsible for ensuring that communications to alumni, donors, prospective donors and other key stakeholders deliver a consistent, clear and compelling message about the University’s value and the impact of philanthropy. Duties include messaging strategy, campaign planning, content creation and distribution, analysis of results, and strategic event communications. Primary responsibilities include: Directing and managing communications projects that require collaboration from Advancement team members, and stakeholders from across the University and throughout the community. Developing and executing a communications plan for the University’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. The Director will work with stakeholders to communicate the campaign’s priorities through print, web and digital platforms. Overseeing the master communications calendar for the Division of Advancement. Writing, editing and planning compelling content (digital and print) for development and alumni communications including donor stories, newsletters and impact pieces, major gift proposals, web content and scripts. Under the direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor-External Relations, drafting messages for University and Division leadership, including talking points and presentations that support giving and engagement initiatives. In collaboration with Division partners, including major gifts, annual giving, alumni engagement, stewardship, gift planning, operations and other units, execute on their respective communications and event support needs. Works collaboratively with Advancement, college and unit communicators to ensure that alumni and donor messages, strategies and projects are well coordinated and on mission. Overseeing and executing new communications to internal and external audiences. Works in partnership with UMSL Marketing and Communications to leverage opportunities for visibility of UMSL’s fundraising priorities and initiatives, donors and alumni in University-wide publications and portals. Ensures alignment of development and alumni communications with the University’s brand. Creates and monitors metrics to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of projects and priorities. Communicates metrics to leadership and adjusts future projects accordingly. Develops systems to ensure consistency, clarity, cost efficiency, and high quality of advancement communications. Keeps informed of developments in the fields of marketing and communications to ensure that unit’s strategy and approach remain leading-edge. Performs additional duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary. Preferred Qualifications: Four or more years of professional experience in communications, including experience in development and/or alumni communications. Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications as well as fundraising campaigns preferred. Strong organizational skills and project and budget management experience preferred. Exceptionally versatile writing and editing skills; must be a creative thinker and problem-solver with the ability to motivate and excite various audiences through compelling storytelling and concise messaging. Knowledge of advancement communications best practices. The position requires excellent professional judgment and the ability to communicate with tact and sensitivity with a broad range of constituencies including donors, faculty and senior administrators. Successful candidates must be highly creative and organized, with a proven ability to balance multiple concurrent priorities and work effectively in a large, complex institutional setting. Anticipated Hiring Range: Pay commensurate with education and experience. Hiring Range: $68,000 – $78,000 Annual Grade: GGS-11 University Title: Advancement Director I Application Materials: Application materials include a cover letter and resume. Finalists will be asked to provide references at a later date. Applicants must combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment to the UMSL Job site: http://umsl.jobs . Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). For questions about the application process, please email employmentumsl.edu . If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupportumsystem.edu . Benefit Eligibility: This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits . Values Commitment: We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate. In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement. Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. J-18808-Ljbffr