Associate Director OR Director of Advancement Communications, UIS

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Associate Director OR Director of Advancement Communications, UIS

Posting Category: E

About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu.

Application deadline: 12/5/2024

Application Procedure: Please upload a cover letter, resume, and at least three references in the candidate portal using the "Apply Now" button below.

Associate Director Salary Range: $60,000 - $66,000

Director Salary Range: $66,000 - $72,600

Summary:
Responsible for the development and implementation of marketing and communication tactics that strengthen the university brand and/or programs, and enhance fundraising and alumni relations efforts including, but not limited to: writing fundraising proposals and appeals, website design and management, event scripting, graphic design, and creating digital and print materials.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Prepares digital assets, event materials, gift proposals, and other print materials for Advancement, including basic graphic design and typesetting for fundraising, engagement activities, stewardship outreach, and events.

Writes and designs print and online communications to highlight, recognize and solicit donors; creates donor newsletters; works with stewardship staff to prepare donor stewardship communications including routine and special thank-you letters.

Prepares scripts and speaker details for chancellor and other event speakers; organizes staging, photography and AV needs.

Establishes and cultivates collaborative relationships with the university community including alumni, donors, students, campus groups, faculty, and staff. Interviews donors, alumni, students and others for content in marketing/communications and works closely with institutional communications team members and contributors to identify, pursue, write, and edit relevant fundraising and marketing materials and to facilitate campaign goals.

In coordination with the development directors and corporate & foundation relations staff, prepares letters of inquiry, grants, proposals, position papers, concept papers, key correspondence and proofreading in order to garner private support from corporations, foundations and individuals with major donor potential.

Ensures that alumni and donor photos and stories are added to records in database.

Enhances web presence and maintains both internal and external donor communications; stays current on best practices in fundraising communications and emerging platforms/tech/strategies.

Tracks and analyzes website statistics for optimization; measures mass solicitations analytics; provides counsel to colleagues across the university on strategy, analytics and university expectations for fundraising and donor relations.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations or a related field
2. For an Associate Director: 3-5 years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, graphic design, or a related professional area.
For Director: 5+ years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, graphic design AND one (1) year experience working in fundraising communications or marketing.
3. Experience and ability to write compelling stories.

*Note: Master's degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for two (2) years (12 months) of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience writing articles and social media posts.
Experience in designing marketing materials including event logos and digital assets, proposals, info sheets, fliers, etc., or willingness to be trained in this area.
Experience working in fundraising or nonprofit communications or marketing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
Exceptional proofreading and editing skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of and appreciation for public higher education.

Physical Demands:

Sitting : Frequently

Employment Policies and other information:

UIS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive campus community. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current or former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.

UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.

• You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
• Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:

1. Social Security benefit and
2. Social Security benefit as a spouse

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.