Summary
Description
Position Summary:
The Communications Strategist, Development and Alumni Relations is responsible for effective use of strategic communication, multi-channel content marketing and project management to advance UNC’s efforts to increase philanthropic support and volunteer engagement among alumni, parents, donors, and friends. The Communications Strategist shares in the responsibility and success for achieving university fundraising and engagement goals and understands that communication is an important strategy in the effective development and management of institutional relationships. This position is a member of the Division of University Advancement reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Community Relations.
Job Duties:
30% Alumni Communication: In coordination with alumni relations staff, the position is responsible for implementing the university’s alumni communication strategy, including understanding alumni segmentation and messaging, development of alumni career profiles, creation of event and program marketing, project and publication management, and digital, social, and web-based content management for alumni and donor audiences.
30% Development: In coordination with development staff, the position is responsible for writing and preparing development communication plans and content including planned gift marketing campaigns, major gift announcements, campaign case statements, donor and fund profiles, stewardship publications.
25% Annual Giving: In coordination with annual giving staff, the position is responsible for writing and preparing communication plans and content for annual fundraising campaigns including mail and email appeals and support for annual giving programs and projects.
5% Advancement Operations: In coordination with advancement operations staff, support strong prospect management and data use practices. Requires active use of the institutional alumni and donor dataset, including submission of action notes, data requests, and central project management practices.
5% Divisional Communications: In coordination with marketing and communication staff, align all alumni and development communication with central marketing campaigns and plans. Requires active use of project management software and compliance with university communication practices and brand standards.
5% Campus Partnerships: Collaborate with campus partners to ensure alumni and donor communication is centrally organized and all content is appropriately and effectively leveraged.
The Communications Strategist must:
-Have a sophisticated understanding of what motivates alumni and friends both to make philanthropic gifts and to be engaged with the university.
-Understand the needs of the university’s audience and university priorities, as well as the priorities of colleges and programs.
-Translate those priorities into compelling communications that encourage giving, understanding that different audiences will respond to different appeals.
-Interpret and articulate complex ideas into creative and persuasive messages in print, digital, and other mediums.
-Effectively and professionally communicate and interact with individuals who demonstrate a range of affluence, influence, and connection to UNC.
Example 1: Communication Strategist must be able to research and write effective web content for divisional, campaign, development, and alumni relations websites.
Example 2: Communication Strategist must be able to envision and create effective storytelling (i.e.., videos, articles, emails, social media) that helps donors or prospective donors understand the power of philanthropy.
Example 3: Communication Strategist must be able to identify and interview alumni, donors, faculty and students, and develop and write associated content and coordinate photo needs for use in university publications.
Example 4: Communication Strategist must be able to use and understand how communication tactics have an immediate impact on the relationship development of alumni volunteers and donors.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum of three years of directly related professional experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered to satisfy the minimum requirements.
Ability:
-Expertise in persuasive writing and editing including but not limited to case statements, marketing campaigns, annual giving direct mail and e-appeals, annual reports, stewardship publications, fund-raising websites and social media, email campaigns, and fund proposals prepared for individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
-Strong storytelling skills that include writing about students, faculty, alumni, friends and donors across all platforms, from UNC —-Magazine and print materials to digital communications.
-Expertise in the effective use of digital and social media platforms, including web content management, broadcast email, social media, and digital campaign planning.
-Demonstrated knowledge of English grammar, business writing, punctuation, and spelling.
-Expert writing and editorial skills with the ability to effectively present ideas.
-Comprehensive knowledge of communications, publications, media and/or marketing to develop and execute print and web communication strategies to position the university for increased philanthropy and alumni involvement.
-Expert networking and interpersonal skills including strong consultative skills to work with internal and external constituents.
Special Considerations:
Experience working with video is desirable.
Proficiency in web technologies desired, including basic HTML, flash, and content management systems.
Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.
About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. According to CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index, UNC ranked #1 in social mobility (2022). UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!
EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or human.resources@unco.edu.
Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.
This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.
Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.
