Director of Advancement Communications
The Director of Advancement Marketing & Communications is charged with guiding and overseeing annual fund appeals and programming for an alumni constituency of more than 20,000, as well as parents and friends of the University. They will ensure continued growth in both dollars and donors by leveraging innovation and best practices in marketing, communications, data analysis, benchmarking, project management, and volunteer management.
Growing the Lawrence Fund, the University’s annual fund, will be the primary focus of this position. In providing $4M+ annual support for the University’s operating budget, it supports the entire Lawrence experience. The Lawrence Fund is for every Lawrentian, by every Lawrentian.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the development and execution of an annual giving solicitation strategy focused on mass appeals, crowdfunds, volunteer programs.
- Collaborate with colleagues in Advancement as well as in University Communications to hone our story telling and create annual giving marketing plans, appeals, and digital/social media strategies that celebrate Lawrence and the impact our donors have on that experience.
- Serve as the crowdfund project manager. Work closely with the Director of Annual Giving, Information Technology Services, and other key staff across campus to execute an annual Giving Day. Prepare a multi-channel marketing approach (direct mail, email, phone, social, and digital advertising). Create unique giving challenges, volunteer engagement opportunities and campus events to increase donor participation.
- Partner with the Director of Björklunden to ensure the appropriate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospects with strong interests in Björklunden.
- With a commitment to data-driven innovation, help to set a standard of excellence for Lawrence. Guide the integration of robust analytics and donor research into every aspect of the annual giving operation, from marketing plans and specific appeals to goal-setting and assessment.
- Work to strengthen volunteer engagement and giving by serving as the staff liaison to volunteer groups that support annual giving, like the Lawrence University Alumni Association Development Committee and Class Leadership Teams.
- Support Advancement and University events as requested or required.
- Respond to special projects and other duties as assigned.
- Some evening and weekend work is required.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
The Director will work most closely with the Advancement team, particularly the Alumni and Community Engagement team. Additionally, the Director will work with faculty, students, and staff across campus and the University’s constituents—alumni, donors, parents, friends, and Fox Valley community members.
The Director will oversee one full-time professional focused on the execution of a multi-channel marketing and communications strategy that contributes to the University’s alumni and donor engagement goals.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Bachelor’s degree in related area with an appreciation for private, liberal arts, residential colleges. Prefer five or more years of experience in professional fundraising with track record of success in increasing annual gift support through innovative appeals and targeted strategies.
Bachelor’s degree in related area with an appreciation for private, liberal arts, residential colleges. Prefer five or more years of experience in professional fundraising with track record of success in increasing annual gift support through innovative appeals and targeted strategies.
- Bachelor’s degree in related area with an appreciation for private, liberal arts, residential colleges.
- Prefer five or more years of experience in professional fundraising with track record of success in increasing annual gift support through innovative appeals and targeted strategies.
- A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with diverse communities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage staff and volunteers effectively.
- Exceptional writing, communication, and editing skills.
- Familiarity with at least one major email marketing system.
- Solution oriented with a demonstrated ability to problem-solve.
- Demonstrated success in a fast-moving, multi-stakeholder environment, balancing multiple projects and priorities.
- Natural leader with outgoing attitude and interest in collaboration.
- Creativity, willingness to learn, and a sense of humor.
- Possess exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills i.e., concise, articulate, and confident with the ability to represent the university in a professional manner.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of all aspects of job responsibilities.