Advancement Communications Specialist

Marian University•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

Marian University seeks an Advancement Communications Specialist to support communications across Institutional Advancement and promote the University’s Catholic Franciscan mission and identity. The primary focus is creating and distributing print and digital communications that advance Journey to 2030: Always Forward, particularly the Klipsch Educators College, Faith in Action, and the Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine. The role also supports annual giving, donor engagement and stewardship, and other Advancement fundraising priorities. The position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Alumni and Donor Engagement. The successful candidate will engage the University’s mission and Franciscan Sponsorship Values, and carry communications projects through design, editing, proofreading, data review, scheduling, and preparation for print or digital distribution. The specialist coordinates with printers, vendors, and the Marketing and Communications team, manages multiple projects and deadlines, and ensures materials are accurate, timely, within budget, and consistent with Marian’s brand standards. A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, graphic design, public relations, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Canva is required, as are basic design, writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Basic video editing skills are needed, with an interest in further developing them. Experience with email marketing platforms such as Delivra is preferred; experience in higher education, advancement, fundraising, or nonprofit communications is also preferred.

Requirements

Preferred bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, graphic design, public relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Canva.
Basic design, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Basic video editing skills and an interest in continuing to develop those skills.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Commitment to Marian University’s mission and adherence to its policies and practices.
Ability to work the hours necessary to perform job requirements satisfactorily on a regular basis.
Physical ability to regularly sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, equipment, or controls, and talk or hear; occasionally stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience with email marketing platforms such as Delivra.
Experience in higher education, advancement, fundraising, or nonprofit communications.

Responsibilities

Engage the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University by modeling the Franciscan Sponsorship Values and honoring the legacy of the founding congregation.
Create print and digital communications supporting Journey to 2030: Always Forward and its key funding priorities: the Klipsch Educators College, Faith in Action, and Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Create print and digital communications supporting annual giving, targeted appeals, and other Advancement communication priorities.
Create and update Journey to 2030: Always Forward communications and materials, including donor materials, sell sheets, announcements, and other print and digital projects.
Manage assigned communications projects from start to finish, including design, editing, proofreading, data review, scheduling, and preparation for print or digital distribution.
Coordinate with printers and other vendors to ensure materials are produced accurately, on time, and within budget.
Manage multiple projects and deadlines, prioritizing work based on Advancement leadership direction and completing assignments accurately and on time.
Coordinate with Marian’s Marketing and Communications team as needed to ensure materials follow Marian’s brand standards.
Adhere to University policies and procedures, communicate regularly with the supervisor about department issues, meet department productivity standards, participate in developing department systems, support department measurements aligned with University strategic goals, and adhere to the department budget.
Manage absences responsibly and perform other job-related duties requested by the supervisor.