Associate Director for Communications and Stewardship

UO HR Website•Eugene, OR

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics, established in 2000, serves as an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to advancing education, research, dialogue, and civic engagement on pressing public issues. The Center is active in the community and within the academy, offering specialized programs for students, facilitating experiential learning, providing research funding, and hosting public lectures and events. The Center carries forward the legacy of Senator Wayne Morse, championing public education, justice, inclusive democracy, and the rule of law. It is committed to equity, inclusion, and integrity, fostering a culturally diverse and pluralistic learning environment. The WMC is endowment-funded and relies on gifts from supporters. The staff includes an Accounting Coordinator, an Administrative Program Specialist, and two Co-Directors, with guidance from an advisory board. This is a 12-month, 1.0 FTE Officer of Administration appointment, subject to annual review, reporting to the Co-Directors and supervising classified staff and student workers. The WMC supports a hybrid work schedule, requiring on-campus presence four days per week during the academic year, with more flexibility during breaks. The position involves some evening and weekend work, staffing events, and occasional travel within Oregon.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a closely related field.
Three years of experience in communications, publicity, public affairs, or related field.
Experience in development or other directly applicable fundraising experience.
One year of program or project management experience.
Ability to create, manage, and implement strategic communications plans and strategies that are culturally sensitive and appropriate for a variety of audiences, media, and contexts.
Advanced writing, editing, and verbal communication skills; strong attention to detail.
Ability to design and create compelling, effective, visually appealing graphics, print materials and online content, write copy, and manage a website and socials.
Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences--including geographic, viewpoint, and socioeconomic diversity--and commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and equity.
Ability to meet deadlines, anticipate needs, prioritize multiple tasks, follow through, and work independently without supervision.
Ability to work well in a team environment.
Ability to comfortably engage with stakeholders, students, donors, high-profile guests, and the public, speaking in public and responding to inquiries.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising classified staff and student workers.
Experience with digital communications, including website, photo editing, email marketing, and content management systems.
Familiarity with public affairs and policy issues affecting Oregonians, the nation, and the world; familiarity with governmental institutions and the American political system.

Responsibilities

Manages and executes all aspects of the Wayne Morse Center’s communications, developing strategies and producing materials and digital content to increase visibility, boost event attendance, recruit applicants for programs and awards, and promote Senator Morse’s legacy.
Ensures the effective use of internal communication and work-sharing platforms.
Collaborates with senior staff to create and implement a multifaceted fundraising and stewardship program that engages current and prospective donors through personalized updates, outreach, and special events.
Plays an integral role in executing public events and fundraising activities, serving as the lead on AV and facilitating remote audience participation.
Interacts with students, campus and community leaders, donors, alumni, prominent guests, and journalists.
Plays supervisory roles overseeing the Accounting Coordinator’s work on donation processing, acknowledgment, and reporting.
Directs the Administrative Program Specialist in sourcing stories about student, awardee, and alumni achievements and preparing students for stewardship engagements with donors and prospects.
Hires and manages student workers.
Advises senior staff on organizational development, mission, and policy.
Proactively liaises with communications and development professionals in UO Advancement, central Communications, and the School of Law to ensure well-timed, mutually supportive, and on-message communications efforts, maintaining university-wide standards and aligning with communication plans for donor audiences.