Associate Director of External Communications - University Development and Alumni Engagement
About The Position
The Associate Director of External Communications reports to the Senior Director of External Communications and assists the University Development & Alumni Engagement (UDAE) unit in establishing and achieving the goals and objectives of the Department of External Communications. The incumbent provides day-to-day leadership and operational management for the External Communications team, overseeing the development and execution of strategic communications that advance fundraising, alumni engagement, stewardship, and university brand objectives. The incumbent works independently to manage the department's day-to-day workflow and production, including project intake, resource allocation, editorial planning, and the external communications calendar to ensure timely, coordinated communications across all external channels. The incumbent also serves as a key advisor to the Senior Director on staff development, and operational improvements while fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team culture focused on continuous improvement.
Requirements
- Working knowledge of standard theories, principles, practices, and techniques in fundraising, marketing, planned giving, or a related professional field, preferably within a higher education or complex, dynamic environment.
- Ability to independently research, develop, and draft comprehensive funding proposals, reports, and external communications.
- Ability to actively contribute to the execution and evaluation of complex fundraising programs, demonstrating ingenuity in determining methods to achieve programmatic and development goals.
- Skill in the research, development, and evaluation of programs, including the ability to analyze complex data and information from a variety of sources, develop sound conclusions, and recommend strategic solutions.
- Working knowledge of operational and fiscal analysis, including the ability to apply principles of accounting, fund management, and budgeting to support university development operations.
- Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to university development, with the ability to independently interpret, communicate, and apply them.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one by date of hire.
Responsibilities
- Provides day-to-day leadership and operational management for the External Communications team.
- Oversees the development and execution of strategic communications that advance fundraising, alumni engagement, stewardship, and university brand objectives.
- Manages the department's day-to-day workflow and production, including project intake, resource allocation, editorial planning, and the external communications calendar.
- Ensures timely, coordinated communications across all external channels.
- Serves as a key advisor to the Senior Director on staff development and operational improvements.
- Fosters a collaborative, service-oriented team culture focused on continuous improvement.
Benefits
- health, dental and vision insurance
- retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System
- educational benefits for eligible employees
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
