Development Marketing & Communications Specialist

USNA Alumni Association & Foundation•Annapolis, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation in Annapolis, Maryland is looking to hire a full-time, Development Marketing & Communications Specialist to join the Donor Experience & Strategy Team. This team integrates the core functions that shape how donors experience and invest in the institution-including Donor Experience (Engagement, Stewardship, Recognition, and Acknowledgement), Development Communications, Campaign Operations, Research & Portfolio Management, and Proposal, Case, and Gift Agreement Development. Together, these areas ensure that donors are identified, inspired, informed, and recognized through a cohesive, data-driven approach that connects philanthropy to impact and aligns with institutional priorities and campaign goals. This exempt position reports to the Director, Development Marketing & Communications Specialist, and has a salary range of $49,600 - $62,000. This position pays a competitive salary commensurate with experience and is also eligible for an annual performance-based bonus, when applicable. You would also be eligible for a generous benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, an FSA, an HSA, a fully-vested 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, 22 days of accrued paid time off (PTO) per fiscal year, 14 paid holidays per calendar year, group life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, identity theft protection, and annual opportunities for professional development. Although not guaranteed, certain additional benefits may be offered through the Naval Academy, such as use of certain recreational facilities (including the Brigade Sports Complex gym, marina and indoor/outdoor pools), as well as category II eligibility for employee children to apply to the Naval Academy Primary School. This position is based in historic Annapolis at our current offices in the Fluegel Alumni Center. The Development Marketing & Communications Specialist is a key contributor within the Donor Experience & Strategy team, supporting the execution of integrated development marketing, fundraising communications, and campaign brand positioning in support of development priorities. Working under the direction of the Director, this role supports the advancement of the Foundation's philanthropic narrative, development communications strategy, and campaign identity, ensuring alignment across donor audiences and fundraising initiatives. Responsibilities include contributing to development-focused messaging, communications execution, brand consistency, and campaign storytelling, grounded in higher education development best practices. The Specialist serves as a core operational and creative resource to the Foundation, supporting the development of marketing and communications work products. This role also contributes to enterprise communications efforts as appropriate and is expected to collaborate with Alumni Association and institutional communications colleagues to ensure alignment, consistency, and effective execution across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Advertising, or a related field
1-3+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or fundraising-related roles
Strong writing, editing, and content development skills. AP Style experience preferred
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, with strong project coordination and organizational skills
High attention to detail and commitment to quality, particularly in proofing and production workflows
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
Demonstrated grit, enthusiasm, intellectual engagement, and integrity
Dedication to professional growth, openness to coaching, and willingness to learn
Able and willing to perform other duties as assigned
Due to the collaborative nature of the role and consistent, in-person interaction with Foundation staff, this position is based in Annapolis and is not eligible for a full-time remote working arrangement.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or agency environments preferred
Working knowledge of graphic design and content development tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar platforms) strongly preferred
Experience supporting multi-channel marketing campaigns (print, digital, email, and/or social media)

Responsibilities

Support the development and production of high-quality donor-facing materials, ensuring excellence in design, messaging, and execution aligned with campaign and institutional brand standards.
Draft and refine donor materials (print and digital) including proposals, impact reports, executive presentations, campaign content, and related materials.
Assist in the execution of campaign messaging, brand, and case for support in collaboration with the Director and key stakeholders.
Contribute to the implementation of integrated, multi-channel development marketing efforts, including digital, video, email, print, and emerging platforms.
Ensure consistency and alignment with development-specific brand expression and campaign identity across all materials.
Coordinate with enterprise communications to ensure alignment with institutional messaging, brand standards, and approvals processes.
Partner with internal teams to gather content and support donor engagement and fundraising initiatives.
Manage timelines, workflows, and project deliverables across multiple communications initiatives.
Support the evaluation of development marketing and communications efforts by tracking metrics and contributing to performance analysis.
Support cross-functional initiatives across the Foundation and broader enterprise, coordinating with Alumni Association and institutional communications teams to align messaging, support shared efforts, and contribute to effective execution of communications priorities.

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
an FSA
an HSA
a fully-vested 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
22 days of accrued paid time off (PTO) per fiscal year
14 paid holidays per calendar year
group life insurance
short-term & long-term disability
identity theft protection
annual opportunities for professional development
annual performance-based bonus, when applicable
use of certain recreational facilities (including the Brigade Sports Complex gym, marina and indoor/outdoor pools)
category II eligibility for employee children to apply to the Naval Academy Primary School