Executive Director, Marketing Communications

Colorado State Univ Foundation•Fort Collins, CO

2h•$125,000 - $145,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director of Marketing and Communications drives the marketing and communication strategy for the CSU Foundation (CSUF) which includes the CSU Alumni Association (CSUAA) and is responsible for managing its execution in consultation with organization leadership. In addition to high level marketing and communications strategy, this role provides oversight to the creative services, media relations, content production and brand management of CSUF. The role operates within a highly collaborative environment in which annual giving, donor engagement, stewardship, alumni engagement, events and fundraising teams maintain responsibility for their respective audience strategies and engagement objectives. The Executive Director and members of the Marketing and Communications team partner with these teams to translate strategic priority into compelling communications, marketing campaigns, stewardship materials, proposals, digital content, publications and storytelling assets that advance institutional goals. Success requires balancing long-term strategic planning with responsiveness to evolving opportunities and leadership priorities. As an experienced marketing and communications professional and leader of creative teams, the Executive Director must combine strategic vision with operational excellence and efficiency with demonstrated sound judgment in complex stakeholder environments. Key attributes include the ability to demonstrate diplomacy, creativity and accountability, and the ability to work with key partners across the University in planning and creating communication strategies that educate, cultivate, and inspire alumni and donor engagement and philanthropic support with Colorado State University. This position will be located in Fort Collins, Colorado with the possibility of hybrid work based on performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or related field from an accredited university
Minimum of eight years’ experience in marketing or strategic communications, with progressive responsibilities
Minimum of five years’ experience supervising full-time professional staff and leading a team in the development and execution of complex strategic goals and initiatives
A demonstrated ability to engage and effectively communicate with a wide variety of audiences
Ability to work non-standard hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by employment start date

Nice To Haves

Experience in storytelling with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of fundraising, development and/or advancement in a higher education institution or other complex nonprofit organization.
Knowledge of Advancement Marketing and Communications and the role of alumni and donor engagement in an organization.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations and successfully manage multiple complex projects from start to finish.
Demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration, especially with academic and administrative leaders to conceive and implement innovative ideas.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working in a CRM or other relational databases.
Previous experience managing budgets and financial processes with a strong fiscal acumen.
Experience balancing strategic planning with high-volume service delivery in support of multiple stakeholders.
Strong understanding of how internal communications influence organizational culture and employee experience.
Familiarity with Colorado State University colleges, departments, and constituencies

Responsibilities

Drives the overall marketing and communication strategy for the CSU Foundation and is responsible for managing its execution in consultation with organization leadership.
Leads the Marketing & Communications team including hiring, training, mentoring and managing performance of multiple roles, including oversight and deployment of internal and external production resources while balancing recurring production commitments with emerging institutional priorities.
Ensures that all communications deliver a brand-consistent, clear and compelling message about the value of Colorado State University and the impact of donor engagement and philanthropy.
Serves as the organization’s chief brand steward, leading the ongoing development, implementation, governance and evolution of CSUF and CSUAA brands.
Manages the department’s content and channel strategy in support of both ongoing and campaign-related communications goals, utilizing marketing research and analytics to assess, interpret and communicate performance results.
Collaborates with key partners across the University in planning and creating communication strategies that educate, cultivate, and inspire philanthropic support and alumni and donor engagement.
Leads the team in the establishment of a service model that supports fundraising, alumni engagement and membership, annual giving, donor stewardship, events and executive leadership priorities while clearly defining decision-making authority and workflow expectations.
Acts as subject matter expert on marketing and communications best practices.
Develops and executes an internal communications strategy that supports employee engagement, organizational transparency, culture development and alignment with CSUF’s mission and strategic priorities.
Serves on the leadership group of the CSU Foundation Engagement Team, joining leaders of the Alumni Association, Annual Giving, Donor Relations and Stewardship and Foundation Events. This group sets annual and long-term strategic goals and establishes annual priorities for CSUF’s engagement efforts.
Works closely and with discretion with senior leadership of CSUF to support their efforts in representing the organization, to include speech writing, personal correspondence with donors and alumni and gift proposals.
Represents the CSU Foundation in the best possible light through all interactions.