Marketing & Communications Specialist

Brock University • St. Catharines, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Alumni & Development, the Marketing and Communications Specialist is responsible for developing clear, compelling donor- and prospect-focused communications that support Brock University’s fundraising goals. This role focuses on building strong cases for support, crafting effective calls to action, and strengthening donor engagement, with some responsibility for alumni communications. The incumbent writes and designs fundraising proposals, donor outreach, stewardship and impact materials, and engagement tools. They also support fundraising effectiveness by tracking engagement and event participation and using insights to inform future strategies. The Marketing and Communications Specialist works closely with the Development and Donor Relations team and Brock’s Marketing and Communications team, ensuring all materials align with brand and accessibility standards.

Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree in Marketing / Communications/ Public Relations/Journalism
• Experience in strategic/digital marketing and communications role
• Excellent understanding of graphic design and proficient in the use of Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress and social media sites with sound knowledge of digital/social media content platforms and video editing tools
• Familiarity with Web Accessibility standards and designing for inclusive experiences
• Strong portfolio demonstrating an ability to conceptualize, design and execute strategic, results-driven creative suited to engage audiences across multiple channels and platforms
• Experience expressing a brand identity across a range of channels and campaigns
• Demonstrated success in developing effective digital and social media content including daily execution
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; excellent copy editing and proofreading skills; storytelling experience
• Strong project management, brand management, and marketing research skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects from conception to implementation
• Working knowledge of University software, databases, and CRM-systems (e.g. Workday, BrockDB, Raiser’s Edge, Campaign Monitor, SharePoint)
• Ability to establish positive and productive working relationships with various internal and external partners
• Strategic planning skills and the ability to conceptualize and propose new initiatives for improving efficiency of current service and/or operation
• Extremely adaptable, flexible, nimble, and responsive to meet changing demands and conflicting priorities

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a higher education environment
• Fundraising experience

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies that support fundraising priorities, donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Contribute to case development by helping articulate funding priorities, value propositions, impact narratives, and compelling reasons to give
• Develop targeted communication approaches and informed content schedules for donors, prospects, and alumni that align with fundraising objectives and donor engagement strategies
• Develop detailed work plans, project schedules, financial estimates, resource plans, and reports on an on-going basis
• Oversee marketing and communication metrics, data, analytics, reporting and provide evidence-based recommendations for future strategic approaches
• Oversee content for all digital platforms for the department (i.e., web, social media, digital communications, video shoots, etc.)
• Write high-quality, donor-centred content including proposals, letters, emails, impact reports, stewardship materials, donor stories, and fundraising collateral
• Develop messaging, content, and stories that translates institutional priorities into meaningful donor opportunities and outcomes
• Provide graphic design, formatting, and visual storytelling support to proposals, reports, templates, and communications, ensuring alignment with Brock’s brand, legislative requirements, and accessibility standards
• Act as a subject-matter resource within Development and Donor Relations for advancement communications and donor-focused storytelling
• Advise internal partners on audience segmentation, messaging strategies, communications objectives, and call-to-action clarity
• Work with colleagues across campus to gather inputs, stories, data, and outcomes needed to build strong cases for philanthropic support
• Apply data and insights from engagement tracking and communications performance to refine future approaches and strengthen fundraising effectiveness

Benefits

• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage
• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan
• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level