Advancement Communications Specialist

Calvin University; Grand Rapids; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Calvin University is seeking an Advancement Communications Specialist to craft and manage compelling stories across social media, email, print, and web. The role collaborates with Marketing and Communications to ensure consistent messaging and strong audience engagement.

Canva design and UX considerations play a meaningful part in the work. The ideal candidate has a background in digital communications, strong writing and editing skills, and the ability to analyze metrics to drive improvements.

Qualifications

• Proven familiarity with digital communications, social media platforms, content management systems, data analysis, web standards, and accessibility guidelines.
• Strong ability to research audiences and trends, translate insights into compelling content, and assess effectiveness through analytics.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with careful attention to accuracy and tone.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities; independent work style with good judgment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement cross-channel messaging for Advancement Division in collaboration with Marketing and Communications.
• Plan long-range calendar for future Advancement publications and content.
• Research, create, schedule, publish, and evaluate digital content using analytics and audience insights.
• Develop, write, and produce emails, brochures, programs, social posts, and web content following brand standards.
• Identify usability challenges across websites and email journeys; suggest navigation and accessibility improvements.
• Monitor engagement metrics to inform continuous improvement of communication strategies.
• Design and source merchandise aligned with mission and branding.

Skills

Digital communications

Social media

CMS

Data analysis

Web standards

Accessibility

Editing

Project management

Canva

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Marketing Cloud

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Title: Advancement Communications Specialist

Department: Alumni & Family, and Donor Engagement

Division: Advancement

Supervisor: Executive Director of Alumni, Family and Donor Engagement

Status: Exempt, Full-time

FTE: 1.0

Job Summary: Join the Advancement Division as a Communication Specialist and help bring meaningful stories, connections, and opportunities to life through strategic, effective, and digitally relevant communications. This position is responsible for researching, coordinating, creating, publishing, and evaluating content across social media platforms, multiple email channels, print pieces, and other cross-channel communications. The role incorporates some applied graphic design elements, including the use of Canva. The position stewards usability and end-user experience across various communication platforms. As needed, the position provides secondary support for alumni and advancement programming and events. The Advancement Division consists of Alumni and Family Engagement, Development, The January Series, and the Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties as assigned):

• Working in coordination with Calvin University Marketing and Communications, serve as primary coordinator for Advancement Division efforts to craft, write, and implement effective messaging through multiple communication channels.
• Coordinate and maintain long-range planning of future Advancement communication publications and content.
• Research, create, schedule, publish, and evaluate engaging digital and social media content using current best practices, platform analytics, and audience insights.
• Responsible for the development, writing, and production of selected communications pieces including emails, invitations, brochures, programs, social media posts, websites, calendar pages, and recognition materials.
• Identify end-user experience and usability challenges across websites, email journeys, and communication instructions; recommend and implement improvements to navigation, clarity, and accessibility.
• Monitor engagement metrics and trends to inform continuous improvement of communication strategies.
• Recommend, design, source, and order merchandise and promotional items that are trendy, stylish, mission-aligned, and impactful.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

As needed, coordinates the schedule and oversees the responsibilities of staff, student workers, and volunteers for specific events.

Competency/Skill Requirements:

• Proven familiarity with digital communications, social media platforms, content management systems, data analysis, web standards, and accessibility guidelines.
• Strong ability to research audiences and trends, translate insights into compelling content, and assess effectiveness through analytics.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with careful attention to accuracy and tone.
• Strong organizational, project management, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment in setting priorities, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to apply basic graphic design skills while following established brand standards; experience using Canva or similar design tools.
• Demonstrated understanding of basic user experience (UX) principles and usability best practices.
• Must have discretion in handling confidential information with sensitivity, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Committed to providing world-class hospitality with a positive, cooperative, servant's heart.
• Creative, motivated, and enthusiastic, with a collaborative and solution-oriented mindset.

Education, Experience, and other Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university.
• 1-3 years of related or transferable experience in writing, communications, digital media, or marketing.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate occasional weekend, evening work, and overnight travel.
• Preference given to those with Salesforce and Marketing Cloud experience.
• Photography experience and skills are a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work in this position is performed within routine office conditions, usually without exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands Include: Lifting and carrying of 5-20 lbs. or more Visual Demands Include:

• Ability for proofreading and checking documents for accuracy
• The use of a keyboard for entering and retrieving data

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

• Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
• A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.