Assistant Director Development and Alumni Communications

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University seeks an Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Communications to plan and implement client communications for a portfolio of schools and units. You will craft materials for alumni, donors and funders, aligning with university strategy.

The role collaborates across Development and Alumni Relations and Marketing to present centralized efforts effectively. You will develop print and digital communications, manage projects, and support stewardship and annual

Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressive experience in planning and implementing an organization's communications.
• Experience working with leadership/executives to communicate key messages preferred.
• Experience with development and alumni relations is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Responsibilities

• Write and edit copy for brochures, cases for support, and magazines describing funding needs and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Development and Alumni Relations teams to facilitate strategic development projects and donor cultivation.
• Become knowledgeable about centralized programs and priorities to support special projects as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Editing/writing

Organizational skills

Deadline-driven

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Adobe Creative Cloud

Mac familiarity

Web content management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Adobe Creative Cloud

Web CMS

Mac platform

Job description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Communications supports the planning and implementation of client initiatives for a portfolio of schools, colleges and other strategic business units, including the preparation of materials directed at constituents including but not limited to alumni, donors, and potential funders. The assistant director will work closely with the Assistant Vice President, Development and Alumni Communications Strategy to incorporate general and centralized development, alumni relations and communications strategies into the university's overall direction and will participate in the ongoing development and execution of that strategy. Functioning as an integral member of the Development and Alumni Relations team, the assistant director will work in partnership with colleagues in development communications and University Marketing and Communications more broadly, university development leaders and other constituents with the ultimate goals of professionally presenting the university's centralized efforts to internal and external constituencies and raising local, regional, state, national and international support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Write and edit copy for a wide range of materials including brochures, one-pagers, cases for support, and magazines or related articles describing client-specific funding needs and opportunities. Develop and implement communications strategies and materials, including print and digital alumni and friends publications, and collaborate with stewardship and annual fund colleagues producing communications that recognize supporters. (65%)

2. Collaborate with colleagues in Development and Alumni Relations, schools and the Development and Alumni Communications team to facilitate strategic development projects and initiatives in the cultivation of prospective donors, acquisition of gifts, and subsequent recognition of supporters in the health sciences. (15%).

3. Become knowledgeable about centralized programs, leaders and faculty, current activities, and strategic priorities to produce high-level assistance and participate in or lead a variety of special projects as assigned. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Work with key constituents to prepare presentations to various types of donors (individuals, associations, foundations, and corporations) for special health sciences initiatives. (5%)

2. Advise team leaders while projecting the highest level of professionalism possible in all interactions and communications. (5%)

3. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with staff as required to perform essential functions.

University: Frequent contact with schools and administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.

External: Frequent contact with alumni, friends, and donors.

Students: Occasional contact with undergraduate, graduate, and professional students as required to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 or more years of progressive experience in planning and implementing an organization's various communications. Work with an organization's leadership/executives in communicating key messages preferred. Experience with development preferred.

Education: Bachelor's degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. Effective and professional communication skills, including verbal, written and non-verbal.

2. Excellent interviewing, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

3. Strong organizational skills; ability to multitask, organize and prioritize projects and tasks.

4. High degree of energy, creativity and flexibility.

5. Strong interpersonal skills; must be able to work effectively with various individuals internal as well as external to the university.

6. Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.

7. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

8. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.

9. Proven ability to meet deadlines.

10. Proficiency in working with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

11. Knowledge of health sciences education and research is desirable; college or university experience is highly desirable.

12. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

13. Familiarity with Mac platform.

14. Familiarity with web content management systems.

15. Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.

16. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

17. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment, some evening or weekend work hours will be required. Will perform repetitive motion using computer mouse and keyboard. Hybrid work option available once orientation period is successfully completed. Occasional travel required.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.