Development Communications Coordinator

Furman University; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Furman University is seeking a Development Communications Coordinator to support strategic communications that inspire alumni and friends to engage with and give to the university. This full-time role includes responsibilities in drafting communications, managing social media content, and coordinating promotional campaigns.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and at least one year of relevant experience, with strong writing skills and proficiency in social media platforms. Opportunity to work in an inclusive environment dedicated to diversity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in fundraising, marketing, design, and/or social media management.
• Demonstrated ability to be innovative and think creatively.
• Understanding of digital advocacy, online fundraising, and best practices for social media.

Responsibilities

• Assist with drafting and deploying mail, email, and digital campaigns.
• Support the creation of written, visual, and multimedia content.
• Analyze engagement metrics to refine content strategy.
• Support integrated communications for key events and campaigns.

Skills

Innovative thinking

Social media management

Excellent writing and editing

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Mail Chimp

Canva

WordPress

Raiser's Edge

Job description

Job Title: Development Communications Coordinator

Department: Development Communications

Job Family: Administrative Support

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation Grade: 5S

Pay Type: Salary

Job Summary

The Development Communications Coordinator plays a key supporting role in executing strategic communications that inspire alumni, parents, and friends to engage with and give to Furman University. Residing in the Development Department, reporting to the Associate Director of Communications, this position helps implement storytelling, event promotion, social media content, and marketing strategies designed to deepen affinity, promote giving, and elevate Furman’s impact through donor engagement and alumni pride within the department of Annual Giving and Office of Alumni Engagement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mail, Email and Digital Campaign Support: Assist with drafting, editing, and deploying mail, email and digital campaigns that support fundraising efforts, alumni engagement, and special initiatives (e.g., Homecoming, Day of Giving, bicentennial).
   • Own creation and deployment of weekly Dins Digest email, including content selection and maintenance of distribution list.
   • Partner with Advancement Services and Communications teams to segment audiences and personalize outreach.
   • Ensure quality control and accuracy through careful proofreading and attention to detail.
   • Maintain or exceed an average click‑through rate of 3% across email campaigns and use A/B testing and segmentation for continuous improvement.
2. Content Development and Storytelling: Support the creation of written, visual, and multimedia content to be used across email, web, and social platforms that highlights donor impact, alumni success stories, and university initiatives.
   • Coordinate alumni and donor spotlights in collaboration with Alumni and Donor Relations teams to feature at least 2 alumni or donors monthly.
   • Maintain a consistent voice across platforms aligned with the Furman brand and Advancement messaging strategy.
   • Execute social media posts to support the communications calendar, typically three or more posts weekly.
3. Social Media Management and Growth Strategy: Analyze engagement metrics to refine content strategy and report key insights.
   • Create and execute social media calendars that align with campaign goals, giving days, and event promotions.
   • Support the team’s ability to manage and grow the Development and Alumni social media presence across Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and emerging platforms with an annual increase of 5% in followers on each platform.
   • Achieve year‑over‑year growth in engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments, and clicks) on Development and Alumni social media posts by at least 10% annually.
4. Event and Campaign Promotion: Support integrated communications for key events and campaigns, working with event leaders to ensure cohesive and on‑brand promotion.
   • Coordinate campaign timelines and deliverables, helping ensure all communications go out on time and align with overall strategy.
5. Project Coordination and Administrative Support: Maintain editorial calendars for the Development Communications team.
   • Assist with organizing media assets for each department.
   • Support the Associate Director with preparing materials for meetings or leadership updates.
   • Ensure 100% on‑time delivery of promotional communications (social, email, and web) for key initiatives such as Day of Giving, the Clearly Furman campaign, and regional alumni events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in fundraising, marketing, design, and/or social media management.
• Demonstrated ability to be innovative and think creatively.
• Understanding of digital advocacy, online fundraising, and best practices for social media programs.
• Proficiency with social media platforms and basic analytics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two or more years of experience in fundraising, marketing, design, and/or social media management.
• Outstanding verbal communication skills; excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong understanding of office management software tools and the ability to use those tools to promote departmental initiatives: Mail Chimp, Canva, WordPress, Almabase.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge or similar fundraising software.
• Ability to work effectively and to participate in cross‑functional teams.
• Knowledge of AP style guidelines.
• A commitment to undergraduate liberal arts education.

Work Conditions

Work is performed under usual office conditions. Occasional work on nights and weekends required.

Education Requirements

Not specified beyond degree requirement above.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Furman University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. The University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals represent a multiplicity of identities including gender, race, religion, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, geographic origin, socioeconomic background, ideology, world view, and varied abilities are treated equitably and with respect. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and institutional needs. In keeping with this commitment domestic partners of employees are eligible for comprehensive benefits and faculty/staff affinity groups exist to offer support for faculty/staff that identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or Black/African-American.