Strategic Dev Comms Associate Dir-28450

Rush University Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 67,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Rush University Medical Center is seeking an Associate Director, Strategic Development Communications to plan, write, and execute donor proposals at substantial levels. You will work closely with frontline fundraisers and faculty to articulate philanthropic opportunities and report impact.

The role sits within the Office of Philanthropy’s communications team, shaping messaging for Rush's fundraising campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in journalism, communications, marketing, English or related field.
• Minimum of five years of writing experience in healthcare, science or higher education; philanthropy experience preferred.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills to articulate Rush's mission and campaign vision to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary author and project manager for donor proposals in collaboration with frontline fundraisers.
• Craft original prose that conveys why Rush and the campaign matter to donors.
• Assimilate diverse information to articulate the case for support clearly and persuasively.
• Leverage the Philanthropy Communications library to repurpose content for various materials.

Skills

Proposal writing

Storytelling

Editing/AP style

Interviews

Project management

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, English

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Department: Philanthropy

Work Type: Full Time

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $32.00 - $46.44 per hour

Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush's anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case. This role has a corresponding incentive plan based on multiple factors. incentive compensation and additional benefits can be found on our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits)

Summary

The Associate Director, Strategic Development Communications is responsible for planning, writing and executing original proposals at the $100,000-$1 million level and other deliverables that contribute to high-priority donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. While this role does not maintain a donor portfolio, the Associate Director works closely with frontline fundraisers, leveraging writing and organizational skills to help build relationships and secure gifts. The Associate Director also will work directly with clinical and academic faculty and staff throughout Rush University Medical Center and Rush University to define and articulate philanthropic opportunities and report on the impact of donors’ support. Reporting to the Director, Strategic Development Communications, the Associate Director is an integral role on the Office of Philanthropy's Strategic Development Communications team, which develops and articulates messaging for Rush's current philanthropic campaign; defines and cultivates the campaign’s menu of philanthropic opportunities; drafts proposals, impact reports and cultivation materials for donors; and provides writing and editorial support as needed. The individual who holds this position exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Other Information

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in journalism, communications, marketing, English or a related field, or with communications experience in a related subject such as public health or medicine.
• A minimum of five years' experience writing in healthcare, science and/or higher education, with philanthropy experience preferred.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills required, including the ability to articulate Rush's mission and the campaign vision to a variety of constituencies with poise and diplomacy.
• Experience or familiarity with developing human-centered messages that emphasize real-world impact and meaning.
• Professional demeanor.
• Strong analytical and interviewing skills. Curiosity about healthcare and the biomedical sciences. Proven ability to master and then convey complex concepts, synthesizing information from multiple sources to produce original persuasive prose for general audiences.
• Broad experience working collaboratively on communication-related deliverables; welcomes constructive feedback and strives for continuous improvement.
• A track record of shepherding multiple projects with overlapping deadlines from inception to delivery.
• Poise in interacting with and eliciting information from clinicians, researchers, administrators and senior leaders.
• Familiarity with Associated Press style.
• Demonstrates a global perspective, crafting communications that resonate across cultures and contexts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint required; willingness to learn new technology preferred.

Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary author and project manager for assigned donor proposals, working in collaboration with frontline fundraisers who manage prospect relationships.
• Craft original prose that inspires, builds trust and imparts a sense of urgency, answering the questions "why Rush?" and "why now?"
• Assimilate information in a variety of forms to articulate the case for support and communicate complex concepts in easy-to-grasp messaging.
• Strategically and creatively utilize the Philanthropy Communications library of content to repurpose and build upon existing materials as appropriate.
• Set and monitor timelines for project deliverables and stakeholder review/approval; mobilize colleagues from across the institution to meet established deadlines.
• Assure that all elements of each proposal - narrative, budget, supporting information - are complete, accurate, tailored to the prospective donor's philanthropic interests and goals, and reinforce consistent messages.
• In close partnership with the Director, Strategic Communications, serve as a subject matter expert for select clinical and/or academic programs.
• Keep abreast of institutional facts, figures and news, and of relevant themes and trends in health care.
• As assigned, create and update stewardship reports, campaign materials, presentations, toolkits and one-pagers, and other philanthropy content.
• Partner with Philanthropy Communications colleagues to produce content about high-impact funding priorities and the impact of philanthropy that can be shared online, via social media and multimedia platforms, etc.
• Act as a liaison to fundraising teams and to Rush's central Office of Marketing and Communications, drawing from and contributing to the department's shared library of content. Develop, pilot and implement tools to improve all processes listed within this job description.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.