Assistant Director of Development & Alumni Communications

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Communications supports the planning and implementation of important initiatives for the College of Arts and Sciences and engineering, law, management, and social work schools (as well as other strategic business units, as assigned). This includes 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 Executive Director of Development and Alumni Communications to incorporate schools’ and units’ 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 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 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 communications and the Executive Director to facilitate strategic development projects and initiatives in the cultivation of prospective donors, acquisition of gifts, and subsequent recognition of supporters across a number of the university’s schools and college. (15%).
3. Work with key school and college constituents to prepare presentations to various types of donors (individuals, associations, foundations and corporations) for special initiatives. (5%)
4. Become knowledgeable about various schools’ 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 the Executive Director for Development and Alumni Communications assigns. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Advise the school and college leaders as to projecting the highest level of professionalism possible in all interactions and communications. (5%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

• Department: Contact with staff as required to perform essential functions.
• University: Contact with schools and administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.
• Students: Occasional contact with undergraduate, graduate and professional students as required to perform essential functions.
• External: Regular contact with alumni, friends and donors.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• 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. 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. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
7. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
8. Proven ability to meet deadlines.
9. Proficiency in working with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
10. Knowledge of health sciences education and research is desirable; college or university experience is highly desirable.
11. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
12. Familiarity with Mac platform.
13. Familiarity with web content management systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• General office environment, some evening and weekend work hours will be required. Occasional travel required.

BENEFITS

• Over three weeks of paid vacation, paid sick days, 12 paid holidays (not including closing between 12/26 and 12/31), and summer hours
• Tuition Waiver – for you and your dependents
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plus a 401k match program

Case Western Reserve University