Director, Advancement Communications

Director, Advancement Communications

The Advancement Communications Director supports fundraising and stewardship strategies, internal and external communications, and associated outreach / events aimed at donors, alumni, alumni parents, current families, and prospective families. The Advancement Communications Director is a key member of the University advancement team and is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives that support the University's fundraising, alumni relations, and engagement efforts. This role involves creating compelling content for a variety of platforms, managing communications campaigns, and enhancing the visibility and reputation of the University among donors, alumni, and other stakeholders This position will help articulate and communicate the University's philanthropic identity and unique characteristics to key constituents, enhancing the messaging within the Loyola donor community, as well as strengthening the University's external marketing position.

The director is responsible for planning, analyzing, and implementing a cohesive and consistent vision for messaging, branding, communications, and marketing across all platforms for advancement to enhance engagement in support of advancements strategic goals. Collaborate with the VP of Advancement and AVP for Marketing and Communications to align communication efforts with fundraising campaigns and alumni engagement initiatives. This position will focus on implementing a content strategy that elevates Loyola in the minds of alumni, donors and constituents. Collaborate across the division of Advancement to help develop, create content, and execute integrated annual communication plans around milestone events (Bull Roast, Reunions, Homecoming, etc.), the university's capital campaign, major gifts and other advancement communication priorities. Will also be called upon to serve the communication needs of the Advancement Division.

Produce high-quality written content, including newsletters, press releases, website copy, social media posts, fundraising collateral, and donor reports. Manage the development of print and digital marketing and fundraising materials, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding. Responsible for creating content, and leading team in the creation of innovative and engaging content for alumni, donors, parents and other key advancement constituents. Develop and write compelling stories, articles, press releases, and other materials that highlight the impact of alumni and donor contributions. Ensure all content is accurate, engaging, timely, and aligns with the university's mission and values. Monitor, analyze and adjust content strategy to optimize for strong performance. The director, with their team, develops the following communications assets (among others) : Major and leadership annual gift proposals; Stewardship content and reports; Impact stories; Social media posts; Email newsletters and communications; Digital and physical signage; Website content, and Videos.

Partner with the VP of Advancement and AVP, Major Gifts to coordinate and implement multi-channel communication campaigns to support major fundraising initiatives and events. Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of campaigns, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and other key stakeholders through targeted communication efforts. Craft personalized communications for major donors, including thank you letters, impact reports, and updates on university initiatives.

Manage the advancement program's presence on social media platforms, creating engaging content to increase followers and engagement. Create meaningful advancement content and partner with the colleagues to assess analytics and engagement. Update and maintain the advancement section of the University website, ensuring timely and relevant information is available to visitors.

Work closely with the University marketing and communications team to ensure alignment and synergy in messaging. Provide communications support for other advancement team members as needed. Partner with University leadership, deans, and faculty to glean University specific information and content to create a meaningful communication strategy. Supervise the Assistant Director of Advancement Communications.

Promote advancement events through various communication channels, including email marketing, social media, and the University's website. Create promotional materials and coordinate event-related communications to ensure high attendance and engagement.

Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Bachelor's degree

8+ years relevant year's experience in social media proficiency, and insight into emergent technologies including 3 years of supervisory responsibilities. Experience with website content management systems required. Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, comfort with databases (Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge database experience preferred). Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, Lightroom, and Premiere, is preferred. Digital photography and video production experience preferred.

Strong organizational skills; detail-oriented; ability to effectively multitask and prioritize while working in a dynamic environment; ability to effectively manage short- and long-term projects; self-starter; patient and creative problem-solver who thinks and reacts quickly; flexible - able to effectively manage unexpected challenges and changes in direction or priority; excellent verbal and written communications skills; ability to write smart, concise copy that effectively communicates information to a wide range of audiences in various formats (e.g., print, Web, social); strong interpersonal skills; professional and approachable; willingness to collaborate and work as a team-player with a range of faculty, staff, and administrators throughout the University.

Office environment / no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands.

Successful candidates for any staff, faculty, or administrative position at Loyola University Maryland will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Note : Experience and / or education may be substituted for requirements.

Loyola University Maryland, located in the vibrant city of Baltimore, is a prestigious, selective, comprehensive university with a strong residential liberal-arts-based undergraduate program and professional graduate programs at the master's and doctoral levels. Founded in 1852, Loyola is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States and the first to bear the name of Saint Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Deeply committed to the Ignatian principles upon which it was founded, Loyola focuses on the care and education of the whole person mind, body, and spirit and its mission centers on preparing its students to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and changing world.