University Advancement - Associate Director, Advancement Communications & Creative Services

Sacred Heart University - Fairfield, CT

Full-time - Mid Level

Fairfield, CT

5,001-10,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, Sacred Heart University (SHU) is committed to shaping higher education for the 21st century. The Associate Director of Advancement Communications & Creative Services plays a pivotal role in supporting the university's mission by executing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that aligns with the goals of university advancement, fundraising, and alumni engagement. This position involves the development and creation of both digital and print content, including social media highlights and promotional materials for various university advancement initiatives and events. Collaboration with other campus partners is essential to create unique and branded designs, copy, and content for external outlets. The Associate Director will be responsible for designing and managing a cohesive visual identity for fundraising priorities, ensuring that campaigns, events, proposals, and promotional products are fully integrated with the university's overall creative direction. Building collaborative relationships is key to serving the strategic goals of University Advancement through effective marketing and communication efforts for programming, events, and alumni engagement opportunities. The role requires gathering, creating, and planning content for multiple distribution channels, including branded print and e-newsletters, event collateral, web content, postcards, social media, and multimedia. Additionally, the Associate Director will maintain a strategic flow of a 12-month multi-channel marketing and communications plan, adhering to detailed project plans and timelines. This position also involves collaboration with third-party vendors and internal staff on design needs for the Office of Advancement, including photography, video production, and digital communications. A strategic social media strategy will be developed and managed to enhance SHU's online presence and engagement with alumni and advancement audiences. The role requires a talent for persuasive storytelling and the ability to use communications to further the goals of the Office of Advancement. The Associate Director will also serve as the primary liaison for University Advancement's web presence, ensuring that the website is strategic, up-to-date, and effective in promoting UA goals. The use of various fundraising technology solutions, such as Blackbaud Raiser's Edge, NXT, and Luminate, will be essential in this role.

Responsibilities

• Support Sacred Heart University's mission by executing a holistic marketing and communications strategy that contributes to goals for university advancement, fundraising, and alumni engagement.
• Develop and create digital and print content for UA initiatives/events, including social media highlights and promotions.
• Design and manage a comprehensive visual identity for fundraising priorities, ensuring integration with the university's overall creative direction.
• Develop collaborative relationships to serve University Advancement's strategic goals through marketing and communication efforts.
• Gather, create, and plan content for multiple distribution channels, including print and e-newsletters, event collateral, web content, and social media.
• Maintain a strategic flow of a 12-month multi-channel marketing & communications plan and content strategy with UA.
• Collaborate with third-party vendors and internal staff on strategies and design needs for the Office of Advancement.
• Develop, manage, and coordinate a strategic social media strategy to enhance SHU's online presence.
• Assist with the implementation of an engagement model that involves alumni and donors in the life of the University.
• Serve as the primary liaison for UA's web presence, ensuring it is strategic and effective in promoting UA goals.

Requirements

• 5-7 years of experience in marketing/communications related field.
• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing/Communications or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Demonstrate essential competencies in writing, editing, and crafting messaging consistent with the university's voice and brand identity.
• Understanding of how marketing efforts influence engagement and giving.
• Knowledge of social media and digital marketing strategies.
• Budget management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM software (such as Raiser's Edge/NXT), Adobe Creative Suite, and HTML code.

Nice-to-haves

• Non-profit experience with an emphasis on fundraising is preferred.
• Talent for persuasive storytelling and the ability to use communications as a means of furthering the goals of the Office of Advancement.