Director, Alumni and Advancement Communications

Department: Kellogg Communications
Salary/Grade: EXS/12

Job Summary:

The Director of Advancement and Alumni Communications provides leadership for the strategy and execution of communication plans with alumni, prospective donors, and donors, in partnership with Alumni Relations and Development, Integrated Marketing and Communications, and other Kellogg leadership, in support of Kellogg fundraising and engagement goals.

Specific Responsibilities:

Marketing and Communication Strategy:

• Working closely with Alumni Relations and Development, set the strategy for communications efforts to increase engagement of alumni community. This includes identifying audience segments, communication goals and strategies as well as determining the most effective communication channels/vehicles and timing for deployment.
• Lead the development of overarching messaging for Kellogg's alumni and donors as well as targeted messages for audience segments.
• Oversee the strategy and execution of print, digital and face-to-face alumni and development communications (e.g., fundraising proposals, , stewardship reports, white papers, website content, alumni social media channels, and talking points for gift officers, and others).
• Responsible for producing compelling proposals and gift agreements to entice donations to the school.
• Develop new communications vehicles, from concept through execution
• In partnership with the Senior Director, lead the content development strategy for the dean's touch points with alumni and donors, including written communications as well as event talking points etc.

Metrics:

• Develop and employ relevant analysis and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of the marketing and communications initiatives. (Follower growth on social channels, website traffic, participation in events, email metrics)
• Analyze and refine marketing and communication processes in order to achieve continuous improvement.
• Contribute to achievement of revenue goals set annually by overall ARD team

Management and Leadership:

• Work with IMC team to collaborate, inform and continually deliver consistent, compelling communications.
• Embed Kellogg's mission/strategy, leadership philosophy/approach, and performance driven culture throughout the team.
• Collaborate across the Alumni Relations and Development team, identifying opportunities for integration to maximize impact.
• Partner with internal Kellogg teams to uncover compelling stories to share with alumni (Insights, faculty research, student life, admissions, CMC)

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations. marketing or related field, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in advancement communications with increasing levels of responsibility within a complex organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational/project management and creative skills.
• Proven ability to counsel and advise senior leaders in complex environment on effective strategic advancement communication best practices and approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to drive measurable outcomes.
• Proven record of accomplishment that demonstrates initiative, creativity, managerial and interpersonal skills, preferably in a university setting.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong aptitude for critical thinking with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output.
• Ability to develop integrated communication strategies - that will touch across the ARD team and be in sync with IMC initiatives
• In-depth understanding of digital and social media platforms and how to leverage them to further the goals of Alumni Relations and Development.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of academic, administrative and corporate management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, ability to develop strategy, messaging and positioning for advancement communications.
• Proven good judgment and an ability to work collaboratively across functions and groups to achieve established objectives.
• Ability to work with tact, diplomacy and discretion.
• Strong organizational, project management skills and workflow coordination skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability in handling multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines.
• Ability to quickly analyze and integrate information from relevant (and sometimes disparate) sources.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to self-start.
• Fluency in MS Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Eight or more years of experience in development communications roles

Target hiring range for this position will be $110,000 - $120,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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