Director of Philanthropy & Engagement Communications

Job Description

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

During the application process the “My Experience” page has a section provided “Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)” to upload required documents.

• Use the Upload button to add each document.
• You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
• All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
• Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.

Please provide the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).
• Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required at time of verbal offer).
  If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the applicant to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.

Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document. If you need assistance with this or any other matter, please contact us at .

SUMMARY:

The Director of Philanthropy & Engagement Communications manages and executes creative engagement and fundraising communications efforts for the Division of Philanthropy and Engagement. The Director is focused on strengthening alumni and donor relations at East Texas A&M University to increase pride in the community and support the university's short- and long-term strategies. The position reports to the AVP of Philanthropy & Engagement and will also serve as an additional liaison to University Marketing and Communications partners to ensure that messaging to external audiences of alumni, donors and friends are compelling, engaging, and align with the university's overall brand.

The Director will be a strong collaborator with colleagues across campus. They will help create and execute on a comprehensive communications plan, utilizing communications as an important point of engagement across channels. They will also ensure that the ongoing communications strategy complements that of the university, adhering to University brand guidelines.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the Division's goals by developing a comprehensive communications strategy across digital, print, and social media channels to achieve growth in engagement and philanthropy.
• Collaborates with Division colleagues as a strategic, data-driven thought leader and innovative content creator for the development and execution of engagement and fundraising collateral including but not limited to fundraising campaigns, alumni newsletters, stewardship, gift proposals, donor profiles, gift announcements, invitations, and brochures, for digital, print and multimedia content, to effectively reach alumni, families and donors through compelling storytelling and thoughtful outreach.
• Helps to manage the communications and engagement aspects of the Division’s technology and tools, working closely with Philanthropy Operations, to ensure optimal user experience, effective communications execution, and adherence to governance policies.
• Stays up to date with current practices, social media trends, advancements in technology, seizing opportunities and adapting as needed to achieve successful results.
• Regularly reports on communications and engagement metrics to show progress towards the Division's goals and makes recommendations to optimize campaigns and communications.
• Helps represent the alumni and donor audience to University Marketing and Communications.
• Define the annual communications plan and budget for Division’s communications in collaboration with the AVP of Philanthropy and Engagement.
• Balance discipline – planning, creating and measuring - with agility and handling the unexpected.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree plus five years of related experience in communications and engagement.
• Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: Knowledge and understanding of data-informed comprehensive communications strategy for engagement and fundraising. Has strong technical skills, knowledge, and experience in engagement, fundraising and communications technology, as well as analytics tools. High-level proficiency in essential design tools to include (all candidates to present work samples); specific skillset to include Adobe Creative Suite. Proven experience in core competencies within digital communication platforms for social media and email. Experience using social media management platform like Sprout Social. Exceptional writing and editing skills and a strong understanding of visual concepts, particularly within digital communications; expertise in core communications principles, strategies and best practices, as well as the evolving communications landscape. Creative self-starter with excellent organizational and planning skills to envision and innovate, oversee projects from concept to completion, and prioritize and pivot as needed. Strong diplomatic skills are required as well as the ability to work with senior executives, campus partners and donors. Ability to pitch ideas, share and receive constructive feedback, integrate varying points of view, and adapt to evolving technologies, platforms and trends. Exceptional professional interpersonal and team-building skills including collaboration with others to establish and maintain good working relationships across the organization. Excellent judgment and the ability to treat confidential information with discretion.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: NA
• Physical Requirements: NA
• Other Requirements: Must be available to work outside of office hours as needed, and staff major events for the university on occasional weeknights and weekends.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

• Non-profit or higher education experience preferred.Experience with Raiser’s Edge database a plus.Experience and proficiency with video creation and editing both short clips for social media usage and longer production for storytelling purposes.Experience and proficiency with web design.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE COMPETENCY:

Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system.

WHY WORK AT EAST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY?

Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance:

• Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
• Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.

Career Growth & Development:

• Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.

Academic Excellence:

• ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs.
• Over degree programs, including nationally ranked online and graduate options.
• First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
• Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

• Work in advanced facilities such as the ,-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,-acre agricultural research farm.

Vibrant Campus Life:

• Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams, contributing to a thriving campus community.

Prime Location & Growth:

• Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.

Visit us on our social media:

• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and ETAMU News