The College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA) seeks applicants for the position of Assistant Director for Advancement Communications to develop and oversee a communications strategy for the FAA Office of Advancement, in collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Advancement and the FAA Director of Communications, to accomplish Advancement communication goals and articulate a clear case for support. The Assistant Director for Advancement Communications will lead the creation of advancement print materials, manage social media presence and channels, and contribute to the College’s website content.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Implementation and Execution

• Oversee the creation, editing, and distribution of print materials and messages, including brochures, invitations, informational handouts, flyers, announcements, press releases, and annual reports.
• Review units’ advancement communications, plans, and strategies to ensure compliance with College and campus marketing and brand standards.
• Identify and write stories on gift/donor impact for the website, e-newsletters, and other print materials, including the college magazine, Dimension.
• Write and edit proposals, working closely with advancement officers, Unit Executive Officers, and Assistant Dean for Advancement to create unique and personalized proposals for the College and units.
• Write and edit stewardship reports, working closely with Advancement officers, Associate Director for Stewardship and Donor Relations, Assistant Dean for Advancement, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement to individualize and personalize content and schedule.
• Manage advancement-related website content and giving pages, online calendar, social media presence, and use of other online media.
• Track and measure the effectiveness of communications.

Project Management and Strategy

• Develop a comprehensive advancement communications strategy to drive philanthropy for the College and reach key stakeholders including alumni, donors, friends of the college, and other constituents.
• Work in close collaboration with FAA Marketing and Communications team and FAA units to lead the development of advancement communication strategies for both internal and external audiences that are both consistent with the College’s communications strategy and in compliance with College and campus marketing and brand standards.
• Articulate, refine, and amplify College campaign priorities and initiatives.
• Lead the communications efforts for Advancement and collaborate with Directors of Advancement to promote their units’ visibility through web, print, multimedia, social media, and other emerging communications vehicles.
• Manage multiple deadlines and fast-changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail and a commitment to strategic, measurable work.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Three years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
• Experience managing multiple work priorities in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in communications, marketing, English, journalism, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience with digital storytelling, marketing writing, and conducting interviews.
• Communication experience using multiple mediums.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong marketing sense and ability to think creatively.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to set and manage expectations for partners and vendors.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills.