Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Job Description

The Director of Advancement Communications will lead strategic communications and storytelling that support Idaho State University’s alumni engagement, donor stewardship, and fundraising. This position plays a central role in building a culture of philanthropy through meaningful, audience-focused messaging. This role is distinctly communications-focused (not a traditional marketing position), requiring a sophisticated understanding of how to inspire, engage, and retain donors through personalized, impactful, and consistent communication.

The Director develops and manages integrated, multichannel strategies that support donor acquisition and retention, alumni engagement, and major giving. The Director reports to the Associate Vice President for Engagement and will collaborate regularly with colleagues across Advancement, ISU Foundation, University Marketing and Communications, and academic colleges to execute cohesive communications aligned with institutional goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead strategic communications plans that inspire giving, enhance donor stewardship, and deepen alumni engagement.
• Serve as a lead writer and editor for philanthropic communications including alumni success stories, impact reports, donor proposals, annual giving campaigns, and stewardship content.
• Partner with Advancement leadership to support communications tied to principal, major, planned, and annual giving priorities.
• Create graphic design materials targeting alumni and donor audiences.
• Create and manage an editorial calendar and multichannel communication strategy that spans digital, print, email, web, and social media platforms.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to support alumni and donor events, annual appeals, and Bengal Giving Day efforts.
• Track, analyze, and report on communication effectiveness and constituent engagement using relevant data and CRM tools.
• Observe and apply industry trends and best practices in philanthropic and higher education communications to ensure relevance and innovation.
• Coordinate with campus communicators to ensure consistency in messaging and maximize storytelling opportunities.
• Maintain message alignment across all communications and ensure all materials reflect Idaho State’s brand, voice, and mission.
• Manage occasional project-based vendor relationships (e.g., alumni and donor survey, print/mail houses) as needed.
• Contribute to the planning and support of university-wide initiatives and special campaigns, including ISU’s upcoming comprehensive fundraising campaign and 125-year anniversary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, writing, nonprofit management, or a related field
• Five years of professional experience in strategic communications, with a focus on philanthropic, nonprofit, or higher education audiences
• Demonstrated success in writing, editing, and producing content tailored to donor and alumni audiences
• Demonstrated skill in creative and graphic design and digital communications and marketing.
• Project management experience, particularly overseeing communications campaigns from planning to execution
• Experience using data to inform communications strategies and measure engagement and digital engagement platforms
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders to develop coordinated messaging

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting or managing communications for a comprehensive fundraising campaign
• Experience with donor databases and engagement platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, GiveCampus)
• Familiarity with alumni relations and annual giving strategies
• Experience in higher education advancement or nonprofit development communications
• Master’s degree in a related field

Additional Information

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before August 3, 2025. Salary will be between $65,000 – $75,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.

Note: Thank you for your interest in positions at Idaho State University. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by logging into your profile and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions, please review our https://www.isu.edu/hr/employee-tools/talent-acquisition/ta-faqs/.

Posting Number: req2547

Type: Working 12 months per year

Position: Non-classified Staff

Division: University Advancement

Idaho State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email mailto:[email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.