Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Communications, the Associate Director of Digital Content will join a team of communications professionals who tell the story of our community and its impact on the University.

In particular, this individual will manage the digital presence (division and campaign websites, social media, email campaigns, videography/photography, and emerging mediums) and content strategy/creation/deployment with the dual goals of increasing constituent engagement and increasing revenue through the direct and indirect use of these mediums. The Associate Director will work to ensure smooth user and backend functionality of the website to manage e-philanthropy activity. This individual will also help to manage all short form video production for the division, for use on the web and special event purposes.

The Associate Director will be responsible for creating metrics and using analytics to measure engagement progress and to test and evaluate new mediums for engagement. Other key objectives include working with diverse team members inside and outside the division to grow giving/philanthropy content on social media and the web and strategizing with colleagues to use digital tools (social, email, mobile giving) to grow revenue along with engagement.

Other duties as assigned. This is a full-time position. Unless otherwise noted, work is conducted on-site at an open office environment at the University.

Responsibilities

• Digital Content: Oversees and actively manages all digital content for University Advancement in coordination with the Senior Director of Communications and key divisional stakeholders, serving as webmaster for the division’s websites, maintaining content and planning new content for use on the web, focused on both engagement and philanthropy. Role includes managing existing alumni social channels, as well as close coordination on social promotion. Effective management and archiving of photo and video assets are essential. in concert with the Senior Director of Communications and the Advancement Communications team, the position writes, edits, styles, and deploys original and repurposed content for all digital mediums. They will regularly assess content strategy to define and align content with priorities and delivery method to best reach all target audiences and ensure consistent messaging. Works collaboratively to brainstorm ideas and plan projects and campaigns, then independently manage projects.
• Analytics and Evaluation: Utilizes data and analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of digital content for the web and social media, to continuously evaluate performance, modulate strategy and tactics, and thereby increase both engagement and giving. Along with the Senior Director of Communications, the position will set key performance indicators and establish metrics to effectively measure success rate and adjust strategy for maximum impact and outreach.
• Website Design and Development: Manages the division website in partnership with the Executive Director of Strategic Information Management, the University’s IT team, and outside vendors. Works with internal clients within Advancement and across the University to design and organize the site and new web content in ways that can help stakeholders meet their objectives, including expanded work with individual schools or participation in major University initiatives from an outbound messaging perspective.

Video: In partnership with the Senior Director of Communications, manages all long- and short-form video production for the division. Works with leadership to identify stories and donors to profile, brainstorm story arcs, and execute the vision. This high-profile function entails management of outside contractors, organization of subjects, and oversight of scripts and outline narratives.

• Production: Manages the production process for all ongoing digital projects, including gathering estimates and securing vendors. Establishes project parameters and timelines for both strategic, long-term communications pieces and one-time pieces for specific events and challenges. Serve as liaison with clients and vendors to ensure quality and adherence to the University’s branding standards. Conceptualizes, designs, and produces creative and consistent digital assets in support of University philanthropic priorities as assigned, ensuring consistency with University style guidelines. Functions as a key member of collaborative work teams with other communications staff division-wide and in the academic schools for strategically designed tasks.
• Events: Provide staff support at key University events as needed.

Qualifications

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and at least four (4) years of experience working in a communications or marketing role within a higher education institution; skill with the tools of modern communications and social media; the innate ability to self-start, task-manage, and work independently, as well as with a team; and a level of ease with networking and building strong working relationships. The position also requires strong interpersonal skills with attention to detail and accuracy and complete discretion regarding the handling of confidential data. Strong organizational, data analysis, and interpersonal skills are required, as is knowledge of the newest digital media platforms and Internet/website management and design and basic photography skills. Must be available to work extended and weekend hours for select events during the year.

Preferred Qualifications: Development office experience, especially in a higher education or nonprofit environment; experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar database environments; basic design, presentation, and video skills.