Associate Director, Advancement Communications

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director, Advancement Communications helps in leading and executing strategy for communications that enhance alumni and donor engagement at Bentley University. Reporting to the Director of Advancement Communications within University Advancement, this role collaborates with partners across the division and campus to develop and deliver unique content and communications plans for events, giving campaigns, affinity groups, donor relations and more. The Associate Director is a strategic, creative, highly motivated and deadline-oriented team member, with strong organizational and project management skills, excellent writing skills and a keen eye for design. The Associate Director is committed to creating a culture of philanthropy and keeping alumni and donors connected to their alma mater.

Essential Duties

• Maintain a keen understanding of institutional strategic and fundraising priorities and ensure they are considered while developing all advancement communications, including those that focus on engagement.

• Partners with teams across University Advancement to create, produce and execute communications strategy and tailored campaigns to motivate engagement and giving among various audiences for events, volunteerism, lifelong learning and philanthropy. Ensures content is compelling, fresh, on trend, and audience/channel appropriate.

• Responsible for independently leading and managing projects that include print, digital, and web, serving both as primary project manager as well as content creator and executor. The role will largely focus on digital communications including email marketing and website development and updating, but will work with multiple  partners to execute and publish high-quality, cohesive multichannel content. Proofs and ensures accuracy, accessibility and brand alignment.

• Manages advancement communications projects, including collaborations with Marketing and Communications on design or multimedia needs. Works with the Director of Advancement Communications to maintain the overall Advancement Communications production schedule, making sure deadlines are met, and overseeing scheduling for strategic release and to avoid email fatigue and audience overlap.

• Trains on and masters University Advancement platforms and technology,  including but not limited to Slate email marketing and forms, Drupal, RGE Studio and similar html builders, and analytics tools. Stays informed on enhancements and new releases and shares with the team.  

• Collaborates with Advancement Services team on project data needs, submitting data requests in a timely manner and working closely with colleagues to ensure data is accurate and being utilized effectively.

• Stays up to date on marketing trends and best practices, monitors performance of communications, and makes recommendations.

• Contributes to content creation, proofing, and management of advancement content for Bentley Magazine as needed.

• Assist in managing freelance and external vendors, including designers, photographers, printers and mail houses.

• Edit and proofread outgoing communications as needed, ensuring that content is reviewed and approved as required prior to publication or distribution.

• Hire, train, and supervise student worker(s), providing direction and leadership and delegating effectively on a variety of communications tasks, including design, writing, data analysis, and more.

• Identify storytelling opportunities for alumni and donor engagement and write stories or spotlights.

• Provides support for Advancement Communications team members as needed for social media, flagship events, fundraising campaigns, etc.

• Perform other duties as assigned.
   

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of experience in advancement communications, marketing, or marketing communications.

• Strong project manager with a customer-focused approach who can work independently, take initiative and meet deadlines and goals.

• Demonstrated knowledge of marketing strategy for multichannel, segmented communications campaigns, including a strong understanding of digital engagement, analytics and data-informed strategy development.

• Detail oriented, with excellent writing and proofreading skills.

• Exceptional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Proficiency and comfort working with HTML and email design tools.

• Experience creating and maintaining websites using Drupal or similar CMS.

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop) and Canva.

• Proficiency with complex project management tools (e.g. Wrike) to optimize workflows and efficiency.

• Ability to handle confidential information with a high level of discretion and sound judgement.

• Ability to produce high-quality work on deadline while managing multiple projects, priorities and deadlines.

• Collaborative and collegial approach to working with teams; ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant experience and knowledge of the university fundraising profession and methods of higher education institutional advancement, alumni engagement and fundraising.

• Keen eye for design and ability to develop, package and produce content for a variety of channels and mediums.

• Occasional travel or event attendance, sometimes outside of regular business hours, to photograph events or manage freelance vendors.
   

Work Environment

• Typical office setting with extensive sitting and computer work.

• Ability to travel around and outside of campus for work related meetings and other work, travel may occur outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends.

• This role offers a flexible work arrangement, combining in-person attendance with remote work. On-site presence is required based on business needs, team collaboration, or scheduled meetings. Scheduling specifics will be determined in conjunction with the manager. As with any flexible arrangement, this is subject to change based on business needs.

Pay Transparency

At Bentley we offer a “total rewards” package designed to attract, motivate, retain, and reward our employees. This includes competitive compensation, robust benefits, career development and opportunities, generous paid time off, workplace flexibility and a positive, engaging employee experience. In alignment with the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act and our commitment to equity and transparency, we’re sharing the salary grade range for this role. The grade range is based on market data and the scope of responsibilities. Final pay will depend on your experience, education, and other relevant qualifications.

Salary Grade Range:

$67,960 - $113,126 per year

If you have questions about the salary grade range or need additional information, please contact us at GA_HR_Employment@bentley.edu

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.