Director, Marketing and Communication

Position summary:         This position is responsible for developing and implementing the marketing strategies that will shape the print and electronic communication with alumni, donors, students, and parents of students for the Office of Alumni Relations and Development. The Marketing and Communications team leads the creation of all publications that represent the Office of Alumni Relations and Development. This position has the lead role in building relationships with OARD audiences and establishing and implementing the branding and messaging strategies that will result in increased participation both in attendance at events and in meeting fundraising goals. The Director will support and advise the senior staff of OARD in relation to marketing and communication issues.

 

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

 

·        Develop the relationship strategy for each discrete audience; Define objectives, key messages, and desired outcomes for each audience. Working with individual teams in OARD, determine ROI strategy for each audience.

 

·        With Associate Directors, develop communications and oversee design and content for all major fundraising, major Alumni Association/alumni relations programs/events, and stewardship publications, from concept formation to the writing of specific feature-length articles, ads, brochures, and ad hoc materials. Develop communications in appropriate voice, using language that is specific to each audience that will achieve the desired call to action.

 

·        Develop the ability for OARD to analyze alumni (and other audiences’) response/behavior to direct organization’s future communication strategies.

 

·        With Development Information Services team, continue development of the functionality, community features, and online tools of the Northwestern Alumni Association’s web site, the Development web site, and the OARD Intranet site. Manage the creation and editing of content for the community features of the Alumni Association’s website, the Development web site, and the OARD intranet. 

 

·        Develop marketing strategies for NAA services/products and the promotion of all Northwestern Alumni Association-sponsored programs through the Web site (i.e., reunions, Council of 100, NAA Awards).

 

·        Manage Marketing and Communications staff, including two managers. Provide leadership, setting and evaluating individual goals, developing and sustaining appropriate training, mentoring, and assigning and monitoring coverage of primary areas of focus.

 

·        Responsible for editing all ongoing and ad hoc publications for adherence to correctness and style guides, and maintain an in-house style guide for OARD staff for ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices.

 

·      Consult with development officers and deans of all undergraduate schools and develop materials for fundraising priorities, as needed.

 

·      Responsible for tracking Marketing and Communications department budget.

 

·      Identify and recruit appropriate administrators, faculty members, alumni, and/or donors as information providers and interview subjects. Follow through with fact-finding, in-depth interviewing, strategy testing, and the negotiation and resolution of any questions or conflicts that arise in the process.

 

·      Provide senior editorial support for all ongoing and ad hoc publications for adherence to style guides – including the University Relations Guide to Editorial Style, the Chicago Manual of Style, and the development of an in-house style guide – for correctness, consistency, and adherence to best practices; mentor staff to become aware of and proficient at achieving these standards.

 

·      Originate persuasive written arguments and informational presentations for use in fund-raising calls, most frequently by the University President.

 

·      Other duties as assigned.

·        Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Marketing or Communications desirable

 

·        Exemplary communications, interpersonal, and management skills required as well as the ability to work within a complex, dynamic organization.

 

·        7 to 10 years of proven success in the marketing and communications field, including a minimum of 7 years of experience as a professional writer and editor preferably in an agency setting, with substantial publications experience in both print and web media

 

·        Demonstrated management skills and proven ability to lead a team of individuals towards a common goal.

 

·        Demonstrated ability to develop strategic plans, implement programs, organize, initiate and motivate is required

 

·        Excellent computer skills; experience in the development of Websites, specifically with Dreamweaver software is required

 

·        Familiarity and empathy with the culture and mission of a major research university is essential; familiarity with this institution in its entirety must be acquired

 

·        Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and flawlessly; confident, professional, positive attitude with a sense of humor.

 

·        Sound organizational skills; a high degree of creativity, and initiative; excellent communication skills (both oral and written); and the ability to project the unique aims and values of Northwestern University to its 200,000 alumni are also essential.