Director of Advancement Marketing and Communications

Job Summary:

College Advancement
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

 

Colby College is seeking a strategic and innovative director of advancement marketing and communications at an exciting and defining moment in the College’s history. This individual will be responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive and integrated marketing and communications plan designed to increase engagement and philanthropy among Colby alumni, family, and friends.

 

A member of the Division of College Advancement communications and engagement leadership team, the director of advancement marketing and communications oversees all digital, print, social, and multimedia communications related to the advancement operation. Responsible for supervising a team of staff members, the director will coordinate communications and outreach across a suite of publications and digital platforms, study and track digital analytics, and work closely with senior leadership, alumni volunteers, and colleagues within the division and across campus to improve engagement across primary audiences.

 

Reporting to the senior director of communications and engagement, the director collaborates with leadership and principal gifts teams, alumni and parent programs, annual philanthropy, and donor relations to implement a comprehensive, strategic advancement communications program in support of Colby's engagement and philanthropic efforts. The successful candidate will also coordinate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to plan, design, and execute multi-channel communications to deliver segmented, relevant, and timely content. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In partnership with the senior director, develop and lead the execution of an Advancement-wide, multi-channel, digital-first comprehensive communications strategy that communicates Colby’s key messages to alumni, parents, and donors; inspires engagement; and motivates philanthropy
• Work closely with other Division of College Advancement directors and staff to determine departmental communications needs, recommend how best to meet them, execute strategies, and meet defined goals in a timely manner
• Manage advancement communications and marketing efforts for individual projects from strategic planning through execution and distribution, including print publications, web, email, electronic newsletters, and multimedia communications
• Individually contribute to the development of content for a full range of advancement communication materials, including print, web, social, and email solicitations, gift proposals, case statements, newsletters, and talking points
• In partnership with counterparts in Colby’s Office of Communications develop a social media strategy that leverages content, creates an influencer cohort, and maximizes the use of technology
• Supervise the Advancement Marketing and Communications team, including performance management, employee development, and day-to-day team management
• Steward the use of the Division of College Advancement brand, ensuring consistent implementation of the graphic identity and communications standards
• Utilize data capture and tracking tools to deliver relevant and timely content through multiple channels
• Develop systems to ensure consistency, clarity, cost efficiency, and high quality of advancement communications
• Build knowledge and support of the campaign by showcasing and connecting the impact of the College's initiatives through the Division of College Advancement’s communications channels, including the website, social media presence, and emails
• Lead production timelines and creative development with internal and external content generators and freelance designers to meet aggressive deadlines while ensuring quality and impact, and overseeing department budget
• Ensure the College regularly conducts relevant market research, coordinate and oversee this activity, and monitor trends
• Keep informed of developments in the fields of marketing and communications to ensure that Colby’s strategy and approach remain leading-edge
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; advanced coursework in marketing, communications, journalism or a related field a plus
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in creating and managing digital content; experience in a creative marketing agency setting or higher education preferred
• Ability to use analytics to inform decisions; strong research and electronic communications skills, including interpretation of data and trends
• Creative and strategic thought process with the drive to work independently as well as a track record of collaboration and innovation
• Superb written and oral communication skills, including editing and presentation skills   
• Excellent organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail and talent to handle multiple and varied tasks independently, while also working collaboratively
• Proven capability to handle multiple competing priorities and consistently meet deadlines in a timely manner
• Willingness and ability to work outside normal working hours (i.e. nights and weekends)
• Must be willing to travel; valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements
• The ability to make an impact as a member of a team and diverse community and in a complex, fast-paced and team-oriented environment
• Appreciation of Colby’s mission and the ability to effectively communicate it

 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the senior director of communications and engagement, this position will work closely with colleagues across the Division of College Advancement and campus, including the Office of the President. This position will liaise and partner with Colby’s Office of Communications in assisting with coordination of communication strategies, messages, content across multiple platforms.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and interact with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external constituencies regularly is crucial. Occasional travel is required as needed.

 

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

 

Director of Advancement Marketing and Communications - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME  04901-8855