Associate Director of Advancement Communications

Associate Director of Advancement Communications

University Job Title: Communications, Officer
Bargaining Unit: None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)
Time Type: Full time
Duration Type: Regular
Compensation Grade: Administration & Operations
Wage Ranges: Click here to see our Wage Ranges
Work Location: Central Campus
Worksite Address: 157 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Work Week: Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)
Searchable Job Family: Communications/Editing/Teaching
Total # of Hours to be Works: 37.5

Position Focus:
The Associate Director of Advancement Communications is a member of the Alumni Engagement and Development (AED) team. The Associate Director is responsible for articulating the goals and vision of complex initiatives, making a persuasive case for philanthropic support, and developing and implementing effective strategies for communicating with our key audiences, including, alumni donors, and friends. The Associate Director of Advancement Communications reports to the Director of Donor Relations and is an integral part of the fundraising efforts at the School. This is an opportunity to shape a critical area of importance for a top law school with an engaged alumni base and a strong tradition of philanthropy. The Associate Director will serve as a catalyst for the growth of YLS' philanthropic constituency, and enhanced relationships between alumni and the School. The Associate Director: Understands Yale Law School fundraising goals, and is able to articulate how these goals advance the mission of the enterprise and the impact of philanthropy. Works collaboratively with AED staff, YLS faculty, the Office of Public Affairs, and various teams within Yale Law School and across Yale University to develop targeted communication products that inspire giving and deepen engagement. Researches, writes, and edits original content, including gift stories, proposals, reports, whitepapers, brochures, letters, one-pagers, bios, volunteer materials, event collateral, talking points, and FAQs. Acts as an advisor, editor, and project manager for AED communications needs, proactively providing input to ensure consistent messaging, copy editing support, and serving as a liaison between vendors (i.e. mail house, printers, communication consultants), and AED staff to insure the successful completion of communication projects. Develops and implements a strategic communications plans designed to intentionally and proactively engage, inform, and inspire targeted audience segments including alumni, donors, and friends. Tailors written materials to inspire different audiences through a variety of channels. Coordinates reviews by internal and external partners and incorporates feedback. Utilizes project tracking software to support the production of communications projects and publications, and to ensure adherence to deadlines. Develops and meets aggressive production timelines for communication materials. Utilizes systems and prepares reports for the management of communication projects. Develops metrics and analysis for ongoing success of AED communications goals. Manages digital strategy for AED, including the development and maintenance of web content in partnership with the Office for Public Affairs. The Associate Director will have a deep understanding of and demonstrated ability with multichannel communications, including digital and print, web site development and content management, gift acknowledgements, campaign collateral, and bespoke, discrete communication efforts designed to recognize and celebrate giving by the most generous donors to the School. The successful candidate will be a highly collaborative, innovative, detailed, strategic, creative, and intellectually curious/broad thinker who has a demonstrated track record of inspiring a culture of giving through communications in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

Essential Duties:
1. Manages relationships with external media sources. Pursues media coverage creatively and aggressively. Responds to inquiries from national and international news media, student media, the University community and the general public. 2. Enhances the overall quality of media relations for key stakeholders by preparing them for media interviews. Manages relationships with key campus stakeholders with a high degree of professionalism, judgment and understanding of stakeholder goals. 3. Creates compelling story ideas and narratives; produces content for both external and internal channels; writes copy and social media posts and manages content. 4. Plans social media strategies for key University communications and programs. Monitors University social media assets for negative comments or misinformation. 5. Supports short- and long-term communication planning with insights into audiences, channels and culture; coordinates with other communications professionals to achieve institutional goals; leads the communications process within developed standards and protocols. 6. Supports effective response strategies, often in crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, and articulates the University’s position via personal interviews or written responses. 7. Produces multimedia content and manages the work of graphic and web designers, student interns, printers, video producers and photographers. 8. Manages communication plans for all stakeholders by understanding the significance of campus initiatives and/or academic work; creates compelling stories and messages to translate the significance through language that is clear and accessible for public awareness. 9. Develops and maintains regular contact with media representatives in multiple disciplines. 10. Maintains the Yale brand and graphic identity standards; supports and maintains standard operating procedures; contributes to digital asset management. 11. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field and five years of experience in public relations, journalism, communications or agency work or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in developing communications for a range of media and working with creative professionals in design, photography or video.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Ability to work in a team-based environment, and have the ability to engage with and motivate staff, donors, and volunteers.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Demonstrated success in developing and executing effective and strategic communication materials in support of fundraising and alumni engagement goals.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Excellent communication, interpersonal, presentation, and organizational skills. Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Strong digital/computer skills including MS Office, Excel, Power Point, Canva, databases, project management platforms, website management, and networked information systems.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliver results in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.



Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:
Experience in a complex, matrixed university setting working with alumni and donors. Familiarity with Yale University.


Drug Screen: No
Health Screening: No

Background Check Requirements:


COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement:
Thank you for your interest in employment at Yale University. Please also note that the university has a https://covid19.yale.edu/covid-19-vaccination-policy "> COVID-19 vaccination and booster requirement for all students, staff & faculty which is described in the https://yalehealth.yale.edu/yale-covid-19-vaccine-program"> COVID-19 Vaccine Program. As you search our open positions, you will see that all postings list their on-site addresses which gives more detail on the on-campus work location of the role.


Posting Disclaimer:
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

To apply, visit https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?partnerid=25053&siteid=5248&PageType=JobDetails&jobid=1556614



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