Advancement Communications Manager (4491)

The Advancement Communications Manager is a strategic member of Life University’s Office of Advancement, responsible for developing and executing the communications strategies to advance the department. This key member produces engaging, informative and compelling content that furthers Life University’s philanthropic priorities. The individual in this position will utilize several platforms, including print, web and email and should have working knowledge of best practices for each vehicle of communications.  
 
Serving as the communications leader for the Office of Advancement, this position develops compelling content, storytelling initiatives and multichannel communication strategies ((print, email, social media) that increase constituent engagement, promote philanthropic investment and elevate the visibility and impact of Advancement programs and initiatives. The Advancement Communications Manager collaborates closely with Development, Alumni & Friends, LIFEforce and University Marketing to ensure alignment with institutional priorities while maintaining Advancement's fundraising, stewardship and engagement objectives. 
 
Essential Job Functions   
COMMUNICATIONS 

1. Develops and implements a comprehensive Advancement communications strategy aligned with the University's fundraising, alumni engagement and institutional priorities. 
2. Creates annual communications plans, editorial calendars and messaging frameworks supporting Advancement initiatives, campaigns, events and engagement efforts. 
3. Serves as the primary communications strategist for the Office of Advancement and liaison with the Marketing Department.  
4. Works with members of the Office of Advancement division including the Vice President of University Advancement to identify, develop and implement a strategic communications plan for donors, alumni and friends and key stakeholders of the University that strengthens constituent engagement and philanthropic support. 
5. Responsible for segmentation, content creation and execution of email campaigns, newsletters and other Advancement communications targeting donors, prospective donors, alumni and friends of the University – through Raiser’s Edge NXT software. 
6. Responsible for buildout and formatting of any communications coming from the Office of Advancement to ensure brand standards align with Life University Marketing. 
7. Develops compelling donor-centric communications designed to elicit philanthropic support for Life University’s giving campaigns, including but not limited to annual giving, planned giving, and capital campaigns. 
8. Partners with other members of the Advancement Department to develop campaign communications, case statements, donor proposals, stewardship reports and impact communications. 
9. Partners with Alumni & Friends department to create communications that build lifelong engagement and strengthen relationships with Life University alumni and supporters. 
10. Develops communications including segmented newsletters that highlight alumni achievements, constituent success stories and institutional impact. Content to be provided by Alumni and Friends Department.  
11. Assists with writing and editing institutional messaging related to philanthropy on behalf of the Office of University Advancement. 
12. Provides editorial review and quality assurance for Advancement communications to ensure adherence to AP style, brand standards and institutional messaging. 
13. Develops and maintains Advancement-related website content on alumni.life.edu through Blackbaud’s NetCommunity, in partnership with Office of Advancement and University Marketing. 
14. Apply data analytics skills to report efficacy of communications in the Office of Advancement internally and externally. 
15. Administrator of project management software (i.e. Monday.com) for all Office of Advancement communication initiatives. 
16. Supports Alumni & Friends Department related to social media channels.  
17. Monitors industry trends and higher education advancement best practices to enhance communication effectiveness and constituent engagement. 
18. Serves as Executive Assistant to the Vice President of University Advancement, and the Associate Vice President of Development, Research and Innovation for a maximum of 10 hours per week

 
Additional Duties And Responsibilities 

1. Ability to adjust to new projects, provide a strategic mindset and work in a fast-paced environment composed of digital and physical campaigns. 
2. Assist with special projects and initiatives as needed. 
3. Represents the Office of University Advancement in a professional manner consistent with the mission, values and standards of Life University. 
4. Demonstrates exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 
5. Supports a collaborative, service-oriented culture within University Advancement. 
6. Exhibits student centeredness in performance of all job duties. 
7. Uphold a strict level of confidentiality regarding donor, constituent and institutional information. 
8. Treats all others with respect and understands the impact of culture/background on the behavior of others. Respects differences among the Life community and demonstrates inclusive behavior. 
9. Anticipates, listens to, understands and responds to customer needs. Delivers work products and services to customers in a way that reflects positively upon the department and the University. 
10. Proven interpersonal skills with experience providing administrative support in a high-profile environment with tact and diplomacy, experience managing multiple deadlines and experience working with minimal supervision. 
11. Maintains neat, clean, professional appearance as directed by university policy. 
12. Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

Education, Training, and/or Experience 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, English or related field from an accredited institution of higher education, or similar; AND  
• Minimum of two (2) to three (3) years of experience in a nonprofit, education, fundraising or communications setting. 

 
Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, higher education or related field.  
• Experience with Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge NXT, NetCommunity, Monday.com, Canva, Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, M365 Copilot or other Advancement and Stewardship focused CRM platforms and comparable tools. 
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in a nonprofit, education, fundraising or communications setting preferred. Life University welcomes candidates with a variety of experiences and skillsets. If you are excited about this opportunity and believe your skills, experience and passion align with the role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every requirement. We value transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a commitment to our mission. 

Physical Demands   

• Nature of work requires the ability to operate standard business office equipment.   
• Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collects, compiles, compares, and prepares work documents, set-up and maintain work files. 
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs; retrieving and placing materials on high shelves and on floor-level shelves; standing, walking; carrying; grasping; hearing; seeing; sitting; kneeling; climbing; balancing; stooping; crouching and reaching.  

 
Working Conditions   

• Work performed in an executive office environment. 
• May require availability for overtime hours during peak periods, including 4 or more weekend days per year.