What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Advancement Communications position at The University of Toledo Alumni and Foundation?
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:
The Assistant Director of Advancement Communications serves as the primary point of contact for communication and marketing support related to external communications, stewardship, alumni engagement and development initiatives for The University of Toledo Foundation and Alumni Association (UTF/AA).
This role leads the development and execution of strategic, multi-channel communications that support fundraising, alumni engagement and institutional priorities. The position partners closely with internal and external stakeholders to deliver compelling, strategy-driven storytelling while ensuring alignment with university brand standards.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
30% – Strategic Communications & Content Development
- Develop and execute integrated marketing and communications plans supporting advancement, alumni engagement and fundraising initiatives.
- Plan and create content across multiple channels, including print, direct mail, website, email, social media and video.
- Partner cross-functionally with Advancement, Alumni Engagement, Annual Giving and university marketing teams to align branding, communications strategies and priorities.
30% – Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Communications
- Lead content strategy and execution for Alumni Association and Annual Giving communications across email, SMS, print and digital platforms.
- Analyze performance metrics and optimize communications strategies based on insights and outcomes.
- Serve as editor for the Alumni Association’s quarterly eMagazine.
- Ensure consistency and effectiveness of messaging across all platforms.
30% – Advancement Events and Stewardship Communications
- Lead development of marketing materials supporting Advancement Events initiatives, including print and digital invitations, event programs and signage.
- Oversee stewardship communications, including impact reports, donor materials and special projects.
- Ensure alignment of event and stewardship messaging with broader advancement strategy.
10%: Leadership, Brand Stewardship and Operational Excellence
- Serve as a liaison to UToledo Marketing and Communications.
- Lead as a subject matter expert on editorial and visual brand standards; provide guidance and quality control across projects.
- Proactively identify opportunities to enhance communications strategies, processes and partnerships.
- Provide editorial oversight to ensure accuracy, consistency and quality across all deliverables.
- The above duties reflect management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
- Other duties and special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, marketing, journalism or related discipline.
- 5 years of relevant, professional communications experience.
- Working knowledge and familiarity with AP style.
- High competence in Microsoft Office, social media platforms and comfort level with technology of all types.
- Working knowledge and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign).
- Experience or basic familiarity with HTML and website content management systems (e.g. Wordpress, Drupal).
- High proficiency in project management, attention to detail, prioritization of work and organizational skills.
- Familiarity with trends in communications, marketing and higher education.
- Eagerness and ability to learn new skills, software and responsibilities.
- Exceptional customer service mindset, with demonstrated professionalism to internal and external stakeholders.