Description

Content Director, Development Communications

Department: Communications

Reports to: Senior Director & Team Lead, Communications & Creative Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Who we are and what we’re about:

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.
As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity. You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends. This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university. We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.
People are engaged. Purpose is ignited. Lives are changed.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:

At KU Endowment, we recognize that we best achieve our mission of building a greater University of Kansas by embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to cultivating a people-centered environment that is welcoming to the spectrum of differences among us in an atmosphere of respect and fairness. Accordingly, our staff, Board of Trustees, volunteers and donors will work together to create a more representative, equitable and inclusive KU Endowment.

What we are looking for:

A full-time professional position providing editorial guidance for KU Endowment’s Communications Department, with specific emphasis on materials crafted to support the KU Endowment development team. The director plays an instrumental role in developing inspiring and effective development communications that serve the mission of the organization and engage our donor audiences. With a demonstrated commitment to storytelling and tailoring messages by audience, provides editorial direction for internal departments and all donor communications.

Maintains the brand voice of KU Endowment through the management of our Editorial Style Guide and writing resources. Manages the centralized content and messaging database that feeds all communications efforts in support of organizational departments. Provides editorial direction and support for annual fundraising projects and initiatives, major gift solicitations and comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including publications, proposals, solicitations, emails, digital content, promotional items, video scripts, invitations and event-related materials.

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – passion for KU, partnership with donors, perpetual support for KU, and a people-centered approach – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.

What’s a typical day look like?

• Consult and work with the Senior Director & Team Lead, Communications & Creative Operations on communications and marketing planning. Serve as an editorial resource for all staff and provide editing, content guidance and execution for specific projects. 
• Direct publications for donor-facing editorial content, digital storytelling, Annual Report and other major publications. Oversee the project team, edit all copy and work collaboratively with editors, designers, writers, freelancers and other stakeholders to ensure content is completed successfully, on time and on budget.
• Supervise Senior Writer, Proposals and Writer positions. Contribute to the strategy development for materials that cultivate, secure and steward funding for priorities. Edit significant major gift proposals. Write and manage proposals as necessary due to workload demands.
• Develop creative ideas and strategic direction and then execute content for individual projects and ongoing campaigns. Particular emphasis on major gift materials, annual fundraising and campaigns.
• Work closely with the Senior Writer – Communications regarding external story strategies and key messaging for implementation and oversee the consistency of content produced by development communications team members.
• Conduct interviews with KU Endowment employees, scholarship recipients, faculty and donors; conduct confidential research into the background of donors and award recipients, and the history of association funds.
• Develop feature stories for assigned focus areas and assist other editors in developing written materials, including media releases and web content, as assigned.
• Collaborate on website content plans, contribute content and assist with editing the sites.
• Edit copy written by other writers, as assigned.
• Mentor less-experienced staff members and student employees.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

What’s required to be considered:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in journalism, creative writing or public relations. 
• 10 or more years of experience in communications, editorial management or public relations with evidence of increasing levels of responsibility. 
• Experience with donor communications and major gift solicitations is a plus.

What separates the best from the rest? 

• Strong project management skills, allowing for adept management of multiple projects concurrently.
• Experience supervising and coaching creative staff such as writers or designers.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Knowledge of AP Style.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms (Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram), website development/maintenance and e-newsletter production.

Physical Requirements:

• Valid motor vehicle license 
• Ability to:
• Speak
• Hear
• Sit
• See
• Operate office equipment 
• Travel locally
• Travel nationally
• Lift up to 20 pounds

We’ve got you covered:

KU Endowment offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including: 

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits 
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance 
• KU education assistance 
• Free parking

Sounds good, right? What’s next?

Please include your resume and cover letter when applying for this position on our website at https://www.kuendowment.org/careers.

Questions regarding this vacancy may be addressed to:
Emily Garcia

Sr. Human Resources Associate
KU Endowment
PO Box 928
Lawrence, KS 66044-0928
Email: egarcia@kuendowment.org
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants. By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information. Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.