University Advancement - Assistant/Associate Director, Advancement Communications & Creative Services

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. 

Sacred Heart University is a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts that cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. SHU upholds a universal perspective, welcoming and valuing diverse faith traditions, including those from religious and nonreligious backgrounds. This catholicity, which is the basis of inclusivity, enriches dialogue, deepens understanding and strengthens our commitment to creating a more compassionate and just world.

The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu 
 
To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

*The official title of either Assistant or Associate Director, Advancement Communications & Creative Services will be determined by the incumbent's level of experience.

Position Summary

Support Sacred Heart University’s mission by executing a holistic marketing and communications strategy that contributes to goals for university advancement, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Develop and create digital and print content, such as social media, highlights, and promotions for UA initiatives/events, along with collaborating with other campus partners to create unique and branded design, copy, and content for external outlets.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and manage a comprehensive visual identity for fundraising priorities, including campaigns, events, proposals, social media tactics, and promotional products, ensuring they are fully integrated and cohesive with the university’s overall creative direction and visual identity

• Develop collaborative relationships serving University Advancement’s strategic goals through marketing and communication efforts for programming, events, engagement opportunities and alumni engagement.

• Gather, create and plan content for multiple distribution channels that include, but are not limited to, branded print and e-newsletters, event collateral, web content, postcards/mailings, social media, and multimedia. Maintain strategic flow of a 12-month multi-channel marketing & communications plan and content strategy with UA. Keep and adhere to detailed project plans and timelines.

• Collaborate with third party vendors and internal staff, where applicable, on strategies and design needs for the Office of Advancement, to include photography, video production, print projects, and digital communications. 

• Develop, manage and coordinate a strategic social media strategy that focuses on creating a strong and consistent online presence that builds engagement and increases SHU’s reputation with alumni and advancement audiences.  Talent for persuasive storytelling and the ability to use communications as a means of furthering the goals of the Office of Advancement, a plus.

• Assist with the implementation and execution of an engagement model that actively involves alumni and donors in the life of the University, promotes a culture of philanthropy, creates effective alumni/donor communications across multiple channels.

• Serve as primary liaison for UA’s web presence. Work with the web content team to coordinate the UA website and affiliated website. Ensure it is strategic, up-to-date and measure effectiveness. Use as a tool to promote and exceed UA goals.

• Appropriately utilize various fundraising technology solutions, including: Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, NXT, Graduway, Gratavid and Luminate.

• In collaboration with the alumni engagement and annual giving teams, build UA/Alumni landing, event registration and donation pages along with necessary email templates.

• Other tasks as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• 3+ years of experience in marketing/communications related field.
• Demonstrate essential competencies in writing, editing and crafting messaging consistent with the university’s voice and brand identity.
• Understanding of how marketing efforts influence engagement and giving.
• Knowledge of social media and digital marketing strategies.
• Budget management experience.
• Must be willing to work against tight deadlines while balancing multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Sound ethical decision-making skills, enthusiasm, and respect for confidential issues.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, resourceful, and accountable to schedules. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM software (such as Raiser’s Edge/NXT), Adobe Creative Suite, and HTML code, email marketing platforms (such as Blackbaud Luminate)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/Communications or a related field. 

Unusual Working Conditions

Evening and weekend hours are required. Occasional travel required.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.