Associate Director, Advancement Communications

Department: Kellogg Communications
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

The associate director of advancement communications is an accomplished writer, editor and strategist with broad-based responsibilities for managing and implementing a range of communications in partnership with Kellogg Advancement. In collaboration with the director of alumni and advancement communications, the associate director of advancement communications manages a portfolio of projects, interacting directly with colleagues from across many Kellogg and Northwestern departments, including fellow integrated marketing and communication colleagues, partners in alumni relations and development, and Kellogg administrative leadership. May occasionally collaborate with Kellogg faculty, alumni, donors and students. This position plays a critical role in supporting successful fundraising outcomes through the production of Advancement collateral, including for Kellogg's current $600 million Full Circle Campaign Projects include print and digital communications for frontline fundraising, specifically major and principal gifts, funding proposals, a range of executive communications and stewardship communications, further defined below.

Specific Responsibilities:

Writing

Develop strategic, Kellogg-aligned messaging for our principal and major gift communications, executive communications and stewardship communications, with an emphasis on the impact of philanthropy at Kellogg. These communications include, but are not limited to:

• Cases of support for key funding areas.

• Major gift and principal gift proposals.

• Dean communications, such as acknowledgment letters, condolence letters, congratulatory notes, invitations, post-visit notes, board member correspondence and solicitations.

• Annual Fund solicitation copy.

• Stewardship report supporting content.

• Content for the annual Investors Report and Impact Report.

• Special projects such as donor profiles.

Conduct research (including interviews and obtain background information in preparation for writing the materials. Work closely with gift officers and other Advancement team members to understand the objectives of each communication. Ensure that final products are produced accurately, are strategic, and are brand-compliant.

Provide occasional writing support for Alumni Relations colleagues, as determined by the director.

In partnership with director of alumni and advancement communications, assist with developing strategic advancement communication plans and executing them across various vehicles and tactics. Proactively make suggestions for improvements to short and long-term strategic communications and goals.

Editing and Proofreading

• Provide strategic review, copy editing, and proofreading of Advancement and Alumni Relations communications and materials.
• Uphold editorial standards of Kellogg and Northwestern University, developing a strong understanding of style guidelines.
• Ensure messaging and tone are appropriate across communication vehicles to all audiences.
• Work with director to develop smooth and efficient editorial processes for the Alumni and Advancement Communications team.

Project Management

• Manage requests received through team inbox.
• Maintain the proposal tracking system, as well as the writing and editing request log.
• Create reports to monitor and evaluate request activity, rate of fulfillment, and success of proposals.
• Help create and maintain a well-organized library of communications created by the Alumni and Advancement Communications team.
• Proactively work with colleagues to evaluate opportunities for process improvements with recurring communications requests.
• May provide training to staff within or outside of immediate dept or division in regard to function.

Other

• May provide training to staff within or outside of immediate dept or division in regard to function.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field or the equivalent in education, experience and training.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional writing and editing experience, including online and print content.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational and creative skills.
• Attention to detail and follow-up required. Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team setting required.
• Flexibility and adaptability in an emerging and changing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including experience with large databases.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and complete them under tight deadlines. Must work quickly.
• Strong strategic and creative thinking, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to interact with senior administrators throughout the University.
• Strong portfolio of writing that is clear, accurate, and compelling.
• Ability to write in a voice appropriate to the varied audiences addressed, and writing to the style of key individuals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and included reviewing tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with fundraising communications preferred.
• Client relations experience preferred.

Target hiring range for this position will be $87,500 - $95,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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