Advancement Communications Specialist

About Eastern Washington University:
Eastern Washington University is a regional, comprehensive public university located in Cheney and Spokane, Washington, with programs offered throughout the state and online with an enrollment of over 12,000 students. Eastern is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington reporting to its own Board of Trustees.

Eastern’s 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 11,000 residents 16 miles southwest of the state’s second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the Brand new Catalyst building and on the Riverpoint Campus which is shared with Washington State University. Eastern also offers program throughout the state based on the needs of the community. Eastern offers an array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees and one applied doctorate in physical therapy. EWU offers 135 fields of study, 9 master’s degrees, 12 graduate certificates, 39 graduate programs, 1 educational specialist degree, and 1 applied doctorate to more than 10,000 enrolled students.


Job Summary:

• Eastern Washington University is currently seeking an Advancement Communications Specialist for the Office of University Relations, within the University Advancement Division. This position will be for someone who is a dynamic writer with vision, and is ready to be a critical component of the team as EWU prepares to lay the groundwork for a major fundraising campaign.
• This person will work with the communications and development staff to support comprehensive communications plans and projects that increase engagement and achieve objectives with key constituent groups, including alumni, donors, volunteer boards and supporters. This position will lead the writing and creation of campaign materials, assist with direct mail appeals for annual giving, and provide additional writing/editing support for communications and marketing materials (including print and web content).
• In addition to fundraising initiatives, the specialist works on other communication projects to benefit and advance the university.
• The ideal candidate will have three or more years of professional editing/writing experience, including experience with fundraising campaigns. The candidate must be a self-starter who excels in writing, communication, organization, creativity and have the ability to juggle multiple tasks. We're looking for someone who can produce clear and powerful messaging, and has a passion for great storytelling that will inspire giving among a vast array of stakeholders in support of the university's fundraising campaigns and philanthropic activities.
• The candidate selected for this position will be rewarded with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package which includes highly subsidized health/dental plans, retirement plan with 100% university match, generous paid vacation and sick leave, 11 paid holidays (adjusted accordingly), tuition waiver benefit and more!

Required Qualifications:

• BA in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, English or a related degree
• Three or more years professional experience in writing/editing and content development working in print, electronic and web formats; marketing and advertising writing experience may be considered as an alternative
• Expert editorial skills with the ability to write clearly, accurately and correctly with respect to grammar, spelling and style, within deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to compose engaging stories that not only convey but humanize institutional messages and priorities through powerful and persuasive narratives.
• Comprehensive knowledge of communications, publications and media or marketing in order to develop and execute print and web communications to promote and position the university.
• Proven success in reporting, content strategy development and content creation including managing, writing and editing content across multiple platforms: print, digital and social
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills with proven experience editing for content, scope, flow, style, voice and adherence to quality standards
• Ability to conceptualize story ideas and collaborate with a team of editorial specialists on overall publication, website and digital asset direction
• Strong organizational and management skills; ability to effectively multi-task and set priorities. The ability to work with a high degree of independence to deliver high-quality work product on agreed schedules with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge of using various social media platforms as well as general practices related to public relations, media relations and marketing
• Candidate must demonstrate interest, ability and/or experience promoting cultural competency, universal accessibility and/or diversity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three to Five years of related professional experience writing compelling and persuasive content for online and print publications for a variety of audiences
• Experience in campaign communications or a fundraising campaign
• Previous experience in Communications, Marketing or Journalism
• Higher Education experience
• Demonstrated ability to utilize social media platforms and email marketing tools to engage audiences
• Working knowledge of WordPress
• Strong knowledge of AP Style

Other Skills and Abilities:


Job Duties:
% of Time: 75
Responsibility / Duty:
This position will work closely with University Relations and Development staff to create materials in support of a major fundraising campaign. Assist in the development of communication tools for staff and volunteers to effectively carry out their duties and assignments (i.e., creation of case statements/one page statements of support, brochures, etc., and develop content for a campaign web page). This person will also play a critical role in developing direct mail appeals for annual giving in support of one or more areas on campus such as scholarships, departments, clubs and organizations, campus improvement, residential life and athletics.
This position also serves as an active and contributing member of the University Relations team, meeting weekly to set and adjust editorial schedules, coordinate work and brainstorm projects

Essential Function Indicator: Yes


% of Time: 25
Responsibility / Duty:
Write, edit and develop any content for publications originating from the university including, but not limited to: online faculty/staff news site (Inside EWU); the university’s website, EWU Facts at a Glance, newsletters, brochures, posters, rack cards, e-blasts, invitations, fundraising materials, blog postings, social media postings, news releases, annual reports, strategic plans, and other materials (both in print and digital platforms) as assigned.

Essential Function Indicator: Yes



Conditions of Employment:

• This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university fund or other items of value, as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check.

Salary Information: $43,089 - $60,328


Posting Date: 06/18/2021
Open Until Further Notice: No
Closing Date: 7/5/2021
Screening to Begin: 07/06/2021

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Submit your application materials through our online applications portal provided below. If you are unable to submit through the applicant portal, please contact Human Resources Services at (509) 359-2381.

To apply, visit https://jobs.hr.ewu.edu/postings/6986

EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.






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