Position Summary:

The Associate Director of Advancement Communications has significant responsibility for developing and managing direct marketing including print and digital communications for Washington University’s annual giving efforts. This includes two primary areas of responsibility: researching, writing, designing, and scheduling print and electronic solicitation materials; and collaborating closely with Annual Giving Programs as a member of the team to plan and implement a strategic annual campaign of mail and electronic publications. These activities will result in advancing Washington University’s strategic plans to acquire and retain donors and raise tens of millions of dollars per year.

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research and write materials for a high volume of solicitations and other efforts annually. Materials include solicitation letters, postcards, broadcast emails, and other tactics targeted to a variety of constituents. In collaboration with Annual Giving Programs staff, other fundraising staff, and vendors, ensure solicitation materials across University Advancement meet department and university quality standards in a timely manner.
• Create, design, and prepare electronic artwork for print and electronic reproduction.
• Oversee schedules and approval process for multiple projects to meet strict deadlines.
• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement Communications to develop creative concepts for direct mail and electronic solicitations.
• Collaborate closely with Annual Giving Programs as a member of a team to plan and implement a strategic annual campaign of mail and electronic publications. Provide recommendations for new strategies to effectively market fundraising efforts.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Advancement Communications and Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advancement Communications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Seven years of experience in fundraising publications or closely related field.
• Experience in overseeing print production.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and broadcast email system such as MyEmma.
• Exceptional creativity demonstrated by effective communications developed for higher education, not-for-profit, or similar audiences. 
• Strong research and writing skills demonstrated in feature, brochure, marketing, and/or direct mail copy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement production schedules for multiple projects to manage competing priorities and to meet demanding deadlines.
• Ability to work independently to coordinate projects from inception to completion with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Exceptional listening and verbal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of colleagues.
• Enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong commitment to the goals of higher education.
• Desire and perspective to collaborate as a member of a creative team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three to five years of related experience.