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Senior Director, Foundation Strategic Marketing and Communication (4596)

Job Details

Working Position Title:

Senior Director, Foundation Strategic Marketing and Communication (4596)

Classification Title :

Director

Position Number:

00004596

Open Date:

10/19/2022

Priority Review Date:

11/07/2022

Business Unit Description:

SPS

Full-Time/Part Time:

Full-Time

FTE:

1.00

Position Status:

Regular

Job code:

1330

Union Representation:

Non-Union

Unit/Department:

Development Administration

College/Unit:

Development Administration

Division:

University Advancement

Location:

AL 135

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page:

https://foundation.myniu.com/

Overview :

This position reports to the Executive Director of Operations and Alumni Engagement and manages strategic advancement communications, marketing, and branding strategies for the Division of University Advancement. It is critical that the Senior Director is a strong collaborator with internal and external partners to shape and direct the marketing and strategic communication of all NIU Foundation services, engagement activities, and fundraising at both the micro and macro level. Mastery of all aspects of philanthropic communication, advancement and alumni marketing as well as contemporary communication channels is essential. Additionally, the Senior Director must be skilled at evaluative metrics and analytics to maximize efficiency and efficacy across all efforts. The Senior Director must maintain basic knowledge of the organization, programs, policies and procedures of advancement as related to the activities of the NIU Foundation and demands the handling of sensitive and confidential information as well as a strong track record of professional maturity and distinction.

Position Summary:

The Senior Director is responsible for leading the daily operations of all marketing and strategic communication efforts of the NIU Foundation, including: setting strategic direction for all fundraising and alumni engagement communications; involvement with new outreach programs from inception through execution to consider all aspects of marketing; managing a talented team of communicators to create all promotional and communication materials; collaborating with advancement officers and the engagement team, to produce targeted and effective collaterals and solicitations; management of the public relations strategies and act as the first point of contact for inbound and outbound media contact; continuously consider brand identity and its usage; develop and utilize analytics to evaluate the success of marketing and communication efforts; act as the key liaison to central University marketing and communications; support the division through comprehensive marketing and strategic communication planning for the upcoming campaign; use discretion in the handling of sensitive donor and constituent data; and consistently behave in a manner that meets the high standards of ethics of the institution[CS1] . The Senior Director of Strategic Communications manages three teams: Foundation Communications, the Northern Fund (annual fund), and Donor Relations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

20% Develop and implement strategic communication and marketing plan for university advancement.

  • Build a comprehensive communication strategy that allows the organization to blend annual planning with that of a comprehensive campaign with an emphasis on storytelling and building the case for support.

  • Consider impacts of all NIU Foundation and NIUAA programming on all markets.

  • Conduct appropriate market research.

  • Create market plans when appropriate to communicate goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics to a variety of internal and external audiences.

  • Using analytics and experience, understand and communicate nuances of various market segments, including projected engagement through varied and comprehensive programming.

  • Create and implement various segmentation strategies to maximize engagement with diverse and uniquely positioned constituencies.

  • Manage some existing affinity and non-fundraising revenue-generating partnerships.

  • Aid in the development of new opportunities for generating revenue for the NIU Foundation.

  • Have a deep understanding of current and past donors both in general and NIU Foundation-specifically to best build affinity and engagement.

  • Prepare regular reports on marketing and communication outputs and efficacy for managing boards and other key constituencies.

  • Consider how to leverage NIU Foundation assets in creative and unique ways.

  • Supervise the RFP process for more resource-intensive marketing partnerships.

  • Provide marketing insight and guidance to strategic decisions of the Alumni Travel Program, LLC.

15% Oversee all division communications

  • Work with senior leadership in the University to understand the University’s top priorities and initiatives to integrate them into the communications message for alumni and donors.

  • Act as senior editor for all outbound publications, both digital and print, including but not limited to Northern Now (NIU’s alumni magazine), monthly email newsletters, all social media, and the annual NIU Foundation Impact Report.

  • Manage the NIU Foundation and NIUAA websites to ensure they are up to date, easy to use, and comprehensive.

  • Working with campus partners and internal constituents, prioritize and segment outbound communications to share appropriate messaging with appropriate audiences.

  • Oversee creative services of the NIU Foundation to ensure that materials designed are appropriate, creative, and engaging.

15% Oversee the Northern Fund, the annual giving efforts of the NIU Foundation

  • Supervise the Director of the Northern Fund.

  • Integrate annual fund solicitations into other channels and opportunities, when appropriate.

  • Collaborate with the Director of the Northern Fund to set annual goals, including donor acquisition rates and unrestricted giving targets.

  • Act as a liaison to outside departments and constituents to oversee at lease one day of giving annually.

15% Oversee the Department of Donor Relations

  • Supervise the Director of the Donor Relations.

  • Integrate stewardship efforts into appropriate and relevant existing opportunities.

  • Collaborate with the Director of Donor Relations to set annual department goals for appropriate metrics, such as donor retention and engagement rates.

10% Organizational leadership

  • Manage and lead a talented team of communication and marketing professionals, including motivation, evaluation, representation, mentoring, and professional development.

  • Manage and lead a talented team of donor relations professionals, including motivation, evaluation, representation, mentoring, and professional development.

  • Manage and lead a talented team of annual giving professionals, including motivation, evaluation, representation, mentoring, and professional development.

  • Serve as the lead communicator in leadership meetings both internally and externally.

  • Collaborate with University Marketing and Communications to ensure consistency in messaging, cooperative and reinforced efforts, and appropriate representation of NIU Foundation messaging and priorities.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the intrapersonal relationships and dynamics of an environment with varied stakeholders and complex interests.

  • Develop budgets as needed, both annual and programmatic.

  • Monitor budget-to-actual expenditures and ensure resources are deployed in the most cost-effective manner possible.

  • As needed, act as a representative to the NIU Foundation and NIUAA boards.

10% Analytics

  • Develop advanced analytics to guide decision making.

  • Develop, track, and communicate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

  • Provide regular updates on KPIs through internal and external dashboards.

  • Interpret analytics to determine strategic resource deployment.

5% Guide public relations efforts of the NIU Foundation and NIU Alumni Association

  • Act as the lead strategist for all forms of public relations.

  • Advise the Executive Director of Operations and Alumni Relations and the President and CEO of the NIU Foundation through public relations opportunities and challenges.

  • Develop relationships with appropriate leaders in the community and media to aid the dissemination of NIU Foundation messaging.

5% Manage the brand identities of the NIU Foundation, NIU Alumni Association, Mission the Mascot program, and other Foundation assets

  • Maintain the NIU Foundation style guide.

  • Consider brand within the creation of all materials, communications, and collaborative efforts.

  • Continuously refine use of existing brands and build new brands, as appropriate.

5% Other duties as assigned

  • Attend events when appropriate to evaluate, observe, learn, and ultimately contribute to their ongoing success. This includes some evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) :

• Bachelor’s degree.• Five (5) years of full-time experience in marketing and/or communications.• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.• Two (2) years of higher education or philanthropic organizational experience.

Additional Requirements (SPS) :

1. Demonstrable commitment to the highest standard of ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the CASE Statement of Ethics, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, and The Donor Bill of Rights. (Membership not required.)2. Deep, personal commitment to diversity in all forms, the recognition of all individuals to mutual respect, and the acceptance of others without biases. Demonstrable commitment to leading by example, modeling diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the university.3. Demonstrated knowledge of data collection best practices.4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present and deliver information effectively.5. Familiarity with digital communication and electronic registration tools.6. Ability to keep accurate records and complete timely reports.7. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.8. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, co-workers and constituents. 9. The ability to work effectively with system administrators or programmers;10. Skill and ability in applying knowledge of computerized CRM and communication efficacy and tracking systems, and excellent use of Microsoft Office suite.11. Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.12. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously.13. Ability to use common sense approaches, work autonomously, and make reliable, prudent and sound decisions.14. Ability to provide high quality services in a cost-effective manner and to recommend improved methods of performing the work.

Preferred Qualifications (SPS) :

1. Advanced degree in a field with demonstrated relevance to this position. 2. Campaign experience in higher education is preferred.3. Ten (10) years of experience in marketing and/or communications4. Two (2) years of experience in large, complex fundraising organizations.5. Two (2) years of experience working within a CRM to track and evaluate data.

Physical demands/requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. There is a high level of keyboarding and phone use.The employee frequently is required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use fingers and hands to feel, grasp, operate or handle objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and carry 20 lbs. regularly. Ability to work outside of normal working hours to complete tasks.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date:

11/1/2022

Percent of Staff Year:

1.00

Standard Hours Per Week:

37.50

Salary:

Starting at $110,000

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range:

$4916.66-$5416.67/semi-monthly

Earn Type:

Salary

Application Procedure:

Resume
Cover Letter
List of three references

Quick Link to Applicant :

https://employment.niu.edu/postings/67108

Is Background Check Required?:

Yes

EEO Statement Summary:

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:


Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation:

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information:

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-1649 for a hard copy.

Read the Fire Safety Report. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.

Organization

Northern Illinois University is a comprehensive research university offering programs from the baccalaureate through the doctorate. Colleges include business, education, engineering and engineering technology, law, liberal arts and sciences, health and human sciences, and visual and performing arts. On-campus enrollment is approximately 18,000 students. The university also offers more than 200 extension courses each semester to students in communities throughout northern Illinois.

The main campus is located in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago's "Loop" and 40 miles southeast of Rockford. In addition to the main campus, NIU has three education centers in Hoffman Estates, Rockford, and Naperville. DeKalb/Sycamore, with a population of about 50,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands. The site of the first manufacture of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn are evidence of its diversified history. The blend of industry and agriculture, coupled with the cultural and recreational facilities of the university and supplemented by easy access to Chicago and Rockford, provide an enjoyable environment in which to live.

Company info
Telephone
815-753-1000
Location
1425 Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb
Illinois
60115
US

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