Job Title: Executive Director of University Advancement Communications
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 60184
Department
Alumni Affairs
FSU Division of University Advancement
Florida State University is currently in the leadership phase of a comprehensive campaign. As the leadership phase of the campaign begins, the Division of University Advancement is accelerating the hiring of additional Alumni Engagement professionals campus-wide and is excited to build out its team. For Advancement professionals who are interested in being a part of a comprehensive campaign from the beginning for their career development, the timing is ideal to join our team.
Responsibilities
- The Executive Director of Advancement Communications will strategically plan and lead all Division of University Advancement communication and branding efforts that advance the university's mission and priorities. The Executive Director will conceptualize, design and execute an innovative, comprehensive communications strategy in support of the university's next comprehensive campaign. The successful candidate will lead and manage a dynamic team of communications professionals to manage day-to-day University Advancement communications, including comprehensive campaign communications, and work closely with key Division of University Advancement partners in alumni engagement, donor relations, annual giving, gift planning, and fundraising staff across the University's colleges, schools, and units in order to align communication policies and practices. Additionally, the Executive Director will provide guidance and creative influence over the University Advancement website and other digital and print pieces involving the division's most important priorities.
- Lead Division of University Advancement (DUA) communication efforts to advance the university's mission and priorities in a comprehensive campaign environment; serve as subject matter expert on advancement communications, particularly in a campaign environment, in order to best plan and implement strategic communications throughout the division; collaborate with the Vice President for DUA, Associate Vice President of University Advancement, VP Leadership Team, deans, faculty, and all units of FSU DUA to identify communication, marketing and PR priorities, advise on effective communication strategies and techniques, oversee those strategies as they relate to DUA. Establish credibility with deans, faculty, and staff to gain understanding of substantive priorities and translate those priorities into fundraising communication priorities across multiple platforms, channels and communication vehicles.
- Partner closely with FSU's University Communications team and the university Chief Marketing Officer; Serve as the DUA liaison to contracted partners for the comprehensive campaign; develop and implement industry best practices in processes and amplifying both the FSU message and weaving in the DUA message where appropriate; Lead campus communicators group to bring together stakeholders who oversee external communications ensuring clear line of sight to campaign communication policy and execution. Knowledge and expertise in CASE standards, campaign practices woven throughout workflows and outcomes.
- Create, implement, and oversee strategic, integrated communication plan for DUA; craft and lead all development communication efforts to advance the university's mission and fundraising priorities including everything from annual giving e-communication to highest level gift proposals to design of event production elements; Establish streamlined processes for all writing, editing, designing, production, and mailing print pieces that serve individual colleges, schools and departments, as well as division-wide needs, including invitations, prospect correspondence and direct mail appeals;
- Manage DUA communications budget in consultation with appropriate staff in foundation and alumni engagement to ensure strategic priorities are reflected in order to meet goals.
- Develop and manage data outcomes through DUA annual report, CASE metrics, consistent updates to Foundation and/or Alumni boards as needed.
- Unique ability to manage multiple competing priorities as a competitive advantage; prioritize and disseminate advancement communication in a strategic manner; establish, articulate and operationalize standards and protocols for how priorities can be effectively communicated to a broad constituency and engage the entire FSU community; Work closely with all units within DUA to ensure strategic, effective and appropriate internal and external communication; Oversee and provide a strategic, coordinated, cohesive approach for the execution of DUA related publications and ensure that they are consistent; provide guidance and creative influence for communication efforts, including the DUA website and other digital and print pieces involving DUA; support through strategies and best practices the communication process for donor relations and special events for DUA; manage internal communications to DUA staff ensuring attention to building culture, clarity, and consistency to staff located in multiple units, colleges, schools, and teams.
- Oversee dynamic team and establish processes that will ensure staff accountability, maximum effectiveness, and clearly defined goals, objectives, and methods with which to measure success; manage team to standards of practice that elevates entire DUA communications strategy and maximizes multiple modes of communications to inform alumni, donors, friends, parents, faculty/staff, and other key constituents in a way that informs and inspires; Protect confidential information and follow all DUA, university, and the state of Florida Sunshine Law pertaining to public records and constituent information; Exceptional judgement and professional understanding of CASE practices, data/impact reporting and policy development and comprehension.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and six years of experience in a related advancement services field; or a high school diploma or equivalent and ten years of experience in a related advancement services field. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to ten years.)
- Valid FL or GA Driver's License or the ability to obtain upon hire.
- Some travel required; ability to work events, weekends.
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news.
Learn more about our university and campuses.
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How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at . If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Applicants must upload a resume with their online application.
Considerations
This is an A&P position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check .
This position is being advertised as open until filled. The hiring committee will review applications as received.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.