PAY GRADE: 32E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

A leader on the DAR marketing team, the Director creates and implements the overarching content strategy and vision for DAR marketing.  In addition, the incumbent serves as editorial advisor and oversees all editorial aspects of DAR communications and marketing. Most focused-on leadership, major and principal giving, the Director establishes, manages and implements projects to communicate donor and alumni engagement, cultivation and stewardship including major gift proposals, campaign materials and event communications. The Director drives meaningful and measurable engagement and increases audience reach through strategic content strategies based on giving trends and donor behaviors. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Creates, establishes, and executes comprehensive marketing experiences for the University’s highest donors and prospects from cultivation through solicitation and stewardship.  Manages the implementation of these efforts in collaboration with DAR staff.
• Creates style guides, brand language, and theme development to ensure a consistent brand experience for all DAR audiences.
• Oversees and manages projects of all development communications including case statements, stationery, brochures, advertisements, and more.
• Manages all Presidential communications (remarks, talking points, letters, invitations, etc.) for DAR, providing subject matter and writing expertise.
• Works closely with Development leaders to devise strategies for one-pagers and personalized major gift proposals.
• Leads marketing and communications projects related to development and alumni relations including invitations, brochures, campaign materials, proposals, and web content.
• Serves as editorial liaison to Office of Communications and Marketing for UDaily, UD Magazine, web, and more.
• Directs and strategizes content for the DAR website’s story portal, prioritizing stories, determining publication strategies, and working with colleagues in DAR and across to UD to maximize use of giving and alumni stories.
• Drives the creation of original DAR content to be distributed and shared across DAR platforms that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy, celebrates donor stories, and reinforces DAR’s purpose and mission.
• Supervises the position of Writer/Communications Specialist for Development and Alumni Relations Communications, managing distribution of tasks, oversight of projects and editing support.
• Maintains confidentiality and discretion when dealing with the President, high profile donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and six years of job-related experience in donor-relations, development communications or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to lead editorial strategies and teams. Experience with researching, writing, and editing development and alumni relations materials.
• Creativity, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community,
• Ability to adapt style and to write to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work on multiple projects simultaneously, while managing competing priorities.
• Ability to work with a team as well as independently and to be proactive in seeking solutions to challenges.
• Experience in working in a writing and design environment preferred.
• Ability to strategically conceive of and execute communication strategies to most effectively cultivate and steward donors.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

SPECIALI REQUIREMENTS:

• Work occasional evenings and weekends for special events.