Associate Director of Advancement Communications

Salary: $69,000-78,500. Annual compensation for this position is based on relevant education and experience and will be set within the listed salary range. 

LOCATION:                       Institutional Advancement Office

REPORTS TO:                   Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Communications Strategy

STATUS/HOURS:             Full time, minimum of 40 hours/week.  Schedule may vary according to departmental and Academy needs.

Position Purpose

The Associate Director will be a key liaison and partner with Exeter’s Office of Communications in coordinating communication strategies, messages, and content across multiple platforms.

The Associate Director of Advancement Communications will be responsible for providing strategic direction and implementation of communications efforts in support of the department’s goals in fundraising, alumni and parent engagement, participation, and volunteerism. The Associate Director will build a comprehensive advancement communications plan to serve the Academy’s needs on an annual basis and support annual giving, alumni and family engagement, planned and capital giving, donor stewardship, as well as unique projects to inspire engagement and donor support. Responsibilities include coordination with the communications office on strategy development, as well as implementation, management, measurement of Advancement’s multi-channel communication efforts.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the development and implementation of an advancement communications plan for internal and external audienc

• Identify appropriate channels and messages to reach target audiences.


• Develop creative briefs to guide in the creation of print and digital materials for engagement and philanthropy, including case statements for institutional priorities, fundraising appeals, and stewardship letters and reports.

• Collaborate with the Communications office to ensure that leadership gift commitments are recognized appropriately, and to develop story ideas that showcase the impact of


• Remain current on trends and best practices in development and alumni relations and on communication strategies, including use of new technologies and platforms, and bring that guidance to the planning process.


• Develop and implement ways to track and evaluate the results and impact of advancement communication efforts, the annual communications plan, including metrics, and audience survey


• Develop speaking points, key messages and presentation materials for the Principal, senior leadership, and volunteers to foster engagement and raise internal and external awareness about the impact of philanthropy.


• Serve as point for communications materials created in partnership with the communications office or externally. Materials may include print and online fundraising pieces, case statements, donor relations materials, event collateral, e-newsletters and more.


• Working knowledge of AI tools related to content creation.


• Oversight of the advancement voice, in collaboration with Communications, on the website and social media, in e-newsletters, appeals, and other materials.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.


• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.


• Demonstrate respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of Academy life.


• Proven strong presentation skills and presence.


• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.


• Ability to work independently, and in collaboration and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.


• Strategic high-level thinking coupled with the attention to detail necessary for successful planning and execution.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to privacy.


• Proficiency in basic data management systems and basic computer applications (e.g., Word, Excel)


• Willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed.


• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

Direct/Indirect Reports

None

Position Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, English or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in content creation, management and production in the area of marketing and/or institutional advancement desired.


• An understanding of the field of education and independent education is also desired.


• Must be experienced in targeted, audience-driven communications and brand marketing, producing high-quality campaigns and associated assets, and understand the importance of unified institutional messages through a variety of formats: printed and online publications, as well as video, photography and social media.

Additional Requirements

1. Successfully complete a criminal background check (reviewed every 5 years).


2. Clean Driving record (reviewed annually).