Assistant Director of Communications for Advancement Events

As a part of a diverse community of faculty and staff who represent many faith systems and worldviews, Marian University seeks an Assistant Director of Communications for Advancement Events to promote our Catholic Franciscan mission and identity by reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services and is responsible for the marketing, communications, and program development for advancement events, leveraging multi-channel approaches to engage our community of 20,000+ alumni, donors, and community partners. Additionally, this role will provide support, as needed, for other alumni and donor engagement efforts.

The ideal candidate will possess a positive, "can-do" attitude and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Intermediate-level expertise in design software, marketing, writing, and project management are essential for success in this role. Basic video production skills preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage with Marian University's Catholic Franciscan Mission: Actively engage the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University by modeling the Franciscan Sponsorship Values and honoring the legacy of the founding congregation through transformative education, unity in diversity, leadership through service, integrating faith and life, and institutional policies.
• Collaborate with Advancement Leadership: Work closely with the Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services, and other team members to develop event themes, key messaging, program flow, and marketing collateral for advancement events.
• Develop Communication and Marketing Strategies: Develop communication and marketing strategies for key Institutional Advancement Events such as:
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  • Founders Classic Golf Outing (September)
  • Homecoming (September or October)
  • Marian University Ancilla College Changing Lives Scholarship Dinner (October)
  • Gala (October or November)
  • Clayton Circle of Honor (April)
  • President's Appreciation Dinner (June)
  
  
  
  
• Event Program Development and Messaging: Oversee the development of the program, content, and scripting for advancement events, ensuring alignment with event goals, timelines, and key messaging.
• Design and produce marketing materials: Design and produce marketing materials for Advancement and Alumni events, ensuring alignment with Marian University's branding and voice. This includes, but is not limited to:

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  • Event and Sponsorship Information Sheet ("sell sheet" for external audiences)
  • Web page content
  • Invitations
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Printed programs
  • Social media promotions
  • Digital ads
  
  
  
  

• Provide On-Site Event Support: Provide on-site support for all events to ensure smooth program delivery and provide other support as needed by the Office of Institutional Advancement.

University Expectations:

• Knowledge of and a commitment to the mission of Marian University.
• Adheres to Marian University's policies and procedures
• Shows courtesy and respect in interactions with colleagues, students, alumni, and donors.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others and contribute to a positive, team-driven environment.
• Have outstanding communication skills-both oral and written.
• Experience in following established visual and editorial brand guidelines.
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms.
• A general knowledge of fundraising a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with competing priorities.
• Embracing that occasional events and activities occur outside of work hours-including some nights and weekends-and are necessary to perform the duties of this job satisfactorily.

Required Expectations:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• A college degree (bachelor's degree preferred) or comparable experience in marketing, communications, or equivalent degree.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.) or other relevant design software is a must.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills using verbal, written, and electronic mediums.
• Willingness to adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.
• Professionalism and high ethical standards for maintaining confidential information.
• Ability to work events and activities that occur outside of standard business hours-including some nights and weekends.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For Consideration All Applications Require:

1. Cover Letter
2. Current resume or CV
3. Contact information of three professional references. The reference contact information must be entered after the application is submitted in the "My Presence" section of the applicant profile.
4. Responses to the supplementary mission & identity questions.

Please Review Marian University's Mission & Identity Statement before responding to the supplementary questions on your application:

https://www.marian.edu/faith

Marian University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.