Ithaca College

The Director, Advancement Communications, is responsible for the strategic management of all communications related to Ithaca College’s fundraising, alumni relations and campaign activities. The Director provides vision and leadership on multi-channel marketing and communications strategies and tactics that will enhance College advancement.

Supervision

The director of advancement communications reports to the executive director of marketing with dotted line responsibility to the Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement (or designee).

Job Responsibilities

• Lead message creation and the production of communication vehicles to support fund raising and alumni relations efforts. 
• Serve as the point person between the Division of Philanthropy and Engagement and the Division of Marketing and Communications, ensuring that the messages and direction of communications to donors and alumni is consistent with the College brand in tone and look, but addressed to a philanthropic audience. 
• Work collaboratively with staff throughout the P&E and Marcomms divisions. The position has no direct reports but is assisted by one or more marketing coordinators and seeks collaboration with divisional colleagues in communications and in design and multimedia. The incumbent may be called upon to manage one or more consultant relationships.
• Manage and selectively write and produce all development related multimedia collateral, relying on internal and external resources as appropriate. Includes but is not limited to e-newsletters, news stories, and fundraising and stewardship materials.
• Project manage communications materials for special events (such as Alumni Weekend and Giving Day) and special projects (such as donor impact reports, IC Club activities).
• Serve as primary content strategist for the P&E website, working with designated P&E staff who have frontline responsibility for content updates.
• Contribute to and/or review editorial content for individual donor communications, such as acknowledgment letters and endowment reports. 
• Contribute donor and campaign-related content to broader College communication vehicles.
• Participate in crafting annual fund strategies and content development.
• Work with College media relations to ensure they have approved and accurate content for gift announcements.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion as a college priority; communicate to employees an expectation of behavior that is civil and inclusive when interacting with all staff, faculty, students, and visitors; and promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment.

Qualifications and Experience:

• This person should be an exceptional writer and project manager who can work collaboratively with print and digital designers, content experts, event planners, and social media experts.
• Experience using metrics and analytics to help guide decision making.
• Strong project management skills and a respect for deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 5 years in marketing communications.
• Experience working with multiple formats and distribution channels, including photo, video, and digital and social media, in addition to writing and editing.
• Higher education or non-profit experience with an emphasis on fundraising preferred.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or humanresources@ithaca.edu 

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Hiring Range 

$70,000 to $75,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with comprehensive benefits, including work/life balance, generous paid time off policies, career-enhancing trainings, educational benefits, and opportunities to give back to the community. Beyond benefits, you’ll enjoy the kind of uniquely rewarding work environment that can only be found in a vibrant college community. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits-wellness 

At Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of approximately 5,000 students, we strive to be at the forefront of the higher education landscape. We offer a distinct integrative learning experience that makes students ready for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age.

We seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and want to be a part of this exciting time in Ithaca College history. We encourage creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements.

We welcome different ways of thinking and look for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.

When reviewing candidates, we are looking for indicators of a number of core competencies. Prospective candidates must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable. They must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and show that they will engage in the college.

Nestled in the heart of New York State’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger’s as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.

To learn more about Ithaca College, visit us at http://ithaca.edu