Associate Director, Advancement Communications

About the Role

The Associate Director, Advancement Communications helps lead and execute strategy for communications that enhance alumni and donor engagement at Bentley University. Reporting to the Director of Advancement Communications within University Advancement, this role collaborates with partners across the division and campus to develop and deliver unique content and communications plans for events, giving campaigns, affinity groups, donor relations, and more.

The Associate Director is a strategic, creative, highly motivated, and deadline-oriented team member with strong organizational and project management skills, excellent writing skills, and a keen eye for design. This role is committed to creating a culture of philanthropy and keeping alumni and donors connected to their alma mater.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a keen understanding of institutional strategic and fundraising priorities and ensure they are considered while developing all advancement communications, including those that focus on engagement.
• Partner with teams across University Advancement to create, produce, and execute communications strategy and tailored campaigns to motivate engagement and giving among various audiences for events, volunteerism, lifelong learning, and philanthropy. Ensure content is compelling, fresh, on-trend, and audience/channel appropriate.
• Independently lead and manage projects that include print, digital, and web, serving as primary project manager, content creator, and executor. Focus largely on digital communications, including email marketing and website development, while working with multiple partners to execute and publish high-quality, cohesive multichannel content. Proof and ensure accuracy, accessibility, and brand alignment.
• Manage advancement communications projects, including collaborations with Marketing and Communications on design or multimedia needs. Work with the Director of Advancement Communications to maintain the overall Advancement Communications production schedule, ensuring deadlines are met and overseeing scheduling for strategic release to avoid email fatigue and audience overlap.
• Train on and master University Advancement platforms and technology, including Slate email marketing and forms, Drupal, RGE Studio and similar HTML builders, and analytics tools. Stay informed on enhancements and new releases and share with the team. Collaborate with the Advancement Services team on project data needs, submitting data requests in a timely manner, and ensuring data accuracy and effective utilization.
• Stay up to date on marketing trends and best practices, monitor performance of communications, and make recommendations.
• Contribute to content creation, proofing, and management of advancement content for Bentley Magazine as needed.
• Manage freelance and external vendors, including designers, photographers, printers, and mail houses.
• Edit and proofread outgoing communications, ensuring content is reviewed and approved prior to publication or distribution.
• Hire, train, and supervise student worker(s), providing direction and leadership and delegating effectively on a variety of communications tasks, including design, writing, and data analysis.
• Identify storytelling opportunities for alumni and donor engagement and write stories or spotlights.
• Provide support for Advancement Communications team members as needed for social media, flagship events, fundraising campaigns, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of experience in advancement communications, marketing, or marketing communications.
• Strong project management skills with a customer-focused approach; ability to work independently, take initiative, and meet deadlines and goals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of marketing strategy for multichannel, segmented communications campaigns, including a strong understanding of digital engagement, analytics, and data-informed strategy development.
• Detail-oriented with excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency and comfort working with HTML and email design tools.
• Experience creating and maintaining websites using Drupal or a similar CMS.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop) and Canva.
• Proficiency with complex project management tools (e.g., Wrike) to optimize workflows and efficiency.
• Ability to handle confidential information with a high level of discretion and sound judgment.
• Ability to produce high-quality work on deadline while managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Collaborative and collegial approach to working with teams; ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant experience and knowledge of the university fundraising profession and methods of higher education institutional advancement, alumni engagement, and fundraising.
• Keen eye for design and ability to develop, package, and produce content for a variety of channels and mediums.
• Occasional travel or event attendance, sometimes outside of regular business hours, to photograph events or manage freelance vendors.

Work Environment

• Typical office setting with extensive sitting and computer work.
• Ability to travel around and outside of campus for work-related meetings and other duties. Travel may occur outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.

Pay

Salary Grade Range: $67,960 - $113,126 per year. Final pay will depend on your experience, education, and other relevant qualifications.

Bentley University offers a "total rewards" package designed to attract, motivate, retain, and reward employees. This includes competitive compensation, robust benefits, career development and opportunities, generous paid time off, workplace flexibility, and a positive, engaging employee experience.