Department: University Advancement - 50000

Brief Summary of Work for this position:

UNCW is seeking a Director of Advancement Communications, who is an enthusiastic marketing and communications professional. Ideally, this candidate has significant development expertise, who will formulate, articulate and drive strategic communications that support the work of the Division for University Advancement to include Alumni Relations. The university is preparing to publicly launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign in the fall of 2020, and this newly created position will help unify division efforts to inspire philanthropic investment among university constituents and enhance engagement among our 85,000+ alumni.

In preparation for the comprehensive fundraising campaign, the division recently completed an image study that is guiding the development of the creative foundation for the campaign. Successful candidates will help convert these concepts into various collateral that will resonate with key constituents. We are seeking a master-collaborator who will develop integrated strategies within this framework but will also contribute new ideas and establish operations that transcend the campaign period. Note: this is a permanent position.

A leader within the Division, the ideal candidate is expected to bring a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and branding knowledge, as well as the ability to curate content within a highly collaborative environment. This position reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and will supervise a staff of two.

Minimum Requirements:

Relevant post-baccalaureate degree required with three years or greater of related professional experience in marketing, communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant undergraduate degree and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required To Perform The Essential Functions Of The Position:

A minimum of five years of progressive professional responsibilities guiding strategic communications as well as previous management experience.

Demonstrated ability to effectively tell a story through written text and/or graphic design.

A self-starter who will immerse themselves in UNCW's campus community and beyond to uncover stories about the impact of philanthropy and engagement, curate content that appeals to key constituents and foster professional relationships.

Ability to implement project management software that keeps internal departments on-task and aligned.

An understanding of university advancement best practices related to communications, engagement, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.

Ability to analyze and interpret complex data
Excellent interpersonal skills, including high-levels of diplomacy, discretion and influence with the ability to work with internal and external stakeholders at any level of seniority.
Must be able to secure buy-in on proposed strategies and advocate for resources.
Demonstrated experience and expertise with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop).

Preferred formal education, professional skills and work experience:

Professional experience in development or higher education.
Knowledge of comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
Experience using Customer Relationship/Database Management systems.
Experience with marketing automation or utilizing artificial intelligence within marketing strategies is a plus.

AA/EEO Statement:

At the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), our culture reflects our values of inclusion, diversity, globalization, ethics and integrity and innovation and we are committed to providing equality of educational and employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs. UNCW believes that embracing the unique contributions of our faculty, staff and students is critical to our success and paramount in being recognized for our global mindset.