Executive Director of Advancement Communications
Reference: 11081
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals
some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address
fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating
talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part
of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
The purpose of Advancement and Alumni Relations (AAR) is to foster a
thriving and engaged community of support for Caltech. By strengthening and
nurturing the community of people who share and support the Institute's
mission and values, we will ensure the Institute receives the necessary
resources to achieve our aspirations and advocate for excellence in teaching,
research, and scholarship in perpetuity.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropic Initiatives and
Stewardship, the Executive Director of Advancement Communications works
closely with the Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations and
senior leadership. The Executive Director will oversee the strategy, planning
and implementation of all marketing and communications efforts to support
AAR's philanthropic and engagement priorities. As AAR's lead communications
strategist, the Executive Director will ensure a consistent voice and visual
branding across the organization, with the responsibility for the development
of philanthropic messages ranging from fundraising case statements to complex
proposals to donor and impact stories disseminated via digital, print,
multimedia, and social media platforms. In addition, the Executive Director
will drive marketing and earned media strategies that broaden support and
engagement by demonstrating the impact of donor philanthropy in support of
Caltech's unparalleled teaching and research mission.
Essential Job Duties
In consultation with advancement leadership, develop, implement, and
monitor all philanthropy-related communications, donor storytelling,
content strategy, and digital marketing and communications plans to
support diverse fundraising initiatives for target audiences through a
multi-channel approach that drives engagement and participation.
Lead, mentor, and support a team of two other communications professionals
who develop gift announcements, impact stories, social medial posts,
videos, newsletters, endowment reports, proposals, cases for support,
pitch decks, and other resources that engage individuals with the
potential to make annual, major and transformative gifts.
Supervise day-to-day staff assignments, maintaining a balanced workflow to
meet deadlines while supporting positive team development. Review all work
products to ensure alignment with AAR and Caltech style guidelines, needs,
and priorities.
Ensure the publication goal of approximately 40 gift announcements and
impact stories is met each year, along with related emails and social
media posts.
Produce and/or manage Advancement Communications' production of proposals
and case statements, working directly with frontline fundraisers and
faculty.
Manage the strategic use of external partners such as freelance writers,
consultants, firms, photographers, designers, and temporary staff.
Serve as an executive communications resource to the Vice President and
other advancement leaders, helping to shape strategic initiatives and
communications; as needed, develop presentations, talking points and/or
remarks for the Vice President.
Establish strategy and relationships with local, state, and national media
outlets to amplify gift announcements and philanthropic impact on
innovation, research and teaching at Caltech to the general public.
Provide both strategic and hands-on production-level work, effectively
serving as a consultant/marketing agency to AAR departments.
Develop processes to evaluate the effectiveness of projects to support
continuous improvement and creativity.
Work collaboratively with Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Caltech
Associates, Stewardship, Gift Planning, and other teams that produce their
own communications to support the dissemination of key messages.
Oversee the strategy, content management, and regular updating of AAR's
giving and student initiative websites.
Supervise the maintenance of the AAR digital asset management system.
Oversee monthly communications calendar meetings to promote visibility and
collaboration among teams that produce AAR communications and to ensure
communications are scheduled in a complementary manner.
Plan and lead the AAR Communications Roundtable, a forum for communicators
across AAR to connect, share successes and lessons learned, and support
consistent and cohesive messaging and branding throughout the division.
Update the AAR Communications Guidelines as needed and ensure all AAR
communicators are aware of and follow them. Ensure that AAR communications
complement Institute communications and incorporate branding and identity
guidelines, as well as tone and voice standards.
Design and conduct workshops for AAR staff to enhance their writing
skills, case statement development, proposal writing, reading and writing
for content, editing and proofreading.
Manage Advancement Communications' proofreading and copyediting support
for colleagues throughout AAR.
Under the direction of the Vice President, collaborate with the Office of
Communications and External Relations on selected institutional projects.
Serve on AAR manager's team, participating in organizational planning to
meet fiscal year operating goals and priorities and facilitating strategic
communications across the division.
Establish and monitor team and individual work plans and create supportive
and targeted professional development plans for individual team members.
Manage the Advancement Communications budget and prepare proposed budget
for each new fiscal year.
Stay abreast of industry trends and conduct best practice reviews of
communications at other universities to ensure that Caltech continues as a
leader amongst its peers.
Execute other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience with seven or more years
of experience in marketing or communications to include developing and
executing high-level marketing and communications plans.
Proven experience leading fundraising communications, marketing, and
creative services team(s).
Experience developing marketing/communications plans for a major
fundraising campaign.
Experience creating a variety of audience-centric communications materials
and familiarity with brand and identity development, integrated
communications programs, digital communications, and effective graphic
design.
Expertise in core marketing principles, strategies, best practices, and
communications channels.
Excellent writing and presentation skills.
Excellent organizational and planning skills.
Proven ability to bring discipline and organization to the work while
being flexible and responsive to emerging needs.
Proven track record managing personnel, programs, and budgets.
Comprehensive knowledge of every step in the communication and marketing
materials production process to guide staff, outside vendors and
colleagues in creating outstanding products.
Ability to inspire others, foster cross-divisional collaboration, and
manage by influence across a diverse organization.
Ability to give guidance, share and receive constructive feedback, and
integrate varying points of view.
Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and juggle multiple demands in
a complex and fast-paced work environment.
The highest standards of professional and personal conduct; excellent
judgment and the ability to treat confidential information with
discretion.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Authentic curiosity about science and technology, and an appreciation for
the extraordinary intellectual accomplishments and contributions of
Caltech donors, faculty, students, alumni, and volunteers.
Demonstrate the ability to practice and adhere to AAR's Guiding
Principles.
Preferred Qualifications
Science, medical, or technical writing/communications experience.
Advanced degree in a communications-intensive discipline.
Experience in higher education.
Recognized (via awards, publications, etc.) by peers for excellence in
advancement communications.
Experience with social media platforms, SEO, and GEO.
Proficiency using marketing automation platforms (such as Encompass) and
content management systems (such as Wagtail).
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Hiring Range
$175,100 - $250,000 per year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a
variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience,
education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to
providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible
dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health,
dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off
(vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition
reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to
some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our
benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability
status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by
law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to
eeocselfprintposter.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation
measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to
perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application,
interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please
contact Caltech Recruiting at [email protected].
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but
believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable
accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at
[email protected].
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