Advancement Communications & Engagement Specialist

Supervisor: Director of Annual Giving & Constituent Engagement Status: Full-Time

Hours: 8:30AM-5:00PM, occasional nights and weekends

Job Location: Longmeadow, Hybrid

Exempt (Yes/No): Yes

JOB SUMMARY:

The Advancement Communications and Engagement Specialist plays a vital role in elevating the visibility, voice, and impact of the University's Advancement efforts. This position will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy that strengthens relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners while aligning with the University's broader communications strategy.

Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving & Constituent Engagement, the Advancement Communications and Engagement Specialist will manage storytelling across multiple channels, including print, digital, social media, and web, to highlight the transformational impact of philanthropy and alumni engagement.

This position is ideal for a creative and strategic communicator with strong project management skills, who is passionate about storytelling, engagement, and advancing the mission of higher education.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Advancement Communications (40%)

Develop and implement a holistic Advancement communications strategy, ensuring integration with the University's marketing and communications priorities.

Write, edit, and produce high-quality content for donor and alumni publications, newsletters, websites, and social media.

Create compelling stories that showcase donor and alumni impact, philanthropic priorities, and University achievements.

Manage Advancement's social media presence to increase engagement and grow audiences.

Partner with University Marketing & Communications to maximize visibility and brand alignment.

Digital Appeals and Campaigns (15%)

Participate in the planning and execution of two to four annual digital giving campaigns.

Segment audiences strategically to maximize participation and philanthropic impact.

Develop creative campaign content and coordinate with Donor Relations and Fundraising colleagues.

Volunteer and Council Engagement (20%)

Facilitate council communications, meetings, and recruitment/stewardship of members.

Ensure councils are engaged meaningfully in advancing alumni relations and philanthropy.

Event Planning and Engagement (20%)

Serve as lead coordinator for Advancement events, alumni programs, and signature engagement activities.

Oversee event logistics (planning, promotion, budgets, RSVPs, vendor coordination, and day-of execution).

Collaborate with campus partners to ensure Advancement events reinforce institutional priorities and elevate donor/alumni engagement.

Strategic Collaboration & Administration (5%)

Contribute to Advancement-wide strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Track and report on communications, engagement, and event metrics to assess impact and inform decision-making.

Maintain accurate records in the University's CRM (Raiser's Edge or equivalent).

Attend trainings as required.

Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned by the University.

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

3-5 years of experience in communications, marketing, advancement, or alumni relations, preferably in higher education or nonprofit sectors.

Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences.

Proven experience managing social media platforms, digital campaigns, and/or web content.

Strong event planning and project management skills, with ability to handle multiple priorities.

Familiarity with CRM and email marketing tools (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Mailchimp).

Creative, collaborative, and strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for events and meetings.

Commitment to the mission and values of the University.

Valid U.S. driver's license.

Must successfully pass the online safe Driving Course (within 15 days of hire) and driving record check at time of hire and annually thereafter.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all members of the University community including students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Ability to adhere to University policies and procedures.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and within FERPA and HIPAA guidelines.

All new employees must complete the FERPA, Anti-Harassment, and any other required online trainings within 15 days of employment.

General knowledge of the University's mission, purpose and goals and the role this position plays in achieving those goals.