Assistant Director of Advancement Communications

Assistant Director of Advancement Communications

Salary

$61,336.80 - $69,003.90 Annually

Location

940 Second St. Portsmouth, OH 45662, OH

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

POS-1042

Division

Advancement and Enrollment Management

Opening Date

07/16/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits

Job Description Summary

The Assistant Director of Advancement Communications is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that support fundraising and alumni engagement and SSU Foundation efforts. The position creates and manages donor- and alumni-focused communications across multiple channels, with an emphasis on conveying the impact of philanthropic support on students, academic programs, athletics, and the broader community.

This role serves as the primary staff member responsible for Advancement and Foundation communications, working to ensure messaging is consistent, effective, and aligned with institutional priorities. The position collaborates closely with University Communications to ensure coordination, consistency, and alignment with institutional messaging and branding standards, while developing content specific to donor and alumni audiences. The role works with Advancement and Foundation staff and campus partners to gather content and translate it into communications that support engagement and giving.

Position will be posted until filled; for best consideration, apply by August 3, 2026.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

FUNCTIONS:

• Advancement Communications Development and Execution
• Impact Storytelling and Donor Communication
• Communications Coordination and Channel Management

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advancement Communications Development and Execution

• Develops and implements Advancement and Foundation communication content across multiple channels, including email, print, digital, and social media, to support fundraising, donor relations, and alumni engagement

• Assists in planning communication strategies and content schedules aligned with Advancement and Foundation priorities and campaigns

• Enhance Magazine, Website, Social Media presence to support growth in Alumni Engagement and meet Annual Giving, and Major Giving fundraising goals.

• Impact Storytelling and Donor Communication

• Develops content that highlights the impact of donor support on students, academic programs, athletics, and the community

• Works with campus partners to gather information and stories that demonstrate outcomes of philanthropic support

• Creates donor-focused communications, including stewardship materials, impact reports, and campaign messaging

• Communications Coordination and Channel Management

• Coordinates with University Communications to ensure Advancement and Foundation messaging aligns with institutional branding, communication standards, and broader University initiatives

• Coordinates distribution of Advancement and Foundation communications, including email campaigns and digital content delivery

• Maintains communication schedules, tracks engagement metrics, and reports on communication performance

Minimum Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging messages;
• Ability to develop and implement communication strategies;
• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to gather content;
• Experience managing multi-channel communications/media;
• Knowledge of marketing principles; strategic thinking skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field
• Three (3) years relevant experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in advancement, nonprofit, higher education communications; digital communications and marketing experience, familiarity with storytelling for donor engagement and fundraising.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office environment; occasional travel required; some evening/weekend work required.

Shawnee State University offers a competitive starting salary (commensurate with overall qualifications) including an attractive benefits package. See Overview of Employee Benefits for more information. Some of our benefits include:

• Paid Holidays
• Paid Winter Break in December
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Tuition Waiver
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plans

Employer Shawnee State University (OH)

Address 940 Second St.

Portsmouth, Ohio, 45662

Phone 740-351-3481