Dev & Alumni Communications Mg

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 08/31/2026.

Position Summary:

The Communications Strategist, Alumni and Development plays a pivotal role in shaping how the University of Northern Colorado connects with alumni, parents, donors, and friends. Through strategic storytelling, multi-channel content marketing, and thoughtful project management, this position translates the university's mission, impact, and philanthropic priorities into compelling communications that inspire engagement and support.

As a key member of the Division of University Advancement, the Communications Strategist partners across Alumni Relations, Development, central the Communications team to develop communications that strengthen relationships, elevate the UNC brand, and advance fundraising and engagement priorities. The position contributes directly to the success of university-wide philanthropic and engagement goals by identifying opportunities to tell meaningful stories, showcase impact, and create experiences that encourage alumni and supporters to remain connected to UNC.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Community Relations, this role offers an opportunity for a strategic, creative communications professional to make a visible impact on the university's relationships with its constituents and help shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at UNC.

Job Duties:

30% Alumni Communication: In coordination with alumni relations staff, the position is responsible for implementing the university's alumni communication strategy, including understanding alumni segmentation and messaging, development of alumni career profiles, creation of event and program marketing, project and publication management, and digital, social, and web-based content management for alumni and donor audiences.

30% Development: In coordination with development staff, the position is responsible for writing and preparing development communication plans and content including planned gift marketing campaigns, major gift announcements, campaign case statements, donor and fund profiles, stewardship publications.

25% Annual Giving: In coordination with annual giving staff, the position is responsible for writing and preparing communication plans and content for annual fundraising campaigns including mail and email appeals and support for annual giving programs and projects.

5% Advancement Operations: In coordination with advancement operations staff, support strong prospect management and data use practices. Requires active use of the institutional alumni and donor dataset, including submission of action notes, data requests, and central project management practices.

5% Divisional Communications: In coordination with marketing and communication staff, align all alumni and development communication with central marketing campaigns and plans. Requires active use of project management software and compliance with university communication practices and brand standards.

5% Campus Partnerships: Collaborate with campus partners to ensure alumni and donor communication is centrally organized and all content is appropriately and effectively leveraged.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field.

Minimum of three years of directly related professional experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered to satisfy the minimum requirements.

Ability:

• Expertise in persuasive writing and editing including but not limited to case statements, marketing campaigns, annual giving direct mail and e-appeals, annual reports, stewardship publications, fund-raising websites and social media, email campaigns, and fund proposals prepared for individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Strong storytelling skills that include writing about students, faculty, alumni, friends and donors across all platforms, from UNC Magazine and print materials to digital communications.
• Expertise in the effective use of digital and social media platforms, including web content management, broadcast email, social media, and digital campaign planning.
• Demonstrated knowledge of English grammar, business writing, punctuation, and spelling.
• Expert writing and editorial skills with the ability to effectively present ideas.
• Comprehensive knowledge of communications, publications, media and/or marketing to develop and execute print and web communication strategies to position the university for increased philanthropy and alumni involvement.
• Expert networking and interpersonal skills including strong consultative skills to work with internal and external constituents.