Director, Philanthropic Communications

Posting Details

Posting Details

Business Title Director, Philanthropic Communications Posting Category Administrative and Professional Salary Grade 09 Salary Plan Professional Non Bargaining Hiring Range /Pay Rate Department Advancement Services Department Description Position Location Main Campus FTE 1.0 Job Summary

Provides strategic leadership for advancement communications and prospect research in support of Cleveland State University's (CSU) fundraising and engagement priorities. Oversees the development of compelling, donor-centered proposals, gift agreements, grant materials, campaign communications, and stewardship content that advance philanthropic investment and strengthen donor relationships. Directs the Prospect Research function to ensure research and prospect intelligence support fundraising strategies and priorities. Partners with development officers, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Alumni Affairs, donor engagement and stewardship teams, and other CSU stakeholders to coordinate resources and advance CSU's goals. Establishes effective processes and collaborative practices that promote quality, consistency, and efficiency across University Advancement. Performs other functionally related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferably in communications, English, journalism, creative writing, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, advancement, fundraising, development, alumni relations, public affairs, or related field, including at least two (2) years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Valid driver's license and ability to establish and maintain driver eligibility under CSU Driving and Motor Vehicle Policy.
• Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time and flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends, as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, nonprofit management, higher education, or a related discipline.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit fundraising, or campaign environments.
• Experience writing gift proposals or grant applications, with a portfolio demonstrating successful proposals or funded requests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of advancement, philanthropic fundraising, donor engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship practices.
• Knowledge of prospect research and the ability to interpret prospect intelligence to inform fundraising strategies and priorities.
• Exceptional written, verbal, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to develop compelling, persuasive, and donor-centered communications.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with frontline fundraisers and translate their knowledge of donors and philanthropic interests into polished, strategic written materials.
• Ability to develop innovative communication strategies, identify opportunities for process improvement, and establish effective practices that promote consistency and efficiency.
• Ability to work closely with frontline fundraisers and translating their donor knowledge into polished written materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.

Requisition Number PT0703993S Date grant, position, or appointment expires (For Funds Available, Temporary, and Waiver of Posting Special Instructions to Applicants Applicant Instructions

Offer of employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of the University's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or University policies or practices, including but not limited to a criminal background check.

Applications will be exclusively accepted online at http://www.csuohio.edu/offices/hrd/employment.html. Mailed or emailed application materials will not be accepted.

Hours per week 40 Work Schedule

Typically Monday- Friday. Generally, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm.

Advertising Copy Full Time/Part Time Full Time Posted Date 11/13/2026 Close Date/Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Review Begins 11/20/2026 Tentative Start Date

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have a Bachelor's degree preferably in communications, English, journalism, creative writing, public relations, marketing, or related field?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, advancement, fundraising, development, alumni relations, public affairs, or related field, including at least two (2) years in a leadership or supervisory capacity?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have Valid driver's license and ability to establish and maintain driver eligibility under CSU Driving and Motor Vehicle Policy AND the Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time and flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends, as business needs require?

• Yes

• No

• • How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• Public Job Posting

• Internal Job Posting

• Agency Referral

• Advertisement/Publication

• Personal Referral

• CSU Website

• Other

• If you selected 'Public Job Posting" or "Other" please provide source.

(Open Ended Question)

• • Do you require any type of accommodation, should you be invited to campus for further screening? Please contact CSU at (216) 687-3636 if you need accommodation.

• Yes

• No

• • Are you able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation?

• Yes

• No

Application Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application