Communications Specialist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Augsburg's Advancement Communication Specialist is responsible for content creation and managing multi-channel messaging in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This includes creating and editing content in writing, through photography and videography, and occasionally speaking on camera. This role also edits written and recorded content created by others. The Communication Specialist works in collaboration with others to share Advancement content through social media and other online channels, via email, at events, using direct mail, and more. This role is responsible for using and maintaining content calendars that promote coordination in the Advancement division and across campus. And the Communication Specialist assists with and is a collaborative partner with all other Advancement activities including alumni relations, fundraising, donor stewardship, data maintenance, volunteer support, and other duties as assigned.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage Advancement Web pages and content for multiple blogs by writing, editing, and posting information weekly including original content like interviews, stories, donor recognition, and more. Content will include writing, photography, and video. 
• Manage Advancement email communications using multiple tools including a content management calendar, a CRM (Raiser's Edge NXT), Thankview, Gmail, and Cerkl. 
• Manage Advancement direct mail communications including writing, editing, working with Marketing and Communications on design and mail house production. Includes supporting staff, faculty, and volunteer writers. Must work within a specific budget and on specific deadlines. 
• Manage Advancement social media communications including writing, editing, and creating through photography and video original content for posts in multiple Facebook pages, Facebook profiles, Facebook Groups, an Instagram account, a Twitter account, and accounts on philanthropy related platforms. As social media platforms emerge and change this role will shift to adapt to what is being used by Advancement audiences. 
• Manage social media ads including designing an advertising strategy, creating ads, and reporting on ad effectiveness for converting viewers to engagement, event attendance, and/or donations. 
• Manage and collaborate with other staff on the creation of Advancement print and online collateral including gifts for volunteers and donors, greeting cards, stationary, business cards, brochures, one-pagers, stewardship reports, magazine articles, Class Notes, In Memory of articles, and more. 
• Manage the creation and completion of event scripts by working with staff, faculty, volunteers and others. May involved interviewing, writing, editing, multiple revisions, and support during events. 
• Complete ongoing Augsburg and Advancement training to maintain and grow skills related to job responsibilities.

JOB SPECIFICIATIONS:

• Some college required. Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Marketing or a related degree program preferred. 
• Minimum of two (2) years related experience. Higher education environment preferred.
• Excellent communication skills required including ability to create written and other content for a variety of audiences, and an ability to effectively communicate with colleagues, volunteers and donors. 
• Experience photographing individuals for print and web communications and capturing photographs at events. 
• Experience with videography and video editing including how to manage for efficient recording of content, lighting, sound, and required equipment. 
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse work environment. 
• Ability to be attentive to details. 
• Ability to meet deadlines. 
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality related to alumni and donor records. 
• Ability to multi-task, organize workflow, and communicate frequently about progress toward goals. 
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, patience, and sound judgment. 
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed. 
• Willingness to complete training and/or acquire certification related to WordPress, Excel, Thankview, Cerkl, fundraising, a CRM (Raiser's Edge NXT), a design tool like Canva, a video editing tool (like WeVideo, iMovie, or Final Cut Pro), social media and social media ads management (like Facebook Blueprint), and other training programs as the tools used in Advancement evolve.