As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The Assistant Director for Advancement Communications develops, supports, and implements internal and external strategic marketing and communications projects to increase awareness of and private support for the University of Washington.
The Assistant Director supports brand development and fundraising/campaign priorities, working with fundraising and communications teams throughout University Advancement to develop compelling cases for support and marketing and communications strategies to cultivate pride and motivate investments in the UW.
This position reports to the Director for Advancement Marketing and Communications Strategy as a key member of the University Marketing & Communications (UMAC) brand strategy team, This position will frequently collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including University Advancement staff and leadership, donors and volunteers.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategy Management & Implementation •Develop and maintain targeted communications plans for Advancement. Develop new advancement strategies, such as specific marketing campaigns and project-based marketing projects to support UW fundraising priorities/campaigns and engagement strategies. •Project manage, write, edit and evaluate fundraising and other marketing programs and materials, including newsletters, case statements, gift announcements, and impact stories. Work closely with content specialists, designers, fundraisers, and event planners. •Oversee the strategy and execute the University’s monthly engagement newsletter, UW Current. •Act as account services manager for central fundraising teams and University campuses, colleges, schools, and units to collaborate and develop strategies that increase support for University initiatives and fundraising priorities. •Support executive and internal Advancement communications.
Other Duties •Hire and manage a marketing student intern. •Participate on task forces, committees and other forums that address the role of communications in the advancement program. •Other duties as assigned.
Key Competencies Core
Effective communications: Expresses oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others in all forms of communication, i.e., verbal and written, one-on-one and group, etc. Interpersonal Awareness: Builds and maintains positive relationships and actively contributes as a member of working teams to achieve results. Professional Credibility: Takes responsibility for meeting goals, objectives, obligations, and solving problems while representing the mission, vision and values of the organization. Critical Thinking: Obtains, analyzes and evaluates information effectively in the face of ambiguity. Makes appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience. Ethics and Trust: Models and upholds the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness and honesty despite internal and external pressures. Acts consistently with Washington State ethical guidelines and organizational core values and beliefs. Valuing Diversity & Inclusiveness: Respects, values and contributes to the UW’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.
Functional Expertise
Organizational Acumen: Able to size up a situation, balance reason and the interest of others, and act in a decisive, timely and appropriate manner that is congruent with the organization's values, goals and mission to achieve success. Innovation Management: Able to anticipate market trends and be effective in facilitating and managing creative processes to achieve results in self and others. Planning & Implementing: Ability to develop strategies, measures for success and feasible timelines for successful project implementation and execution. Managing Conflict: Recognizes and addresses conflicts and disagreements in a safe and respectful environment, manages conflicts collaboratively, and builds consensus with the best interests.
Management
People Builder: Committed to developing others to become leaders. Driving Results: Effectively communicates objectives and guides direct reports and team members to make decisions and achieve goals. Organizational Planning: Develops and manages comprehensive team goals and measures team progress while balancing short-term and long-term priorities that are consistent with the organization’s mission, priorities and goals. Managing Conflict: Recognizes and addresses conflicts and disagreements in a safe and respectful environment, manages conflicts collaboratively, and builds consensus with the best interests of the organization in mind.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
•Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, marketing, advertising, communications or related field and three or more years of diverse experience in marketing/communications or related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for degree.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
•Demonstrated ability to conceive, implement, and evaluate marketing strategies and goals. Experience with fundraising principals a plus. •Strong writing skills. Fundraising writing experience preferred. •Values the UW’s commitment to inclusiveness. Demonstrates respect and commitment to diversity.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
•Experience with the Marketo, CMSes, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) a plus. •Communication experience to internal audiences within a large organization. •Project management experience a plus.
Conditions of Employment
Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions. This position requires a flexible schedule as the workload and times vary considerably.
Application Process: The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public institutions in the west coast and one of the preeminent research universities in the world. The University of Washington is a multi-campus university comprised of three different campuses: Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. The Seattle campus is made up of sixteen schools and colleges that serve students ranging from an undergraduate level to a doctoral level. The university is home to world-class libraries, arts, music, drama, and sports, as well as the highest quality medical care in Washington State and a world-class academic medical center. The teaching and research of the University’s many professional schools provide undergraduate and graduate students the education necessary toward achieving an excellence that will serve the state, the region, and the nation. As part of a large and diverse community, the University of Washington serves more students than any other institution in the Northwest.
