Director of Digital Marketing / Communications Manager II/S

Working/Functional Title

Director of Digital Marketing

Position Summary

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

University Advancement is seeking a Michigan-based strategic and innovative Digital Marketing Director who has a keen understanding of digital fundraising in the higher education sector. This role will lead our digital marketing efforts to enhance our online presence, engage current and potential donors, and drive digital donor relations and alumni engagement initiatives through effective audience journeys. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of digital marketing strategies and trends, especially as they pertain to higher education fundraising. The ideal candidate will develop and implement strategies for enhancing collaboration, empower digital content creators, and create synergies between alumni relations, development teams, including college development and/or alumni relations officers. They act as a digital marketing expert across UA and campus in matters relating to planning and developing digital marketing strategies for alumni and donors; provide thought leadership; and gather, report, and provide analytics on digital marketing strategies for greater alignment and amplification of alumni and donor-facing communications across the university.  

 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic planning and campaign management: 

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute a comprehensive digital marketing strategy to increase donor and alumni engagement. 
• Campaign Management: Be a strategic partner in the development of digital fundraising campaigns that exceed expectations and use digital marketing best practices across multiple channels, including email, web, and paid advertising, often in close partnership with key alumni relations and development partners.  

Content development:

• Content Development: Collaborate with internal teams to create compelling content that resonates with alumni, parents, and potential donors and friends, emphasizing the impact of their contributions. 

Audience Engagement: 

• Audience Engagement: Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including alumni office and development teams, to build a strong network of support. 

Team Leadership and Client Relations: 

• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of digital content creators, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and best practices. Also serve as the primary point of content for internal and external clients. 
• Political savvy and the ability to develop strong working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders. 
• Trends & Insights: Stay updated on the latest trends in digital marketing, fundraising, and higher education, implementing best practices to enhance our strategies. 

Analytics, reporting and content optimization: 

• Analytics and Reporting: Monitor, analyze, and report on campaign performance metrics, utilize data to drive continuous improvement and inform future strategies. 
• SEO & SEM: Optimize web content for search engines and manage pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaigns to enhance visibility and drive traffic. 

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations; composing, editing and publication production; news, broadcasting, and print media; and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation or radio production; or computer programming/technology; and/or experience in a field related to are of employment; may require management and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field; Master’s degree is a bonus.

• 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, with a strong emphasis on fundraising and higher education. 

• Proven track record of successful digital fundraising and engagement campaigns and experience with CRM software. 

• Experience building and maintaining web presence through Sitecore or similar content management system.