Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications

Position Summary:

The Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications serves as the lead communications strategist for the Ivy Tech Foundation and plays a critical role in advancing the Foundation’s philanthropic priorities through compelling storytelling, strategic messaging, and integrated communications. Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy, this role develops and implements communications strategies that elevate the visibility, impact, and fundraising success of the Foundation.
The Assistant Vice President partners closely with development staff, college leadership, and communications colleagues across the Ivy Tech system to ensure consistent messaging, donor-centered communications, and effective promotion of philanthropic initiatives. The role is particularly important in supporting major gift cultivation, stewardship, campaign communications, and public engagement with the Foundation’s mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications plan aligned with the Ivy Tech Foundation’s fundraising priorities and institutional mission.

• Ensure consistent messaging that articulates the impact of philanthropy on Ivy Tech students, programs, and communities.

• Develop donor-centered messaging, campaign materials, and storytelling that demonstrate impact and inspire giving.

• Collaborate with development team members to create communications that support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Serve as the primary liaison with Ivy Tech’s system communications and public relations teams, ensuring coordinated messaging and alignment between institutional and Foundation communications.

Content Development and Storytelling

• Oversee development of high-quality written and digital communications including donor impact stories, reports, newsletters, web content, and presentations.

• Ensure compelling storytelling that highlights student success, donor impact, and the mission of Ivy Tech.

• Maintain consistent voice and brand alignment across Foundation communications.

• Support communications planning for major gift announcements, campaign milestones, and donor recognition opportunities.

Digital and External Engagement

• Support development and management of the Foundation’s digital presence, including web, social media, and email communications.

• Identify opportunities to increase visibility of Foundation impact among donors, partners, and community stakeholders.

• Utilize data and analytics to assess effectiveness of communications and inform strategy.

Project and Content Management

• Manage communications calendars and ensure timely execution of strategic initiatives.

• Oversee development of materials that support Foundation priorities, including reports, case statements, donor communications, and marketing collateral.

• Ensure projects are completed on time and aligned with strategic goals.

• Use communications metrics and analytics to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategy.

Vendor and Budget Management

• Manage relationships with external communications vendors, consultants, and creative agencies supporting Foundation communications initiatives.

• Serve as the primary liaison with external partners, including communications and marketing agencies engaged by the Foundation.

• Ensure vendor work aligns with Foundation strategy, brand standards, timelines, and performance expectations.

• Oversee communications-related budgets and ensure resources are deployed effectively to support Foundation goals.

SUPERVISION GIVEN: Vice President of Philanthropy

HIRE SALARY RANGE: $115,000-$120,000

QUALIFICATIONS & KEY COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• 7-10 years of professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field.

• Demonstrated experience developing strategic communications plans and executing multi-channel communications initiatives.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

• Ability to translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling communications.

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or philanthropic organizations.

• Familiarity with fundraising communications, donor relations, or campaign communications.

• Exper