Assistant Vice President, Development and Alumni Communications Strategy
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $104,383 and $132,044, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.
Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.
POSITION OBJECTIVE The Assistant Vice President of Development and Alumni Communications Strategy has the primary responsibility to provide strategic leadership of a comprehensive global development and alumni engagement program, representing Case Western Reserve University's highest strategic priorities that impact the university's future and national reputation. The assistant vice president will serve as a thought leader, partner and linchpin among University Marketing and Communications, the central University Relations and Development (URD) team and school-based alumni relations and development professionals, setting the overall communications strategy for a wide range of initiatives to engage, inspire and honor donors and alumni.
This assistant vice president is responsible for the management and execution of all development and alumni communication activities in preparation for the launch of the university-wide campaign on behalf of the university. This position will lead a comprehensive engagement program that expands our donor and alumni outreach, nationally and internationally, and supports the efforts of the senior vice president for university relations and development, working closely with all members of the University Relations and Development (URD) division's executive team and university leadership. The individual will lead a team of alumni and development communications professionals with the assistant vice president developing the overarching strategy from which each team member builds and implements for their partners. The individual will be responsible for directing team members and ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget and in line with fundraising and alumni engagement campaign goals.
While a UMC employee, the assistant vice president will also serve as a strategic partner to and core team member of URD leadership, working collegially, and in partnership, with central and school-based colleagues, ensuring the UMC team's efforts work toward URD goals while also aligning with the priorities, skills, budget and availability of UMC staff. The assistant vice president will employ a vast marketing and communications skillset across mediums to reach specific audiences, especially capitalizing on available data and technologies to tailor content to audience interests and methods (e.g., print, email, social media). The end goal: To engage and inspire alumni and donors to connect with Case Western Reserve in ways that create meaningful, long‑lasting impact for the university and the world.
Essential Functions
Strategy Development: Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive global communications strategy for fundraising campaigns and initiatives aimed to maximize lifetime engagement and philanthropic support. Serve as subject matter expert on advancement communications, particularly in a campaign environment, to best plan and implement strategic communications throughout URD. Create a holistic strategy that incorporates a variety of marketing and communications vehicles, including digital campaigns, direct mail, events, newsletters, and social media, to engage donors and alumni. Examine all potential mediums and vehicles for messaging and make recommendations for implementation or expansion of usage. Using knowledge of CRM platforms and development/fundraising best practices, develop targeted messaging strategies and journeys to meet audiences where they are and inspire them to engage with CWRU. Lead, develop and maintain annual marketing and communications plans that provide oversight for the entire URD division but also specifically focus on areas such as planned giving, major gifts, corporate giving and annual giving. Ensure that all school strategies align with central URD priorities, development and alumni engagement best practices, and UMC capabilities. (40%)
Implementation: With a high degree of independence, provide leadership to team members in developing and executing initiatives for their campus partners that align with overall global development and alumni engagement objectives supporting a major university‑wide campaign. Design and implement innovative engagement initiatives to strengthen relationships with donors and alumni. Oversee all communication touchpoints with donors and alumni, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging. (25%)
Collaboration and partnership: Work closely with president's office, university leadership, development officers, and alumni relations teams to align global communication strategies with fundraising goals. Serve as a key partner for and thought leader to senior leadership in URD and serve as a member of the URD senior development staff to assist with the development and implementation of program strategies and overall development plans to fulfill the mission of the university. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners to support development and engagement objectives. (20%)
Performance and analysis: Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and initiatives. Provide regular reports and insights to senior leadership on campaign progress and communication impact. Adjust strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes. (8%)
Team Leadership and Development: Lead and manage a dynamic team of development and alumni communications professionals, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance culture while ensuring staff accountability, maximum effectiveness, and clearly defined goals, objectives, and methods for which to measure success. Develop and implement industry best practices in processes and amplify both the CWRU and URD messaging. Establish streamlined processes for all writing, editing, designing, production, and mailing print pieces that serve individual schools, college, and departments, as well as division‑wide needs, including invitations, prospect correspondence and direct mail appeals. Convene a communicators group that brings together stakeholders who oversee external communications and ensure a clear line of sight to campaign communication policy and execution, with knowledge and expertise in CASE standards and campaign practices woven throughout workflows and outcomes. Encourage continuous learning and development within the team to enhance skills and capabilities. (7%)
Nonessential Functions Perform other duties as assigned. ( CONTACTS Department: Frequent contact with senior vice president for university relations and development, vice president for marketing and communications, vice president for development administration and engagement, and senior associate vice president of marketing communications strategy. Daily contact with team members to complete projects.
University: Regular contact with president's office, senior level administrative staff, deans, trustees, senior staff in colleges and management centers, University Relations and Development staff, faculty, and other university staff as required to perform essential functions.
External: Occasional communication with external contacts to exchange information.
Students: Regular contact with student employees to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY Direct supervisory responsibility for a team of at least four development and communications professionals.
Qualifications Experience: 10 years of communications and/or fundraising experience, including significant time in a supervisory role and work in development communications. Education industry experience preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
Required Skills
Demonstrated success in fundraising and/or alumni engagement communications and marketing.
Deep understanding of various charitable giving categories and styles, including best practices on reaching appropriate audiences for each.
Extensive knowledge of CRM software and marketing automation tools, including experience using queried data to create personalized and targeted communications. Experience with Ellucian Advance (or similar CRM product) required; Salesforce Marketing Cloud a plus.
Exceptional verbal and written communication, editing and presentation skills.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, organize workflow, and coordinate activities efficiently. Ability to establish priorities and execute multiple projects simultaneously while staying within budget and meeting deadlines.
Robust analytical and problem‑solving skills to assess marketing and communications strategies and drive improvements.
Ability to establish credibility, engage stakeholders, develop relationships, and influence change in a decentralized and complex organization.
Ability to succeed in a collaborative, cross‑functional, and fast‑paced environment.
Ability to develop and execute strategic marketing and communications plans for alumni and donor audiences, and to guide others in achieving those.
Demonstrated success in creating teams and continually building relationships within them.
Ability to think creatively and bring innovative solutions to marketing and communications challenges.
Outstanding planning and organizational skills.
Ability to motivate and inspire colleagues and direct reports.
Clear understanding of how to convey compelling, interesting stories in multiple formats based on audience.
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading ability, including superior knowledge of Associated Press style.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets), and Adobe Photoshop; InDesign knowledge a plus. Ability to learn new programs.
Knowledge and experience with content and social media management platforms.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS General office environment (hybrid option available following successful completion of orientation period). The employee will perform repetitive motion using computer mouse and keyboard.
This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.
Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216‑368‑3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.
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Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.
POSITION OBJECTIVE The Assistant Vice President of Development and Alumni Communications Strategy has the primary responsibility to provide strategic leadership of a comprehensive global development and alumni engagement program, representing Case Western Reserve University's highest strategic priorities that impact the university's future and national reputation. The assistant vice president will serve as a thought leader, partner and linchpin among University Marketing and Communications, the central University Relations and Development (URD) team and school-based alumni relations and development professionals, setting the overall communications strategy for a wide range of initiatives to engage, inspire and honor donors and alumni.
This assistant vice president is responsible for the management and execution of all development and alumni communication activities in preparation for the launch of the university-wide campaign on behalf of the university. This position will lead a comprehensive engagement program that expands our donor and alumni outreach, nationally and internationally, and supports the efforts of the senior vice president for university relations and development, working closely with all members of the University Relations and Development (URD) division's executive team and university leadership. The individual will lead a team of alumni and development communications professionals with the assistant vice president developing the overarching strategy from which each team member builds and implements for their partners. The individual will be responsible for directing team members and ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget and in line with fundraising and alumni engagement campaign goals.
While a UMC employee, the assistant vice president will also serve as a strategic partner to and core team member of URD leadership, working collegially, and in partnership, with central and school-based colleagues, ensuring the UMC team's efforts work toward URD goals while also aligning with the priorities, skills, budget and availability of UMC staff. The assistant vice president will employ a vast marketing and communications skillset across mediums to reach specific audiences, especially capitalizing on available data and technologies to tailor content to audience interests and methods (e.g., print, email, social media). The end goal: To engage and inspire alumni and donors to connect with Case Western Reserve in ways that create meaningful, long‑lasting impact for the university and the world.
Essential Functions
Strategy Development: Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive global communications strategy for fundraising campaigns and initiatives aimed to maximize lifetime engagement and philanthropic support. Serve as subject matter expert on advancement communications, particularly in a campaign environment, to best plan and implement strategic communications throughout URD. Create a holistic strategy that incorporates a variety of marketing and communications vehicles, including digital campaigns, direct mail, events, newsletters, and social media, to engage donors and alumni. Examine all potential mediums and vehicles for messaging and make recommendations for implementation or expansion of usage. Using knowledge of CRM platforms and development/fundraising best practices, develop targeted messaging strategies and journeys to meet audiences where they are and inspire them to engage with CWRU. Lead, develop and maintain annual marketing and communications plans that provide oversight for the entire URD division but also specifically focus on areas such as planned giving, major gifts, corporate giving and annual giving. Ensure that all school strategies align with central URD priorities, development and alumni engagement best practices, and UMC capabilities. (40%)
Implementation: With a high degree of independence, provide leadership to team members in developing and executing initiatives for their campus partners that align with overall global development and alumni engagement objectives supporting a major university‑wide campaign. Design and implement innovative engagement initiatives to strengthen relationships with donors and alumni. Oversee all communication touchpoints with donors and alumni, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging. (25%)
Collaboration and partnership: Work closely with president's office, university leadership, development officers, and alumni relations teams to align global communication strategies with fundraising goals. Serve as a key partner for and thought leader to senior leadership in URD and serve as a member of the URD senior development staff to assist with the development and implementation of program strategies and overall development plans to fulfill the mission of the university. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners to support development and engagement objectives. (20%)
Performance and analysis: Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and initiatives. Provide regular reports and insights to senior leadership on campaign progress and communication impact. Adjust strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes. (8%)
Team Leadership and Development: Lead and manage a dynamic team of development and alumni communications professionals, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance culture while ensuring staff accountability, maximum effectiveness, and clearly defined goals, objectives, and methods for which to measure success. Develop and implement industry best practices in processes and amplify both the CWRU and URD messaging. Establish streamlined processes for all writing, editing, designing, production, and mailing print pieces that serve individual schools, college, and departments, as well as division‑wide needs, including invitations, prospect correspondence and direct mail appeals. Convene a communicators group that brings together stakeholders who oversee external communications and ensure a clear line of sight to campaign communication policy and execution, with knowledge and expertise in CASE standards and campaign practices woven throughout workflows and outcomes. Encourage continuous learning and development within the team to enhance skills and capabilities. (7%)
Nonessential Functions Perform other duties as assigned. ( CONTACTS Department: Frequent contact with senior vice president for university relations and development, vice president for marketing and communications, vice president for development administration and engagement, and senior associate vice president of marketing communications strategy. Daily contact with team members to complete projects.
University: Regular contact with president's office, senior level administrative staff, deans, trustees, senior staff in colleges and management centers, University Relations and Development staff, faculty, and other university staff as required to perform essential functions.
External: Occasional communication with external contacts to exchange information.
Students: Regular contact with student employees to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY Direct supervisory responsibility for a team of at least four development and communications professionals.
Qualifications Experience: 10 years of communications and/or fundraising experience, including significant time in a supervisory role and work in development communications. Education industry experience preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
Required Skills
Demonstrated success in fundraising and/or alumni engagement communications and marketing.
Deep understanding of various charitable giving categories and styles, including best practices on reaching appropriate audiences for each.
Extensive knowledge of CRM software and marketing automation tools, including experience using queried data to create personalized and targeted communications. Experience with Ellucian Advance (or similar CRM product) required; Salesforce Marketing Cloud a plus.
Exceptional verbal and written communication, editing and presentation skills.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, organize workflow, and coordinate activities efficiently. Ability to establish priorities and execute multiple projects simultaneously while staying within budget and meeting deadlines.
Robust analytical and problem‑solving skills to assess marketing and communications strategies and drive improvements.
Ability to establish credibility, engage stakeholders, develop relationships, and influence change in a decentralized and complex organization.
Ability to succeed in a collaborative, cross‑functional, and fast‑paced environment.
Ability to develop and execute strategic marketing and communications plans for alumni and donor audiences, and to guide others in achieving those.
Demonstrated success in creating teams and continually building relationships within them.
Ability to think creatively and bring innovative solutions to marketing and communications challenges.
Outstanding planning and organizational skills.
Ability to motivate and inspire colleagues and direct reports.
Clear understanding of how to convey compelling, interesting stories in multiple formats based on audience.
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading ability, including superior knowledge of Associated Press style.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets), and Adobe Photoshop; InDesign knowledge a plus. Ability to learn new programs.
Knowledge and experience with content and social media management platforms.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS General office environment (hybrid option available following successful completion of orientation period). The employee will perform repetitive motion using computer mouse and keyboard.
This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.
Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216‑368‑3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.
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