Advancement Communications Specialist
Chestertonacademyofnotredame, Champaign, IL, United States
Advancement Communications Specialist
Reports to: Director of Marketing & Communication
Position Overview The Advancement Communications Specialist serves a vital role in advancing the mission of St. John's Catholic Newman Center by telling compelling, mission-centered stories that inspire generosity and deepen engagement. Working under the direction of the Director of Marketing & Communication, this position develops strategic communications that support annual giving, alumni engagement, and major fundraising initiatives.
This individual will translate the transformational impact of campus ministry into donor-centered messaging that invites alumni, parents, and friends into deeper partnership with the mission of St. John's Catholic Newman Center to equip college students for lifelong connection to Christ and His Church.
Key Responsibilities Fundraising & Campaign Communications
Write and produce annual giving materials, including appeals, impact reports, case statements, stewardship pieces, and digital campaigns
Develop messaging and creative content for seasonal and special fundraising initiatives
Collaborate with advancement staff to ensure communications align with campaign strategy and donor segmentation
Assist with messaging for major gift and capital campaign efforts as needed
Alumni & Donor Communications
Plan, write, and edit alumni newsletters (print and digital)
Develop donor stewardship communications that clearly demonstrate gift impact
Craft personalized donor stories and profiles that highlight generosity and mission alignment
Maintain a consistent voice that reflects both Catholic identity and relational warmth
Storytelling & Content Development
Identify, interview, and write mission-oriented stories of Alumni living out their Catholic faith in parish, family, and professional life
Identify, interview, and write mission-oriented stories of current students impacted by campus ministry
Identify, interview, and write mission-oriented stories of donors whose generosity fuels the mission
Collaborate with campus ministry staff to capture stories of spiritual growth, discipleship, and vocational discernment
Ensure all messaging is donor-centric, emphasizing transformation and partnership in mission
Collaboration & Brand Stewardship
Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communication to ensure brand consistency and strategic alignment
Coordinate with campus ministry staff, advancement team members, and external vendors as needed
Uphold and communicate the mission and values of SJCNC in all materials
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or related field
2-4 years of professional writing or communications experience (advancement or nonprofit experience preferred)
Excellent writing, editing, and interviewing skills
Strong understanding of donor-centered fundraising communication
Practicing Catholic who understands and supports the mission of St. John's Catholic Newman Center
Ability to translate spiritual impact into clear, compelling storytelling
Highly organized and able to manage multiple deadlines
Desired Attributes
Passion for evangelization and forming young adults in the faith
Strong relational skills and ability to conduct meaningful interviews
Strategic thinker with creative instincts
Comfortable collaborating across departments
Why This Role Matters This position plays a critical role in ensuring that the life-changing work of SJCNC is communicated clearly and compellingly to those who make it possible. Through thoughtful storytelling and strategic messaging, the Advancement Communications Specialist helps invite others into the mission of forming disciples for Christ during their time in college, and equipping them to live it out for the rest of their lives.
Compensation & Benefits The anticipated salary range for this position is $45,000-$55,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package is provided. Salary flexibility may be considered for candidates with significant capital campaign and major gifts leadership experience. Relocation assistance and professional development support may be available.
Equal Employment Opportunity St. John's Catholic Newman Center is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws and guidelines.
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Position Overview The Advancement Communications Specialist serves a vital role in advancing the mission of St. John's Catholic Newman Center by telling compelling, mission-centered stories that inspire generosity and deepen engagement. Working under the direction of the Director of Marketing & Communication, this position develops strategic communications that support annual giving, alumni engagement, and major fundraising initiatives.
This individual will translate the transformational impact of campus ministry into donor-centered messaging that invites alumni, parents, and friends into deeper partnership with the mission of St. John's Catholic Newman Center to equip college students for lifelong connection to Christ and His Church.
Key Responsibilities Fundraising & Campaign Communications
Write and produce annual giving materials, including appeals, impact reports, case statements, stewardship pieces, and digital campaigns
Develop messaging and creative content for seasonal and special fundraising initiatives
Collaborate with advancement staff to ensure communications align with campaign strategy and donor segmentation
Assist with messaging for major gift and capital campaign efforts as needed
Alumni & Donor Communications
Plan, write, and edit alumni newsletters (print and digital)
Develop donor stewardship communications that clearly demonstrate gift impact
Craft personalized donor stories and profiles that highlight generosity and mission alignment
Maintain a consistent voice that reflects both Catholic identity and relational warmth
Storytelling & Content Development
Identify, interview, and write mission-oriented stories of Alumni living out their Catholic faith in parish, family, and professional life
Identify, interview, and write mission-oriented stories of current students impacted by campus ministry
Identify, interview, and write mission-oriented stories of donors whose generosity fuels the mission
Collaborate with campus ministry staff to capture stories of spiritual growth, discipleship, and vocational discernment
Ensure all messaging is donor-centric, emphasizing transformation and partnership in mission
Collaboration & Brand Stewardship
Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communication to ensure brand consistency and strategic alignment
Coordinate with campus ministry staff, advancement team members, and external vendors as needed
Uphold and communicate the mission and values of SJCNC in all materials
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or related field
2-4 years of professional writing or communications experience (advancement or nonprofit experience preferred)
Excellent writing, editing, and interviewing skills
Strong understanding of donor-centered fundraising communication
Practicing Catholic who understands and supports the mission of St. John's Catholic Newman Center
Ability to translate spiritual impact into clear, compelling storytelling
Highly organized and able to manage multiple deadlines
Desired Attributes
Passion for evangelization and forming young adults in the faith
Strong relational skills and ability to conduct meaningful interviews
Strategic thinker with creative instincts
Comfortable collaborating across departments
Why This Role Matters This position plays a critical role in ensuring that the life-changing work of SJCNC is communicated clearly and compellingly to those who make it possible. Through thoughtful storytelling and strategic messaging, the Advancement Communications Specialist helps invite others into the mission of forming disciples for Christ during their time in college, and equipping them to live it out for the rest of their lives.
Compensation & Benefits The anticipated salary range for this position is $45,000-$55,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package is provided. Salary flexibility may be considered for candidates with significant capital campaign and major gifts leadership experience. Relocation assistance and professional development support may be available.
Equal Employment Opportunity St. John's Catholic Newman Center is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws and guidelines.
#J-18808-Ljbffr