Advancement Communications Specialist
St. John's Catholic Newman Center, Urbana, IL, United States
The mission of St. John’s Catholic Newman Center is to equip college students for a lifelong connection with Christ and His Church through the sacraments and a vibrant, inviting community.
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.
Summary of Position 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.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or related field
Highly organized and able to manage multiple deadlines and concurrent projects
Ability to translate spiritual impact into clear, compelling storytelling
Practicing Catholic who understands and is passionate about the mission of St. John’s Catholic Newman Center
Strong understanding of donor-centered fundraising communication
Excellent writing, editing, and interviewing skills
Ability to coordinate with outside vendors including design, print, and mail production
2–4 years of professional writing or communications experience (advancement or nonprofit experience preferred)
Key Responsibilities
Write and produce annual giving materials, including appeals, impact reports, case statements, stewardship pieces, and digital campaigns
Uphold and communicate the mission and values of SJCNC in all materials
Coordinate with campus ministry staff, advancement team members, and external vendors as needed
Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communication to ensure brand consistency and strategic alignment
Alumni & Donor Communications
Plan, write, and edit alumni newsletters (print and digital)
Assist with messaging for major gift and capital campaign efforts as needed
Collaborate with advancement staff to ensure communications align with campaign strategy and donor segmentation
Develop messaging and creative content for seasonal and special fundraising initiatives
Storytelling & Content Development
Identify, interview, and write mission-oriented stories of:
Maintain a consistent voice that reflects both Catholic identity and relational warmth
Craft personalized donor stories and profiles that highlight generosity and mission alignment
Develop donor stewardship communications that clearly demonstrate gift impact
Collaboration & Brand Stewardship
Ensure all messaging is donor-centric, emphasizing transformation and partnership in mission
Collaborate with campus ministry staff to capture stories of spiritual growth, discipleship, and vocational discernment
Donors whose generosity fuels the mission
Current students impacted by campus ministry
Alumni living out their Catholic faith in parish, family, and professional life
The anticipated salary range for this position is $40,000 – $50,000, 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.
Position Status Full-Time, On-Site
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.
To apply, send cover letter and resume to jobs@sjcnc.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
Summary of Position 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.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or related field
Highly organized and able to manage multiple deadlines and concurrent projects
Ability to translate spiritual impact into clear, compelling storytelling
Practicing Catholic who understands and is passionate about the mission of St. John’s Catholic Newman Center
Strong understanding of donor-centered fundraising communication
Excellent writing, editing, and interviewing skills
Ability to coordinate with outside vendors including design, print, and mail production
2–4 years of professional writing or communications experience (advancement or nonprofit experience preferred)
Key Responsibilities
Write and produce annual giving materials, including appeals, impact reports, case statements, stewardship pieces, and digital campaigns
Uphold and communicate the mission and values of SJCNC in all materials
Coordinate with campus ministry staff, advancement team members, and external vendors as needed
Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communication to ensure brand consistency and strategic alignment
Alumni & Donor Communications
Plan, write, and edit alumni newsletters (print and digital)
Assist with messaging for major gift and capital campaign efforts as needed
Collaborate with advancement staff to ensure communications align with campaign strategy and donor segmentation
Develop messaging and creative content for seasonal and special fundraising initiatives
Storytelling & Content Development
Identify, interview, and write mission-oriented stories of:
Maintain a consistent voice that reflects both Catholic identity and relational warmth
Craft personalized donor stories and profiles that highlight generosity and mission alignment
Develop donor stewardship communications that clearly demonstrate gift impact
Collaboration & Brand Stewardship
Ensure all messaging is donor-centric, emphasizing transformation and partnership in mission
Collaborate with campus ministry staff to capture stories of spiritual growth, discipleship, and vocational discernment
Donors whose generosity fuels the mission
Current students impacted by campus ministry
Alumni living out their Catholic faith in parish, family, and professional life
The anticipated salary range for this position is $40,000 – $50,000, 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.
Position Status Full-Time, On-Site
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.
To apply, send cover letter and resume to jobs@sjcnc.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr