Associate Director, Marketing and Communications

Associate Director Of Marketing And Communications

The associate director of marketing and communications is an accomplished writer, editor, and strategic project manager with broad-based responsibilities for planning, overseeing, and implementing a wide range of communications on behalf of Northwestern Alumni Relations and Development (ARD), including the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA). The associate director manages a portfolio of projects in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with team members and interacting with ARD and University partners, and coordinating freelance writers, editors, designers, and photographers as needed. Projects include managing and developing print and digital communications for alumni and donor engagement, such as event marketing materials, social media copy, stewardship materials, magazine stories, press releases, gift announcements, and fundraising solicitations. This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, up to two days remote and three onsite.
Specific responsibilities include:
Collaborate with team members to develop new communications, from concept through execution
Serve as the strategic project lead for individual projects and integrated, multi-faceted programs, managing partner relations and communication plan development (goal, strategy, target, channel mix, schedules, and budget)
Collaborate with team members (including design, social, digital, and video) and ARD and University partners at all levels
Ensure projects and programs are on strategy, on time, and on budget
Review, copyedit, and proofread print and digital communications materials. Enforce editorial and brand guidelines
Adapt messaging and tone as appropriate for different circumstances and audiences
Decipher complex concepts and translate them to accessible language for general audiences
Work with director to maintain and develop smooth and efficient processes for the marketing and communications team
Audit editorial quality and identify opportunities to improve communication effectiveness
Develop short- and long-form content for a variety of strategic, engagement, fundraising, and stewardship materials, including newsletters, press releases, and magazine stories (print and digital)
Conduct research and interviews for the development of content
Miscellaneous
Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum qualifications include:
Successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
Eight years of marketing/communications or other relevant writing experience.
Preferred qualifications include:
Experience managing partners or clients, complex tasks, and large-scale multi-faceted marketing or editorial projects
Ability to think strategically and creatively, collaborate, and demonstrate attention to detail
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects and completing them under tight deadlines
Experience developing strategic communication plans
Exceptional communication skills: interviewing, writing, editing, and proofreading
Experience in higher education advancement or complex organization
Experience writing fundraising solicitations
Experience in Chicago Manual of Style
Experience in a project management workflow system such as Smartsheet
Strong portfolio of writing that is clear, accurate, and compelling
Ability to adapt writing styles to different tonalities and voices
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Track Changes
Northwestern offers meaningful and competitive benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For more information, visit

Northwestern's benefits page .