The University of Tennessee Foundation is seeking a Senior Director of Philanthropy Communications at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis, Tennessee. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs, the position will be responsible for the strategic direction and implementation of a comprehensive philanthropic communications and marketing program targeted towards both internal and external audiences of UTHSC. This position will create and execute strategies and programs that articulate the University’s fundraising priorities with messaging that reflects the culture, values and achievements of the UTHSC community, as well as celebrate the generosity and involvement of the University’s alumni and donors. The incumbent will be afforded the opportunity to elevate and raise the visibility and profile of the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs and play a significant role in forging partnerships across the institution between the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of Communications and Marketing, College Deans, and other senior leadership.
A significant focus will be to increase the University’s share of voice in the philanthropic marketplace and work collaboratively in shaping the positioning, branding, and messaging of the multiple opportunities available to meet donors’ charitable objectives.
The Senior Director of Philanthropy Communications will be responsible to serve as a principal advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs on communications and marketing strategy, including: institutional positioning and messaging, Chancellor’s communications to donors and prospects, constituency relations and market segmentation; will develop an ongoing comprehensive philanthropic communications plan, which outlines goals, messages, and timing; will develop methods for coordinating departmental planning and execution to ensure consistency of message, tone, and style, and to leverage both internal and external resources and relationships.
Additionally, the Senior Director will provide leadership for executing strategy across multiple communications resources; assess current communications tools and materials to ensure best practices are utilized and are effective; and, recalibrate the program as it relates to structure, knowledge, competency, operational processes and alignment to best meet the needs of the department; develop metrics to measure program impact and success and guide changes in strategy; write, as needed, feature stories, case statements, proposals and direct mail letters to facilitate major gift fundraising and stewardship; directly implement and continuously revisit procedures and activities contributing to the production of collateral that is visually and topically appealing to its readership; and work collaboratively with adjacent offices with supporting missions and freelance resources for cohesion with the University’s mission.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; a master’s degree is highly preferred. Candidates should have a minimum of 6 to 8 years of progressively responsible experience in philanthropic communications and marketing, preferably within a large, complex university.
Skills
Proven strategic philanthropic communications and marketing professional with a track record of developing and leading sophisticated communications teams. Proven experience developing strategic communications plans and programs for complex organizations, preferably within a major academic medical center. Possess a sophisticated and comprehensive understanding of best in class communications programs and understanding of market research practices, and data segmentation. Excellent reportorial and writing skills and knowledge of fundraising communications a plus. Expertise and experience with progressive use of digital and web-related communications. This includes strong understanding of social networking plus emerging web technologies. A leader who is adept at gaining the confidence of others, managing change and building relationships with people from diverse areas of the University. An influencer who knows how to build the case and market it to others.
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