Division: Communications and Marketing
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Base Salary Range: $75,000 to $90,000
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic, donor-centered communications plan in support of fund-raising efforts at the University of Hawai‘i Foundation (UHF). This position requires knowledge of effective techniques for communicating with donors and potential donors, as well as the ability to highlight the benefits of their philanthropy on the quality of teaching, research, and public service programs throughout the University of Hawai‘i. The Director is also responsible for the development and implementation of a proactive media relations strategy that raises UHF’s brand recognition and highlights the impact of philanthropy.
REPORTS TO
Associate Vice President of Communications and External Relations
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Developing and managing UHF donor newsletters and other donor stewardship publications. This includes overseeing the writing, and production of an annual report, and Kupono newsletter. Requires working closely with development staff, writers, brand manager and UH partners.
- Serving as a high output content producer, writing gift impact stories, news releases, fundraising appeals, leadership communications, and other copy as needed.
- Developing major gift proposals, case statements and other compelling materials to encourage donor investment in UH.
- Assessing the communication needs of UHF staff to ensure that they are equipped with the appropriate brochures, flyers, fact sheets and other printed and digital materials. Overseeing all aspects of conceiving of and producing these materials in a timely fashion.
- Partnering with the web manager to ensure the UHF website effectively serves and inspires key audiences and contains accurate, up-to-date content.
- Develop and implement a responsive and ongoing campaign messaging plan for a wide range of stakeholders.
- Actively support social media content posts and engagement strategy.
- Support internal staff communication initiatives and board communications e.g. staff newsletter.
- Support video projects and photo opportunities as needed.
EVALUATION
The Director of Communications will meet annually with his/her supervisor to put in place a plan for the year. At the end of each year, the Director of Communications and his/her supervisor will review progress toward the annual goals.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, English, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
- 5 to 7 years of work experience in writing and/or producing publications.
- Experience garnering positive media coverage through news releases, news conferences and other tactics.
- Requires ability to define goals and objectives, identify target audiences, and develop and implement strategic plans to accomplish communication goals.
- Experience working in higher education development communication, media/publications or an academic institution preferred.
- The position requires excellent professional judgment, and the ability to communicate with tact and sensitivity with a broad range of constituencies including donors, faculty and senior administrators.
- Strong organizational and management skills.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize and work efficiently.
- Ability to write persuasively with style appropriate to audiences.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The Director of Communications will work primarily in an office environment and will need to sit or stand for extended periods while either working at a computer, attending a meeting, or performing deskwork. Based at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa campus, the Director of Communications may need to visit areas of the University campus, as well as locations in and around O‘ahu. This position will involve travel, mostly by auto, occasionally by air and may require overnight stays. Employee must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record or an acceptable mode of transportation. The employee may need to work some evenings and weekends and must be able to work to the demands of the position, which may exceed a 40-hour workweek. Must be able and willing to travel interisland and nationally upon request.