Communications & Editorial Director

Job Summary/Basic Function:

This executive-level management position oversees the overall communications strategy and integrated marketing activities in support of University Advancement’s strategic framework and Boise State University’s strategic priorities. The incumbent is responsible for leading University Advancement’s efforts to advance Boise State’s comprehensive campaign, annual giving, alumni engagement, donor relations and development goals through a robust marketing and communication strategy that is aligned with the university's enterprise brand identity and incorporates compelling storytelling, strategic media relations, executive communications and creative services. This role will work directly with University Advancement staff and senior leaders, university leaders, the Office of Communications and Marketing and campus communicators and partners to advance institutional, brand and fundraising priorities.

Department Overview:

University Advancement is the primary fundraising arm of Boise State University. We work to build relationships and support for the university by developing and nurturing donor-centered relationships and stewarding gifts made in support of Boise State. University Advancement collaborates with the Boise State University Alumni Association, Boise State University Foundation, and the Bronco Athletic Association.

Boise State Advancement Vision and Values

Vision

Create the best culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement of any public university in the country.

Values

Collaboration – Engage all stakeholders to the benefit of the university.

Communication – We are clear, concise, and consistent in all forms of communication.

Integrity – We are direct, truthful, and follow through on our commitments.

Inclusion – We proactively reach out to and embrace all stakeholders.

Ownership – We share responsibilities and outcomes.

Continuous Improvement – We never settle and are always looking for ways to improve.

Performance – We plan, execute, measure, and report.

Level Scope:

Directs through subordinate Managers multiple large and complex critical programs impacting broad constituencies across major portions of campus. Identifies objectives, manages very significant human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with an extremely high degree of autonomy. Accountable for formulating and administering policies and programs for major functions. Operational or program results can affect overall campus wide performance and reputation. Directs through subordinate Managers the development of strategic goals and objectives to achieve accountability and stewardship of university resources in a manner consistent with campus and system wide objectives and initiatives. Usually reports to one of the following: Associate/Assistant Vice President, Vice President or Provost.

Essential Functions:

60% of the time the Executive Director, Advancement Communications & Marketing must:

• Create a unified vision for communications and marketing that delivers powerful and cohesive messaging and storytelling, enhances the brand, and furthers the goals of the entire university, including its individual colleges and administrative units.
• Serve as an excellent written and oral communicator with the ability to articulate matters of complexity and nuance to multiple and varied groups of stakeholders.
• Lead a strong and unified team of marketing, communications and creative professionals.
• Oversee project management systems and processes to ensure a culture of accountability and commitment to customer service.
• Collaborate with the Office of Communications and Marketing, as well as communicators from across campus to align advancement stories and messaging across the enterprise for consistency.
• Oversee marketing and communications budget, ensuring expenditures are aligned to the priorities of the institution.

35% of the time the Executive Director, Advancement Communications & Marketing must:

• Develop and execute a reporting and analytics strategy tied to key performance metrics.
• Advise senior leadership on complex communications issues demanding a strong understanding of reputational risk and issues management.
• Attend board meetings, ceremonies and university events as a representative of Advancement.
• Prioritize and pitch stories that connect to campaign and university goals for enterprise brand-level distribution.
• Manage relationships with multiple vendors, agencies and freelance partners.
• Connect with industry colleagues to identify and contribute best practices.

5% of the time the Executive Director, Advancement Communications & Marketing must:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experience developing, managing, and evaluating the results of a strategic marketing and communications program.
• Superior written and presentation skills, including proven ability to shape and align messaging tone and style with a sharp eye for detailed editing and proofing.
• Successful track record of developing, implementing, and evaluating the results of a comprehensive and holistic strategic marketing and communications program.
• Experience developing and managing an omni-channel content strategy and familiarity with CMS including WordPress are a plus.
• MarketingCloud familiarity and experience implementing and managing CRM-connected programs are a plus.
• Ability to manage all administrative functions of a comprehensive marketing program including tasks associated with leading a professional staff, overseeing a robust budget that maximizes resources, selecting vendors to enable outreach and increase efficiency, managing vendor relationships and freelance talent, serving as a liaison for internal and external partners, representing the brand and organization as needed.
• Strong commitment to quality, accuracy, service and accountability.
• Ability to effectively manage, motivate and mentor team members to do their best work.
• Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism and self-awareness.
• Ability to operate with integrity and utmost discretion at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, strategic communications or related field and 10+ years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• ○ Master’s degree in marketing or strategic communications or master’s in business administration (MBA), preferred.
• 6 years supervisory / team management experience.
• Experience working in a complex organizational environment. (Experience working in higher education is preferred).