Position Summary

This new role of Digital & Direct Marketing Coordinator (DDMC) will be joining Eastern University during an exciting time of growth and transformation in its history as we embark on our new 2022-27 strategic plan titled, Inspire. Innovate. Impact. The DDMC manages the annual fund direct mail, e-mail and social media appeals for all Eastern’s constituents, including both reunion and non-reunion alumni classes as well as current students and parents of undergraduate students and current students themselves. The DDMC works with student, alumni and parent volunteers and various marketing platforms to maximize strategic outcomes.

Reporting to the Director of Leadership Giving and Digital and Direct Marketing, the DDMC will assist in carrying out the EU Day of Giving program, Giving Tuesday, and Love a Donor Day, as well as other donor recognition activities in partnership with the Data and Stewardship Coordinator.  Additionally, this position will work on other direct mail, e-mail, social media fundraising related marketing needs of the Advancement division (e.g. planned giving). The DDMC will be the liaison between the University and various outside vendors as well as internal partners across campus, to facilitate the implementation of a successful annual giving campaign. Partnership and collaboration with members of the Advancement division, along with other University internal and external partners is key.

Eastern’s current 12-member Advancement Office raises approximately $3 million - $5 million annually and is looking to increase this in the coming years through grant proposals, documented legacy gifts, unrestricted gifts to the annual fund, and strengthening alumni and family engagement. The office has a collegial and collaborative ethos where staff communicate with one another and work together toward common goals.  The successful candidate is expected to be a positive addition to the team.  

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of communication plans for fundraising campaigns, engagement objectives, and initiatives.
• Responsible for building relationships across departmental lines and supporting the development of a culture of philanthropy within the Eastern community, and to support the expansion of constituent relationships and enhancement of funding by encouraging gifts of all sizes.
• Assist in the design, theme development, and messaging of all annual fund solicitations.
• Coordinates with Alumni & Family Engagement, along with University Marketing and Communications team to appropriately represent the school on the website, e-newsletters, social media channels, and the magazine (class notes and alumni profiles), and through other collateral materials.
• Assist in development of an integrated marketing communications strategy to achieve fundraising goals and the highest levels of stewardship and engagement.
• Working closely with University Marketing to plan and prepare fundraising content; video production, social media, and event communications; and support digital and print materials, all in alignment with the University’s brand to foster engagement and inspire and motivate a culture of philanthropic and alumni engagement.  
• Working under the guidance of the Director of Leadership Giving, Digital & Director Marketing, and collaboratively with other Advancement staff, manage various aspects of EU’s annual Day of Giving (March), Giving Tuesday (November), Love a Donor Day (February), along with other initiatives that may be created or developed.
• Responds to all constituency outreach in a timely, kind, helpful, and appropriate manner.
• Assist with and attend Advancement/Alumni & Family related events; attend other University events, as appropriate.
• Maintain awareness of University fundraising priorities.
• Document constituent activities in the University Advancement CRM, as needed.
• Although not managing a budget, maintain an awareness of budget stewardship.
• Perform other related duties as required. All specific projects or responsibilities are subject to change and may shift at any time due to evolving institutional priorities, staffing transitions, or other reasons.    

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strategic Thinking - Keeps the University's strategic objectives in mind when developing and contributing to plans and initiatives for Advancement and donor engagement. Is able to explain the link between program goals and the University's strategic direction to Advancement. Makes informed decisions based on a clear understanding of the impact and consequences involved. Considers key financial factors (e.g., budget, revenue, resources) when making decisions.

Adaptability - Stays focused on work and responsibilities in a changing work environment. Is able to quickly reprioritize to ensure resources (e.g., staff, systems, tools, etc.) are in place to achieve objectives. Responds positively and is supportive of change initiatives.

Communication and Networking - Articulates thoughts clearly and effectively. Consistently communicates to colleagues and/or supervisor, ensuring that everybody is well informed. Proactively builds informal networks and uses them to drive results within the EU community.

Results Driven - Self-motivated and can work independently and collaboratively.  Supports the continuous improvement of policies to reduce inefficiencies and better achieve goals. Respectfully holds people accountable for the quality of their work and minimal errors. Strives to achieve challenging goals and works through obstacles.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related area required
• At least 1-2 years of professional experience
• Experience with developing marketing/communications materials.
• Understanding of social media platforms for strategic communication and marketing purposes.
• Excellent writing, communication, proofreading, editing, and organizational skills. This is also essential for interaction with University leadership, Advancement staff, support staff, academic leaders, university faculty and staff, alumni, volunteers, prospects, and donors.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to carry out multiple activities/projects concurrently is expected.
• Strong organizational and time management skills focused on details, meeting deadlines and production schedules. Calendar driven.
• Self-starter with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build, foster, and maintain positive professional relationships with colleagues and other constituencies.
• Ability to work independently and as a team, to prioritize work efficiently, and to meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Ability to work with a diverse range of individuals in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable working with alumni, parents, and student volunteers.
• Ability to be creative, engaging, adaptive, and resilient.
• Ability to handle confidential material and situations with sensitivity, tact, and the utmost discretion.
• Strong commitment to cooperative teamwork.
• The successful candidate embodies values of caring and compassion, justice and integrity, competence and affirmation. S/He will commit to the mission and values of Eastern University and will seek to treat each member of the campus community with fairness, dignity and respect, seeking a spirit of unity and harmony as we join together to achieve our common mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in advancement fundraising communications, in-house or in a creative agency setting.
• Familiarity with higher education industry and dynamics.
• Familiarity with and success in the complex environment of a faith-based university.
• Experience with fundraising/marketing software/database is a plus.
• Well-versed in all social media platforms.
• Experience using MailChimp or other email marketing platforms is highly desirable.
• Experience using graphic design platforms such as Canva is highly desirable.

 About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, Seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a religious commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university.  The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.

Background Checks

 Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.

Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances:

1)      Affidavit;

2)      FBI Criminal Record Check;

3)      Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and;

4)      Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check. 

In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment.  Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.

 
Description Disclaimer

This description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned.

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, Seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a religious commitment compatible with its mission. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of the protected classes are encouraged to apply.

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