Advancement Communications Specialist

As part of a diverse community of faculty and staff who represent many faith systems and worldviews, Marian University seeks an Advancement Communications Specialist to promote our Catholic Franciscan mission and identity, by supporting the execution of communications across Institutional Advancement.

A primary focus is producing and distributing print and digital communications that advance Journey to 2030: Always Forward, particularly Klipsch Educators College, Faith in Action, and the Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine. The position also supports annual giving, donor engagement and stewardship, and other Advancement fundraising priorities. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Alumni and Donor Engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Actively engage the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University by modeling the Franciscan Sponsorship Values and honoring the legacy of the founding congregation through transformative education, unity in diversity, leadership through service, integrating faith and life, and institutional policies.

Create print and digital communications supporting Journey to 2030: Always Forward, including its key funding priorities: the Klipsch Educators College, Faith in Action, and Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Create print and digital communications supporting annual giving efforts, targeted appeals, and other Advancement communication priorities.

Create and update Journey to 2030: Always Forward communications and materials, including donor materials, sell sheets, announcements, and other print and digital projects.

Manage assigned communications from start to finish, including design, editing, proofreading, data review, scheduling, and preparation for print or digital distribution.

Coordinate with printers and other vendors to ensure materials are produced accurately, on time, and within budget.

Manage multiple projects and deadlines, prioritizing work based on Advancement leadership direction and ensuring assignments are completed accurately and on time.

Coordinate with Marian’s Marketing and Communications team as needed to ensure all materials follow Marian’s brand standards.

University Expectations

• Knowledge of and a commitment to the mission of Marian University
• Adheres to Marian University’s policies and procedures
• Shows courtesy and respect in interactions with fellow employees, students, subordinates, and supervisors
• Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues
• Meets department productivity standards
• Participates in developing department systems
• Assists to establish department measurements that align and support the accomplishment of the University’s strategic goals
• Adheres to the department budget

Required Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Preferred to have a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, graphic design, public relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Canva is required, along with basic design, writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Basic video editing skills are also needed, with an interest in continuing to develop those skills. Experience with email marketing platforms such as Delivra is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in higher education, advancement,

fundraising, or nonprofit communications.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For Consideration All Applications Require

Cover Letter

• Current resume or CV
• Contact information of three professional references. The reference contact information must be entered after the application is submitted in the "My Presence" section of the applicant profile.
• Responses to the supplementary mission & identity questions.
• Please Review Marian University’s Mission & Identity Statement before responding to the supplementary questions on your application:
• https://www.marian.edu/faith

Essential Functions

Work hours necessary to perform job requirements satisfactorily on a regular basis. Manage absence from work in responsible manner to ensure service to clients, work teams, and coworkers. Comply with Marian University policies and practices and seeking clarification of them when necessary.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands to handle or feel objects, equipment, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or signify can’t risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and States Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Marian University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.