Director, Donor Relations & Communications

Overview The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Office of Development (VP&S OOD), a part of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), is dedicated to facilitating relationships that support the vision and mission of CUIMC and VP&S: to transform health by driving discovery, advancing care, and educating leaders. Position Summary The Director of Communications and Donor Relations will report to the Assistant Vice President of Communications and Donor Relations (AVP) in OOD. The incumbent will manage a wide array of assignments, helping to coordinate, manage and at times lead a variety of advancement marketing and communications efforts for OOD. The role includes managing key digital communication vehicles and tools, which includes primary responsibility for their maintenance and deployment, with a particular focus on the department’s website, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and other digital tools. Oversight of Digital Marketing Tools – The incumbent manages and updates the department’s website and manages and implements the use of other tools such as QR codes, ThankView, Vimeo, and YouTube, among others. The incumbent works to amplify website traction and digital fundraising in addition to identifying and onboarding new digital fundraising tools. Salesforce Design and Deployment – The role also has primary responsibility for the deployment of development communications vehicles through the management of Salesforce Marketing Cloud including both designing Salesforce communications, managing and overseeing distribution lists in coordination with the operations team, as well as the creation and tracking of communications materials through the Salesforce site. The role also oversees the analysis of communications outreach and the development of presentation materials on these efforts. The individual then uses this data to advise on new outreach strategies and recommend new content. Digital Strategy for Fundraising – The incumbent also will play a key role in partnering with major gift officers across the clinical and research spectrum to identify opportunities to amplify fundraising and engagement through various digital tools including the website, newsletters, and social media channels, among others. The incumbent serves as a key liaison and coordinates the department’s strategy to leverage the Medical Center and University’s channel marketing, including conceiving of ideas to promote programs, campaigns, and events pre and post. The incumbent evaluates communications performance using Salesforce and Google Analytics dashboards, translating data insights into actionable strategies that strengthen donor engagement and campaign outcomes. Special Projects / Communications Vehicles – In addition, the incumbent also provides support for an array of overall strategic marketing, fundraising events, production efforts, and the management of special projects (e.g., clinical area donor news items, supporting the work of our Board of Advisors and planned giving programs.) The role also includes coordination, management and integration of some print tools and resources. Overall Project Management – This role requires a strong background in many forms of digital marketing, website development, production, and project management, and a strong background in written and verbal communications. The incumbent will play an instrumental role in supporting the efforts of the AVP, conceiving, developing, managing, and executing components of the development communications plan, as well as helping to manage key functional area administrative tasks including budget and expense management. This role requires strong attention to detail, relationship building skills as it serves as a key liaison to the Medical Center and University communications and marketing teams, the desire to work in a fast-paced environment, ability to prioritize requests and work on multiple projects at the same time. Responsibilities Development Communications Management – Provide project management and deployment of key development communications efforts and special projects to enhance program visibility among internal and external constituencies for purposes of fundraising and stewardship. Serve as an individual performer and a key liaison between department, staff and vendors for the design and production of digital publications/materials, websites, and other key production elements, including integration of video and some print tools and resources. Additionally, serve as a key liaison between writers, development officers, strategic event team members, and vendors for special projects, i.e., website development, annual online reports, digital newsletter development, proposal development, strategic event communications, etc. Track and manage assets and usage (uploading and transferring copy, artwork, film, images, etc.). – 45% Management of Development Website – Day to day site management through Drupal. Efforts include reviewing content, conceiving of key strategies based on analytics, and making updates to ensure giving content is current, that giving paths are accurate, and that information is driving priorities for fundraising and to steward donors. – 20% Salesforce Marketing Cloud /Constituent Engagement – Facilitate the deployment of development communications vehicles including newsletters, proposals, and event resources to drive engagement through the use of Salesforce Marketing Cloud. Track and present analytics and further refine program strategy for outreach and engagement success. Provide support and project management to major gift officers in the development of these tools, particularly for key constituents (i.e., Board of Advisors and clinical area councils) and for the promotion of other events and development activities. – 25% Project Management – Support the AVP by directing the organization of key meetings, managing the development communications budget including organizing and maintaining project records and submitting and tracking expenses, preparing meeting agendas, presentations and materials, and other administrative functions. – 10% Minimum Qualifications Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus four years of related experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud. Experience with Drupal and other template-based applications like D-Catalog. Knowledge of Google digital practices. Experience with client relations/customer service. Experience in proofreading and editing. Experience in press relations and/or media production. Experience with print and digital design and/or production. Experience working in fundraising and development. Experience with Budget Management. Other Requirements Communications, marketing, and/or fundraising background. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Stellar judgment, tact, confidentiality, and diplomacy in all interactions. Ability to identify and improve common day-to-day tasks with peers. An independent self-starter who maintains the ability to be proactive, while maintaining a high standard of work and accuracy. Skills to precisely handle diverse projects and a large volume of detailed work simultaneously. Good judgment in prioritizing a wide range of tasks. Superior MS Office skills, especially Excel. Strong written and verbal skills; strong coordination and project management skills. Strong technical and digital capabilities. Familiarity with fundraising databases a plus. This position requires work beyond regular hours, including evenings and weekends, as projects and events require. Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents. #J-18808-Ljbffr Office of Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University