Assistant Director of Donor Communications & Events

Primarily Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5 pm. However, there will be some weekends and evenings work for event oversight.

Hanover, NH
Lebanon, NH

The Assistant Director of Donor Communications & Events will play an integral role in furthering Dartmouth College Athletics and Recreation ( DCARD) donor communication and stewardship opportunities. They will be responsible for helping to execute an annual comprehensive external relations strategy for DCARD that aligns with the department's strategic priorities. This role is pivotal in creating strategic communications, events, and other opportunities for athletic alumni and parents to engage in the work of Dartmouth Athletics. Collaboration is critical with key stakeholders including coaches, administrators, and athletics advancement staff. The ideal candidate will excel in communication, event management, and program development to support the department's annual giving initiatives and overall mission of DCARD.

* Bachelor's degree and 5 years' experience in college athletics, fundraising, alumni relations, communications, or related field
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong editing and proofreading skills
* Understanding of creative strategy, print and digital content development and channel delivery
* Analytical and strategic thinking skills
* Demonstrated creative planning, organizational, and project management skills
* Excellent interpersonal skills
* Demonstrated mastery of logistical event management
* Ability to prioritize workload
* Strong eye for catching design, typography, layout flaws; attention to detail
* Skill in the use of computer software including Word, Excel, and graphic programs including InDesign, Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite, and Photoshop and social media platforms
* Ability to work independently, as well as a team member, in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
* Knowledge of accounting or budget principles and procedures
* Demonstrated experience with, and commitment to, meeting the needs of, and interacting with, a diverse campus community
* Available weekends and evenings for event oversight

Note: Employment will be contingent upon possession of a valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license and continued qualification as an Approved Driver under the Dartmouth College Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Policy.

* Experience working in all media
* Ability to execute high level donor events
* Previous experience with donor management systems
* Previous use of iModules email platform

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

Please note this position is not visa sponsorship eligible.

In close collaboration with the senior managing director of athletics fundraising, oversee the creation and distribution of Friends communications, including developing a 12-month master communication calendar for all varsity sports and club programs. This includes strategizing content delivery and utilizing various digital platforms effectively for key stakeholders to stay informed, foster engagement and strengthen relationships. Work closely with varsity coaches and club sport leadership to ensure quality control and consistency across all Friends Group donor communications for assigned sports Including by not limited to: drafting, monitoring, editing, and advising on print newsletters, web pages, social media tools, and mass emails, ensuring all materials align with the DCARD's brand and verbal standards and collaborate with other departments to ensure consistent and cohesive messaging across all donor communi-cations. Coordinate prompt responses to donor inquiries with prospect managers and frontline fundraising staff to provide excellent customer service to ensure a positive donor experience. Analyze donor communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of different strategies and make data-driven improvements.

Identify and coordinate proactive and strategic stewardship opportunities for DCARD teams, coaches and staff when traveling for away competition, recruiting, or business travel to connect with local alumni. In coordination with the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development, collaborate with the Dartmouth College Athletics Advancement staff to ensure coaches and club sport student leaders interact with Donors and potential Donors (e.g., Friends Boards, chairs, full-groups, parents, Alumni, etc. ) in a manner that constructively supports the Advancement Office's athletic and central fundraising efforts, providing advance preparation materials and support to align efforts and maximize impact. Work in collaboration with the assistant director of athletics stewardship and Dartmouth College Athletics Advancement staff to develop and implement donor recognition programs specific to athletics events. Track and analyze donor engagement metrics year-over-year and against industry best practices/standards to inform and enhance stewardship practices.

Maintain the master athletics alumni and parents event schedule, ensuring appropriate involvement of DCARD staff (Administration and Coaches), Dartmouth College Advancement, and Alumni Relations personnel to maximize engagement and attendance while identifying engagement opportunities for the director of athletics and recreation and the president of the college. Work closely with the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development and the Advancement team to identify key donors and stakeholders to invite to specific events to ensure maximizing the Director of Athletics' time and strategic touch points. Plan, execute and continuously evaluate stewardship events for effectiveness and value added. These events include but are not limited to game receptions, alumni games/Alumni Weekends, golf fundraisers/outings, championship team reunions, sport program anniversaries, and other stewardship events. Collaborate closely with DCARD administration, varsity coaches, sport administrators, the athletics fundraising team, and alumni volunteers to ensure successful events. Manage logistics for stewardship events, including but not limited to securing locations, reservations, catering, invitations, event agendas/programming, post-event follow-up, budget management, attendance, and CRM records.

Serve as the primary point-of-contact for planning and execution of special projects for current and prospective donors (i.e., Wearers of the Green), including collaboration with campus colleagues in Alumni Relations, Advancement, and the President's office. Manage high-profile internal projects that require intensive efforts for set time frames, such as significant anniversaries or celebrations, ensuring these projects are completed successfully and on time.