Communications Manager for Development and Alumni Relations

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Manager for Development and Alumni Relations

🔹 Company: Carleton College

🔹 Location: United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: 📣 Marketing Communications (MarCom)

🔹 Date Posted: Wed Apr 02 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing strategies for effective communications with alumni, parents, students, and friends
• Working within a highly collaborative environment
• Leading communications that support the priorities and fundraising goals
• Creating engaging, compelling, and creative multi-channel communications

ASSUMPTION: The job overview indicates a focus on strategic communication planning and collaboration with various stakeholders. This role likely involves creative leadership to ensure messaging aligns with the college's overarching fundraising goals.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and lead primary and secondary messaging across all functions of Development and Alumni Relations

✅ Collaborate on messages around college fundraising priorities, working with the Vice President’s leadership team

✅ Lead strategic communications planning across the division to meet objectives

✅ Oversee the creation of a fiscal year communications plan

✅ Write creative briefs and lead project kickoff meetings

✅ Coordinate content for alumni e-newsletters and internal communications

✅ Advise Volunteer Managers Group on volunteer-focused communications

✅ Coordinate with partners to maximize social media and website impact

✅ Stay current with national best practices in solicitation and messaging

✅ Oversee project responsibilities and support staff

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities suggest a highly visible role involving deep connection with stakeholders, possibly requiring strong interpersonal skills to motivate team efforts and communicate effectively across multiple platforms.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Experience: At least five years in fundraising, marketing, communications, or related fields

Required Skills:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills
• Content development and project management skills
• Creative and strategic thinking
• Collaboration in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with media tools and data analysis

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting
• Familiarity with tools like Slate Advancement, Asana, WordPress

ASSUMPTION: The preferred skills suggest this role benefits significantly from prior experience in educational or non-profit settings, possibly due to familiarity with their operational dynamics.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $74,000 - $78,100, adjusted based on experience, training, and other legal factors

Benefits:

• Comprehensive 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Generous paid time-off package including vacation and holidays

Working Hours: 40 hours/week

ASSUMPTION: The compensation package suggests that Carleton College values long-term employee commitment, offering generous retirement and insurance benefits to encourage stability and financial security.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Education, with a focus on liberal arts

Company Size: Approximately 2,000 students, implying a moderate-sized, tight-knit community

Founded: 1866

Company Description:

• Private, coeducational liberal arts college
• Located in Northfield, Minnesota
• Offers broad access to cultural benefits of a major metropolitan area

Company Specialties:

• Education and student engagement
• Alumni relations and fundraising
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Company Website: Carleton College Website

ASSUMPTION: Given the college's longstanding history, the role may involve maintaining established traditions while fostering innovative communications strategies to engage a diverse alumni network.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level management, ideal for those with significant professional experience in communication roles

Reporting Structure: Reports to leadership teams within Development and Alumni Relations

Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site presence to foster collaboration

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for leadership roles within the division
• Opportunities to innovate within communication strategies
• Ability to influence college fundraising outcomes significantly

ASSUMPTION: The role appears to offer tangible impact opportunities, with potential for career growth and leadership advancements within the communications spectrum.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-campus office environment, promoting synergy through physical presence

Office Location(s): Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota

Geographic Context:

• Located in a picturesque historic river town
• 40 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul
• Spanning over 1,000 scenic acres, including an arboretum

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour week, possibly requiring flexibility for events

ASSUMPTION: The office's location within a serene educational campus suggests a tranquil work environment coupled with the dynamic potential of nearby urban amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial application screening
• Interview rounds focusing on qualifications and cultural fit
• Possible project or writing test to assess communication skills

Key Assessment Areas:

• Demonstrated writing and strategic planning skills
• Experience in collaborative environments
• Innovative approaches to communication challenges

Application Tips:

• Highlight experience in higher education or non-profit communications
• Showcase ability to manage and strategize multi-channel communications
• Emphasize commitment to diversity and inclusion in communications

ASSUMPTION: Given the college's emphasis on diversity and inclusion, applicants should be prepared to discuss experiences and skills related to inclusive communication practices.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite for collaboration
• Zoom for virtual meetings
• Design and communication tools like Canva and Adobe Creative Suite

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in these tools is assumed essential for effective collaboration and execution of communication strategies, particularly in today's digital-first climate.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to education and enriching student experiences
• Focus on community engagement and alumni relations
• Emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusive practices

Work Style:

• Collaborative team environment
• Dynamic and flexible to address changing priorities
• Creativity and innovation in communication approaches

ASSUMPTION: A candidate’s ability to align with and contribute to Carleton College’s mission and community values will be critical for success in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing complex projects with competing priorities
• Balancing traditional values with modern communication tactics
• Engaging diverse alumni with tailored messaging
• Adapting to rapid changes in the communications field

ASSUMPTION: Due to the diverse stakeholder environment, flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are likely necessary to navigate these challenges successfully.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Commonality with roles requiring strategic communication focus, such as in non-profits
• Similar demands for creative storytelling and community engagement
• Overlap in required skills like project management and media tool proficiency

ASSUMPTION: Roles with a similar focus may exist in higher education institutions and mid-sized non-profits, emphasizing external relations and comprehensive fundraising communications.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a campaign to celebrate a major fundraising milestone
• Creating a series of alumni engagement events and communications
• Implementing a newsletter strategy to increase alumni donations

ASSUMPTION: Projects likely center around enhancing visibility and fostering connections within the alumni community, necessitating a balance of creative strategy and analytical insight.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the main challenges this role currently faces?
• How does the college prioritize communications projects?
• What does success look like for this position within the first year?
• Can you describe the current team dynamics?
• What opportunities are there for professional development?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to elicit insights into team structure, expectations, and professional growth potential, aiding applicants in evaluating the role's alignment with their goals.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Carleton College website
• Ensure your resume aligns with the job requirements
• Prepare a cover letter detailing relevant experience
• Highlight specific accomplishments in fundraising and communications
• Be ready to submit work samples or complete a project test if required

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.

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