Marketing Strategist for Development and Alumni Relations

Job Title: Marketing Strategist for Development and Alumni Relations

Department: College Communications

Classification: Exempt

Grade: 12

FTE/Working Schedule: 1.0

Position Overview:

The marketing strategist for development and alumni relations develops and implements marketing and communications strategies that engage donors and alumni, support fundraising goals, and enhance Carleton’s brand and awareness as a leading national liberal arts college. Working closely with staff in the offices of Development and Alumni Relations, and in collaboration with colleagues in the Division of Communications, the marketing strategist creates marketing plans and creative briefs, leads brainstorming sessions and kickoff meetings, writes and develops content, reviews and edits email marketing messages and printed communications, and works on digital advertising and social media campaigns.

Through their work, the marketing strategist is expected to have a deep understanding of the Carleton experience and the needs and interests of alumni and donors. The marketing strategist plays the dual role of advocate and subject matter expert for their campus partners in Development and Alumni Relations, as well as their colleagues in the Division of Communications, bringing clarity and synthesis to the work of both teams.

Reporting to the director of marketing strategy, the marketing strategist works closely with all members of the Division of Communications team to take projects from concept through delivery. They are expected to have advanced verbal and written communications skills, be a highly creative and critical thinker, and have a clear understanding of best practices and emerging trends in marketing and communications.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

Develop and implement annual marketing and communications plans for Development and Alumni Relations that align with college priorities, meet campus partners’ needs and expectations, and have clear and actionable goals and outcomes.

Use market research to develop and translate concise and quantifiable goals into marketing communications strategies and activities.

Conceptualize and produce marketing communications materials in accordance with the annual marketing and communications plan.

Set clear objectives, identify key audiences and messages, and select the right channels for marketing and communications projects, including print, web, video, email, direct mail and social media.

Create and approve detailed creative briefs.

Lead project kickoffs, brainstorming sessions, and meetings, and ensure detailed notes are taken and shared with project teams.

Lead creative project teams in the execution of strategy and creative projects.

Write and edit copy for new and recurring creative projects.

Collaborate closely with the director of design and user experience and staff designers to establish creative direction for print and digital materials, and identify photography and illustration needs.

Develop concepts for videos, write scripts, recruit and prepare participants, and provide on-site production assistance while working alongside the college’s visual storyteller.

Review major deliverables from staff members and outside vendors, provide feedback, and manage internal reviews before delivering recommendations and rationale to campus partners.

Ensure that campus partners’ needs are being met by maintaining strong relationships and regular direct contact.

Keep apprised of the progress of projects through regular communication with colleagues.

Ensure all projects are completed on time and within budget, and that they adhere to Carleton’s established brand and high standards.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

Writing and editing for other communications materials as needed.

Continuous professional improvement and keeping up to date with best practices and emerging trends in higher education marketing and communications.

Education/Experience/Skills (supported by job duties):

Required Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree and five or more years of professional experience in marketing or communications.

Exceptional writing, editing and content development skills.

Commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity, and attentiveness to inclusive marketing and communications practices.

Attention to detail, a capacity for managing multiple projects, good organizational skills, and an ability to work under tight deadlines.

Ability to quickly learn and embrace digital programs and new communications tools.

Experience working with both print and digital media.

Experience with design tools, such as the Adobe Creative Suite and Canva

Familiarity with email marketing platforms, such as Slate and Emma

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting

Experience with website tools, such as Google Analytics and WordPress

Familiarity with project management platforms, such as Asana and TeamDynamix

Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.

Carleton College is a AA/EEO employer:

We are committed to developing our staff to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary and Benefits:

The selected finalist’s salary will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, internal pay structure, and our overall compensation package. Carleton offers a generous benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) retirement plans with a 10% employer contribution with immediate vesting, a health savings account with a college contribution, a generous paid time off package, as well as access to many other campus amenities.

Founded in 1866, Carleton College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of roughly 2,000 students located in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Nationally recognized as the nation’s top college for undergraduate teaching, Carleton is known for its academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and sense of humor. Carleton offers 33 majors and 38 minors in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences.

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