Director of Digital Communications, University Advancement - University of Oregon
Eugene, OR
About the Job
Department: University Advancement
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA08-Fiscal Year 2024-2025
FTE: 1.0
Application Review Begins
October 17, 2024; Position open until filled (revised)
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit the following with your online application:
• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
• A resume of your educational and professional work experience.
Please Note: We may contact applicants who meet the minimum requirements in the job posting to request additional information for the next stage of review.
Department Summary
University Advancement (UA) supports the University of Oregon’s (UO) mission of providing exceptional teaching, discovery, and service by strategically positioning the university to create awareness, build long-term relationships, and secure resources that increase understanding and further its aims. The division consists of approximately 150 employees primarily working out of Eugene, with offices in Portland and Bend. We are committed to fostering equity and inclusion in a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment that recognizes the value of all members of our community.
The Advancement Strategies and Technology Innovation department is focused on finding the solutions for foundational issues that will best position University Advancement (UA) to achieve its goals around engagement and fundraising. The department has a unique function in that it is based in UA, but also has a strong working partnership and provides strategic direction to the University of Oregon Foundation (UOF) and UO Information Services staff.
As part of Advancement Strategies, Technology, and Innovation (ASTI), the Office of Donor Relations and Outreach (DRO) manages donor relations, donor experience, volunteer coordination, gift administration, and constituent communication. It is responsible for the design and implementation of a program of donor recognition and communication for donors and constituents. DRO works cooperatively with the UO President and administrators, school, and college fundraising staff, and across Advancement to provide a university-wide stewardship and communication program that moves prospects and donors through engagement and solicitation readiness.
Position Summary
The Director, Digital Communications, University Advancement (Director) will have primary responsibility over web development, email marketing, digital design, text (SMS), digital storytelling, social media, and ads for University Advancement (UA). In compliance with brand standards as set by University Communications (UC), the Director will serve as the unit’s expert in communications strategy across digital platforms.
The Director will maximize digital marketing and communications technology for initiatives and campaigns. This position requires strong judgment and decision-making skills as well as a strong commitment to leading diversity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts across communications and technology platforms.
Reporting to the Senior Director, Advancement Communications, this position is a key advisor and partner to the Advancement Communications team and works closely with the Digital First Strategy (DFS) team to create a unified, metrics-driven unit dedicated to serving UA’s goals and priorities.
This position will be located in Eugene and is eligible to work a hybrid schedule. This position will need to work on campus approximately three days per week.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, digital media, or a related field.
• Five years of digital marketing experience, with hands on experience with SEO, Google Analytics, CRM software, and managing digital campaigns.
• Four years of supervisory experience.
Professional Competencies
• Expertise in multi-channel marketing, integrated media, including web, video, text, email, and social media.
• Strong understanding of brand development, multi-channel marketing concepts, and identifying target audiences and segments.
• In-depth understanding of strategic design concepts and best practices across media.
• Demonstrated ability to create, develop, implement, and measurable digital campaigns.
• Demonstrated digital literacy and dedication to staying current with marketing technology.
• Expert knowledge in data and metrics for evaluating communications effectiveness, especially in social media and virtual engagement.
• Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript development and constraints.
• Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to interact, communicate, and work effectively with individuals, recognizing and respecting the many and varied identities of each person.
• Effective communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and a strong attention to detail.
• Strong project management skills, with the demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced and stakeholder-rich environment to achieve operating goals through strategic communication strategies.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in higher education communications.
• Experience in change management and/or organizational leadership.
• Experience with technology tool acquisition, implementation, and socialization.
• Experience overseeing digital communications for new initiatives.
FLSA Exempt: Yes
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.
