Director of Development Communications

Director of Development Communications

Southern Oregon University


Position Number: A00502

Rate: $64,718- $74,389 @ 1.0 FTE

Position Summary:
The Director of Development Communications is an integral member of the University Advancement team at Southern Oregon University. The Director is key to fulfilling the division's communications objectives by delivering timely and actively engaging content that builds a connection between the university's funding priorities and its target audiences. The Director will take a leadership role in building the university's case for support as it embarks on its inaugural comprehensive campaign. Working closely with colleagues across University Advancement, the Director will produce both broad and highly customized engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship communications for individuals and organizations. Reports to the Vice President of University Advancement.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in communication, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field.
  • Three to five (3-5) years of relevant work experience.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with
    diverse constituencies across multiple communications channels.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with demonstrated ability to manage and
    execute multiple creative projects in various media, often at the same time. Ability to handle
    multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
  • Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally
    prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with stakeholders and communicate key messages in
    alignment with overarching communications strategy.
  • Ability to problem solve and deal diplomatically with challenging issues and situations.
  • Advanced computer usage skills, including Microsoft suite of software, Google documents
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary.


Preferred Qualification:
  • Experience working in higher education setting.
  • Knowledge of fundraising practice.
  • Philanthropic and proposal writing experience.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ability to organize, train, and motivate staff particularly in the gift entry and biographical maintenance functions of the fund raising system.
•Ability to supervise and ensure the accurate processing of gifts and pledges and ensure processing deadlines are met.
•Knowledge of gift processing and stewardship policies and procedures, including IRS regulations. Organization, prioritization, judgment, discretion and problem-solving skills.
•A comprehensive understanding of Advancement Services as a functional area, including gift processing, stewardship, donor relations, customer service, prospect management, information security, and data maintenance
•Ability to understand alumni and development database structures, database development, and database management
•Ability to work under pressure in a thorough, organized, calm, and detail-oriented manner.
•Understanding of the confidential nature of fund raising efforts and donor information.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism to effectively handle a broad range of sensitive interpersonal situations.
• Ability to work with a high level of productivity and accuracy/attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to adapt to and work effectively in a heavily bureaucratic environment which requires regular interaction with a number of levels within the organization.
• Working knowledge, or ability to quickly learn, university infrastructure, policies and procedures.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Each applicant is required to provide (as attachments to the online application) the following supplemental documents: (1) letter providing some detail of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; (2) current resume/CV; and (3) the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references. If you are unable to attach the supplemental materials to the online application please contact Human Resources for assistance:

For inquiries and additional information, please contact: Human Resource Services via email at hrs@sou.edu or by phone at (541)552-8553.

To view SOU's offers very generous benefits and pension programs available to eligible positions, please visit: https://inside.sou.edu/assets/hrs/Benefits/2021_Employee_Benefits_Overview.pdf
Our benefits package is an important complement to the offered salary and our Total Compensation Calculator, https://inside.sou.edu/hrs/comp-calc.html , demonstrates our value and commitment to our employees.

Special Conditions
•Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for
occasional professional development.
•Must be able to work additional hours and adjust working hours to meet
special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on
an emergency basis.
•Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background check.
•Under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):
-Position classification defined as "exempt" are not subject overtime
•The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under
the Oregon Revised Statues and is required to comply with the requirements
set forth by the Oregon department of Human Services.

Notice to Prospective Employees
Section 485 of the Higher Education Act, and The Federal Crime Awareness
and Campus Security Act of 1990 (now referred to as the "Clery Act"),
requires that prospective employees be notified of the availability of
SOU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report provides the
annual statistics and campus policies for the reporting of and responding
to campus crimes and fires; access to campus facilities; conduct code and
campus policies on use, possession and sale of drugs/alcohol; and
educational/information programs to inform the campus community about
campus security procedures and crime prevention.

An electronic copy of the Annual Security Report (ASR)can be accessed at
the following link:
https://inside.sou.edu/assets/security/AnnualCrimeReportFinal.pdf. A
physical copy of the ASR is available at no charge upon request. To request
a copy please visit the Campus Public Safety Office at 382 Wightman Street,
Ashland OR 97520. For more information call 541-552-6258, or email
clerycoordinator@sou.edu.

All applicants must apply online at https://jobs.sou.edu/postings/10542 .

Diversity Statement
Southern Oregon University is a welcoming community committed to inclusive excellence and the celebration of diversity. Without diversity, our educational process is diminished. Working together in support of our commitment to diversity, we strengthen and enrich our role as learners, educators and members of a tightly connected global community. We encourage those who share in our commitment to diversity, to join our community and we expect all our employees to demonstrate an ability and desire to create an inclusive campus community.

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