The Associate Director of Alumni Communication leads the strategy and execution of broad-based alumni and philanthropic email and written communications, serving as the primary driver of digital engagement and content creation in support of the University’s constituent engagement, and comprehensive campaign priorities. This role ensures communications are proactive, data-informed, thoughtfully segmented, and aligned with divisional goals to maximize engagement and philanthropic impact.
The Associate Director oversees the planning and coordination of a proactive communications calendar and manages complementary digital outreach, including the division’s email and texting platform, to deliver cohesive and timely messaging across initiatives. In addition, the role cultivates and interviews alumni and other constituents to develop compelling stories, regularly attends events to support pre- and post-event communications, assists in webpage and social media needs, and collaborates closely with University Advancement and campus partners to strengthen relationships, enhance the University’s reputation, and inspire lasting loyalty and financial support for Seton Hall.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1.Serve as the lead writer and strategist for alumni and philanthropic broad-based communications, overseeing the full life cycle of daily production, including content planning, writing, design, build, data requests and segmentation, testing, approvals, scheduling, deployment, and monthly performance reporting to inform and strengthen strategy. Manage a proactive annual communications calendar to ensure initiatives remain ahead of deadlines and aligned with divisional and comprehensive campaign priorities.
Assist the Director in developing and executing comprehensive, strategic alumni engagement and philanthropic communications and marketing plans, including leading the creation and distribution of key deliverables such as monthly alumni newsletters (Pirate Press and Pirate Planner), segmented e-communications, and major campaign messaging. Write and prepare internal communications for divisional leadership — including the Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement & Philanthropy, the Vice President of University Advancement, and, at times, the President — including emails, campaign messages, announcements, solicitation letters, and communications to key stakeholders.
Manage and execute the division’s texting platform (Mongoose) as a complementary engagement channel, including copy development, data coordination, scheduling, and reporting. Support major alumni engagement and fundraising initiatives, including Giving Day, Reunion, Homecoming, Many Are One, direct mail appeals, crowdfunding campaigns, Giving Tuesday, and year-end appeals—by writing, designing, and building coordinated email and digital communications. (50%)
2. Manage and grow the profile bank of stories supporting the upcoming fundraising campaign and other engagement initiatives by proactively identifying, cultivating, and interviewing alumni and donors to develop compelling, mission-driven narratives. This role requires significant writing, including researching, drafting, and flowing stories through appropriate review and approval channels for publication across print, web and digital platforms. The Associate Director will strategically integrate these stories into broader communications to advance philanthropic priorities and support the University’s mission, with particular focus on engaged alumni and families, as well as major and principal gift donors. (20%)
3. Make routine and timely website updates supporting alumni engagement and philanthropic initiatives; create basic graphics to enhance email, web, and social media communications, and assist in developing social media content to ensure cohesive and consistent messaging across platforms. (15%)
4. Regularly attend alumni and family engagement events to support pre- and post-event communications, capture content, and build meaningful relationships with alumni and donors that strengthen connectivity and inform more strategic, effective outreach. Collaborate closely with University Advancement and campus partners as an integrated member of the Alumni Engagement & Philanthropy team, contributing across philanthropy, communications, digital engagement, experiential programming, leadership giving, and volunteer initiatives. Foster mutually beneficial relationships that inspire loyalty and financial support, enhance the University’s reputation, and advance Seton Hall’s mission. (15%)
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree and 1-3 years experience in the communications field, with higher education experience preferred.
Salary Range:
$51,660 - $71,033
Exempt/Nonexempt: Exempt
Physical Demands: General Office Environment
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Benefits Information:
Full Time Benefits
Life today is complex. That’s why Seton Hall University offers a comprehensive package of benefits and programs to help you simplify and enrich your life.
These benefits are important elements of your total university compensation package. Benefits include but are not limited to bundled medical, prescription, and vision insurance, dental insurance, and life insurance, and retirement plan. More information is available at https://www.shu.edu/human-resources/benefits.html.
Seton Hall University is located in South Orange, New Jersey, 14 miles from New York City. It is the oldest Catholic diocesan institution of higher education in the United States and is home to about 6,300 undergraduate and 3,700 graduate students. A vibrant and culturally inclusive community, Seton Hall pursues academic excellence and ethical development in a collaborative environment and prepares its students to be servant leaders in their professional and community lives. Seton Hall University is an equal opportunity employer. It honors diverse perspectives and welcomes employees from all faith traditions. In turn, its employees respect Catholic beliefs and values, engage in servant leadership, and support the University’s mission as a Catholic institution of higher education.
