Department Summary:

We are seeking a highly collaborative and communicative individual to serve as Associate Director of Development Communications and member of the University Advancement team at Drake University. The ideal candidate will possess high creativity, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to navigate a variety of projects and collaborators at any given time. The candidate should have excellent time and project management skills with previous proposal writing experience.

The candidate will serve as a member of the highly productive and collaborative University Advancement team with flexible work agreements and hybrid remote work options available.

Job Summary:

Associate Director of Development Communications will work closely with the Director of Donor Engagement, Director of Development, Major Gift Officers, and the VP for University Advancement to identify, engage & solicit foundations and corporations in support of the priorities of the University.

The Associate Director of Development Communications will research, develop & write proposals for key major gift prospects in support of the priorities of the University.

They will serve as the primary developer of communication materials critical to the operation of the Development Office including donor correspondence, event scripts, website content, collateral materials, gift solicitations/proposals, memorandums of agreement, etc. Will work closely with partners in University Communications to ensure success with projects. Will maintain a library of written materials relevant to the Office of University Advancement that is accessible to the entire development team. Will acquire the content knowledge of Drake necessary to development written materials.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor's Degree in a related field from an accredited institution

- 1-3 years writing experience

Preferred Qualifications:

- 5 years relevant experience

- Demonstrated success in proposal/grant-writing

- Research skills

- Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills including the ability to communicate with a wide range of external and internal constituents.

Job Duties:

• Work closely with the Director of Donor Engagement, Director of Development, Major Gift Officers, and the VP for University Advancement to identify, engage & solicit foundations and corporations in support of the priorities of the University. - (Essential)
• Research, develop & write proposals for key major gift prospects in support of the priorities of the University. - (Essential)
• Serve as the primary developer of communication materials critical to the operation of the Development Office including donor correspondence, event scripts, website content, collateral materials, gift solicitations/proposals, memorandums of agreement, etc. Will work closely with partners in University Communications to ensure success with projects. Will maintain a library of written materials relevant to the Office of University Advancement that is accessible to the entire development team. Will acquire the content knowledge of Drake necessary to development written materials. - (Essential)
• Other duties as assigned. - (Essential)

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2026. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits