UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT VP - Engagement Officer - Communications & Donor Engagement

Job Classification

  

Position summary

The Engagement Officer plays a key role in sharing how the mission of Andrews University—'to Seek Knowledge and Affirm Faith to Change the World'—is lived out through the generosity and impact of its alumni and supporters. The Engagement Officer is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication initiatives that enhance alumni and donor engagement.

Qualifications summary

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.


• 2-4 years of experience in communications, fundraising, and/or nonprofit marketing.


• Strong writing and editing skills with a keen eye for storytelling and audience engagement

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

The Engagement Officer works collaboratively across Advancement, Marketing, and other campus departments to strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the institution through compelling storytelling and coordinated outreach

Creative Direction and Collaboration

• Craft messages that reflect the spiritual values and faith heritage of Andrews University.


• Ensure all Advancement communications are aligned with Andrews University’s brand standards and identity guidelines.


• Tailor communications to segmented alumni and donor audiences based on engagement level, giving history, and affinity groups.


• Build strong working relationships with campus departments to identify impactful stories, coordinate messaging, and align on shared institutional goals.

Social Media and Marketing

• Develop and manage a content calendar for Advancement-related social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).


• Create engaging posts that highlight alumni stories, giving opportunities, events, and impact updates.


• Monitor social media analytics and adjust strategies to maximize reach and engagement.


• Works with PGTS Director to implement an annual, broad-based and proactive marketing plan to promote planned gifts to target segments.

Print & Digital Publications

• Coordinate the design, writing, and distribution of high-quality print materials, such as donor brochures, impact reports, postcards, and campaign materials.


• Ensure consistency in branding and messaging across all printed content.


• Develops newsletters, print materials and social media presence for consistent communication and promotion of planned giving tools for prospective and new legacy members.

Newsletter Management

• Produce and distribute regular alumni and donor newsletters (print and/or digital) featuring institutional updates, giving impact stories, and upcoming events.


• Curate and write compelling content, including interviews, feature articles, and campus highlights.

Campaign & Giving Day Communications

• Lead communication efforts for annual giving campaigns and giving days, including email series, direct mail, web content, and social media promotion.


• Develop messaging that inspires participation and donor loyalty.


• Track and analyze engagement metrics across digital and print campaigns; use data insights to refine communication strategies.

Mailings & Donor Outreach

• Manage direct mail campaigns, including coordination with vendors, list segmentation, and timeline management.


• Support stewardship and solicitation mailings, ensuring timely, accurate, and personalized donor communications.


• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain donor trust.

Supervisory responsibilities

Possible supervising of 1-3 student workers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.


• 2–4 years of experience in communications, fundraising, or nonprofit marketing.


• Strong writing and editing skills with a keen eye for storytelling and audience engagement.


• Detail-oriented, creative, and organized with strong project management skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Understanding of the Seventh-day Adventist higher education and of the Church and denominational culture.


• Experience working in higher education or nonprofit fundraising.


• A passion for building community and advancing mission-driven communication.

 


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

• Proficiency in social media management, email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact), and graphic design platforms (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).


• Experience with CRM and donor database systems preferred.

Interpersonal interactions

Must be a Team player who is able to work collaboratively with persons from varied and diverse backgrounds and experiences. Must demonstrate behavior and a temperment that reflects respect and kindness to fellow workers, customers, students and parents with whom University Advancement personnel typically come in contact with. 

Physical demands

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds (occasional boxes holding supplies)

Work environment

• Some evening and weekend work required for campaign launches or major events.


• Occasional travel for training or collaboration.