Working/Functional Title

Advancement Events Communications Manager

Position Summary

Reporting to the director of Advancement Events and in close collaboration with the director of Advancement Strategic Communications, the Advancement Events communications manager develops and executes marketing strategies designed to increase engagement with MSU alumni and donors through approximately 100 regional and campus-based events annually. 

The communications manager oversees the development of all event collateral from start to finish, including plan development, copywriting, proofreading, production, and analysis of collateral effectiveness. This is high-volume work; the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and strong project-management skills are essential. 

Project management 

• Create short- and long-term timelines for ongoing initiatives. 
• Maintain and communicate timelines with key partners and stakeholders. 
• Manage and facilitate the production of multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Schedule, coordinate, and approve the work of designers, photographers, printers and mailers and monitor work in progress.  
• Serve as a liaison with other University Advancement departments including the Advancement Strategic Communications team, the Web Services team, the MSU Alumni Office and the central/unit fundraising teams. 

Strategy development and assessment 

• Assist with the development of event marketing plans. 
• Assist with the development of the key marketing themes and content for event print, web, and email communications.  
• Collect metrics to assess the effectiveness of collateral materials post-event, including marketing material performance, event attendance and event follow-up and outcomes.  

Collateral development  

• Draft, finalize, and circulate marketing copy/content for all centrally managed University Advancement events. 
• Oversee the design, production and distribution of event printed invitations, programs and related materials.  
• Collaborate with colleagues in University Advancement to secure and prepare data for various mailings and emails. 
• Collaborate with the University Advancement Strategic Communications on event messaging. 

Supports on-site event production and follow up 

• Produce or facilitate the production of PowerPoint slideshows to be used during events. 
• Serve as A/V coordinator during events, working onsite with videographers, photographers, and A/V technicians. 
• Occasionally prepare speakers for events and provides on-site presenter support. 

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in marketing, communications, journalism, telecommunications, public relations, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in marketing or communications, composing, editing, and producing marketing campaigns. 
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, digital marketing, graphic design, web design, presentation software, spreadsheet and/or database software, and managing content for social media channels. 
• A valid driver’s license. 

Desired Qualifications

• One to three years of experience providing support for both small (5-50 person) and large-scale (500 person+) events. 
• Experience with analytics tools and turning metrics into insights. 
• Experience coordinating A/V setup for in-person and virtual events. 
• Ability to write and edit marketing materials for multiple channels. 
• Experience managing external vendors and external creative services 
• Familiarity with CRM (Candidate Relationship Management), email, and marketing automation systems. 
• Attention to detail and ability to see the big picture. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, project management skills, and drive for continuous improvement. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Pat Karam, Director of Recruitment, at karampat@msu.edu.  

Work Hours

Mostly 8-5; with exception of events

Website

https://advancement.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends August 2, 2022 at 11:55 P.M.