NDSU Foundation · 1 month ago
Director of Marketing and Communications
Fargo, ND
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
4+ years expThe North Dakota State University Foundation is seeking a mission-driven individual for the role of Director of Marketing and Communications. This strategic leader will shape and execute marketing initiatives to advance philanthropic engagement while overseeing brand management and donor communications.
Fundraising
Responsibilities
Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with the Foundation’s mission and fundraising goals
Ensure consistent brand messaging across all platforms, including print, digital, and social media
Foster an engaged, collaborative, high-performance culture focused on excellence and innovation
Lead planning, execution, and evaluation of Annual Giving campaigns, including direct mail, email, and digital strategies
Oversee NDSU Giving Day, driving participation through creative marketing, donor engagement, and cross-department collaboration
Analyze campaign performance and donor trends to inform future strategies
Direct the creation of compelling content for newsletters, impact reports, social media, and donor communications
Serve as a key spokesperson for the Foundation when needed and maintain strong media relations
Lead event communication efforts by creating scripts, talking points, and remarks for NDSU Foundation events, collaborating closely with event and development teams to ensure aligned, high-quality donor experience
Supervise staff responsible for producing the Foundation’s magazines, ensuring quality editorial direction, storytelling alignment, visual consistency, and timely production
Implement and manage workflow systems to streamline project management and improve efficiency
Supervise and mentor marketing and communication staff, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and collaboration
Model and mentor positive collaboration with campus and Foundation partners
Communicate, support and apply Foundation policies and procedures appropriately and in collaboration with Human Resources and other management team members
Manage budgets and allocate resources effectively to maximize impact
Partner with campaign leadership (including President/CEO, Senior Vice President of Principal Gifts/Presidential Engagement and Vice President of Development)
Create full-scale communication and marketing plans for major fundraising initiatives and write high-impact case statements to support campaign priorities
Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization
Work cooperatively and effectively with others to identify and resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques
Prompt and reliable attendance
Demonstrate support of Foundation mission and beliefs
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, preferably in nonprofit or higher education
Two years of supervisory experience
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams and workflow systems
Proven ability to manage budgets
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Proficiency in digital marketing, social media strategy, and analytics tools
Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office products
Preferred
Advanced degree
Proven success in managing annual giving programs and large-scale campaigns
Familiarity with fundraising principles and donor engagement strategies
Experience within project management software and CRM systems
Benefits
Company paid health insurance
Defined contribution account funded at 9.5%
Generous paid time off
Abundant professional development opportunities
Elective dental and vision plans
Company
NDSU Foundation
The North Dakota State University Foundation and Alumni Association creates opportunities to advance education, research, and service at the University.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase