Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a consistent philanthropic voice and messaging framework in translating complex academic, clinical and philanthropic priorities into clear, compelling communications that resonate with donors, trustees and external stakeholders.
• Creates strategic communication plans that support fundraising initiatives, campaigns and engagement opportunities.
• In an AI enabled environment, the position emphasizes communications strategy, refinement and execution ensuring messaging is accurate, donor-centered, and aligned with institutional priorities.
• Responsible for producing high-quality donor-facing materials that advance philanthropic goals and strengthen stewardship.
• Works closely with development and stewardship teams to develop impact and stewardship reports, proposals, cases for support, donor briefings, and tailored campaign collaterals ensuring that final materials are persuasive, visually polished, and aligned with Brock VHS and ODU branding standards.
• Leads the development of executive-level presentations and professionally designed materials for donor, trustee, alumni, and leadership audiences.
• This includes creating and refining PowerPoint presentations, one-pagers, brochures, and other high-impact communication tools that clearly convey strategic priorities and philanthropic opportunities.
• The role applies strong visual judgement and design sensibility to ensure communications are well-structured, engaging, and reflective of institutional excellence.
• Manages day-to-day coordination of website content, ensuring information remains current, accurate, and aligned with development messaging.
• The position provides philanthropic web content in near-final form, including text, images, and layout direction for submission through ODU\'s centralized IT and web ticketing process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, digital media, journalism, design or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in communications, marketing, advancement communications, or digital engagement.
• Ability to translate complex subject matter into seventh grade level messaging.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint, and Adobe Creative Suite, Canva or like platform.
• Working knowledge of website content coordination, including preparing content for submission through centralized IT/web processes.
• Familiarity with digital communications channels, including social media and email/newsletter communications.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Comfort using AI-enabled tools to support communications development, editing, and production.

Preferred

• Advanced training or coursework in digital communications, graphic design, marketing or related areas is preferred.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications, advancement communications, digital engagement, or related work.
• Prior experience in a complex, mission-driven organization such as higher education, academic medicine, or healthcare is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated strength in visual storytelling, design, and formatting of executive-level communications materials.
• Proficiency with design and layout tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with brand standards and ensuring communications are compliant with institutional messaging and visual identity guidelines.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating website updates within a centralized web governance structure.

Benefits