Manager, Annual Giving Communications

Towson University (TU) has earned distinction as both a top-100 public university and one of the nation's great colleges to work for. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls over 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland.  Towson University fosters a climate that is grounded in respect to cultivating the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.

The Manager of Annual Giving Communications supports Towson University’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts through the strategic coordination, development, and execution of written communications and solicitation campaigns for mass distribution. This role is responsible for crafting compelling donor-centered messaging, managing multi-channel outreach initiatives, and ensuring timely, accurate, and effective communications that strengthen alumni and donor relationships, increase participation, and advance the university’s philanthropic goals.

• Work with the wider Annual Giving team to develop a strategic marketing and communications blueprint for a successful annual fundraising campaign. Manage the creation of content for electronic solicitations, direct mail, marketing/reading materials, website content, social channels, and acknowledgements. When needed, work with internal and external stakeholders to create written and graphic material. Write clear, grammatically correct, and engaging pieces in different styles for a variety of content types and audiences. Materials would include (but are not limited to) articles, alumni/donor success stories, remarks, talking points, web content, brochures, and other materials as requested. 

• Work independently to create content on deadlines through all stages of work: submit drafts, complete text, coordinate clearance processes, synchronize revisions from various stakeholders, and finalize written product. Fulfill additional writing and outreach assignments as needed, such as annual giving day, and the philanthropy engagement center. Coordinate with University Marketing and Communications and Senior Director of Advancement Marketing to develop content and to ensure that all work adheres to the university brand, as well as the comprehensive campaign standards when appropriate. 

• Initiate, solicit and/or develop story ideas that bring our theme/message to life. Provide content updates on the annual giving webpages and support the assistant director to ensure that the online giving platform is updated.

• Work collaboratively with University Advancement team members to ensure that solicitations are approved, tested, and sent out on time. Work with divisional colleagues to develop interviews and stories for stewardship and fundraising purposes.       

• Develop, create and maintain customized reports, mailing lists, and mail mergers using Salesforce, Excel, and Word.

• Coordinate with campus bulk mail center and external printers/mail houses, oversee and manage the distribution logistics for direct mail. Collaborate with the university's procurement office when needed. 

• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree.

Demonstrated understanding of media relations, and digital communication strategies with strong editing and researching skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and strong organizational and project management skills are essential. Candidates should possess outstanding interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to build effective working relationships across departments, teams, and campus partners.

Preferred qualifications:

• Two years of related experience.

Preference given to candidates with a degree in related fields such as Communications, Marketing, English/Creative or Professional Writing, or a relevant Humanities discipline as well experience with CRM platforms such as Salesforce and Adobe Creative Suite. Preference given to candidates with a background in fundraising, donor relations, and an understanding of Towson University's philanthropic community.

Salary at $59,000- $62,464 annually and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 17 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here.

This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days. A cover letter and resume with your online application is required.