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The North Dakota State University Foundation seeks mission-driven individuals interested in joining a growing team dedicated to connecting people, developing partnerships, teamwork, accountability, transparency, stewardship, communication, and service. The Foundation invites candidates for aDevelopment Communications Specialist, full-time non-exempt (hourly) position.

The North Dakota State University Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) organization which exists to maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support NDSU. We connect people who are passionate about NDSU and improving the lives and outcomes of North Dakotans and the world. We are an organization of fifty-five team members, soon to be sixty. If you enjoy non-profit work, are inspired by our mission, love to collaborate with your colleagues, and are ambitiousto develop as a professional, we welcome you to apply.

Our team members enjoy a highly competitive total compensation package including company paid health insurance, a defined contribution account funded at 9.5%, generous paid time off, abundant professional development opportunities, plus elective dental and vision plans.

This position is eligible for hybrid work following a period of onboarding.

This position will remain open until filled. To be considered, applicants must apply online through the NDSU Foundation employment site (https://www.ndsufoundation.com/employment) and include a cover letter and resume, along with 2-3 relevant samples of your written work.

Position Summary: The Development Communications Specialist (DCS) is an effective written and spoken communicator, relationship builder, and operationally minded individual. They will work closely with the Editor of Storytelling and Development Communications, Vice President of Alumni and Donor Connections, Development Team, and campus and corporate partners to deliver relevant, timely, and compelling pieces.

The DCS will supplement the communications efforts which support our frontline fundraisers and stewardship team through writing focused on planned giving communications, funding requests, case statements, one pagers, web page content, proposal writing, endowment report copy, and narrative stewardship pieces. This is accomplished via attendance at team meetings; meetings with individual Directors of Development to discuss projects, communications, and donor engagement plans; and through meetings with corporate and campus partners. The overall outcome is increased engagement and philanthropy among North Dakota State University alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students, parents, companies, and charitable organizations.

The DCS will specialize in an elevated level of publications which will be optimized for corporate and athletics proposals and presentations, reflecting the Foundations brand, including those related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Development Communications Content Creation
  • Create and edit written content for print and digital platforms related to proposals, case statements, grants, narrative stewardship, endowment reports, and planned-giving communications.
  • Work with the Editor of Storytelling and Development Communications (ESDC), VPADC, and development team to support communication and fundraising writing strategies for the NDSU Foundation.
  • Along with the ESDC, act as a liaison to the National Affinity Group for Higher Education Advancement and Communication Professionals, a group that specializes in proposal-writing practices for higher education, to learn industry best practices.
  • Maintain an up-to-date and effective proposal and case statement request form.
  • Work with the ESDC to write and edit proposals, case statements, and narrative stewardship pieces for the development team to present to donors.
  • Maintain an up-to-date narrative stewardship questionnaire form for named faculty recipients.
  • Work with the ESDC to write and edit narrative stewardship pieces for the development team to present to donors.
  • Produce proposals and stewardship pieces.
  • Is responsive to communication requests from frontline fundraisers and stewardship teams.
  • Understands brand standards and NDSU Foundation tone/voice. (writing standards)
  • Creates high quality, data-driven, personalized persuasive proposals, and case statements for fundraising priorities.
  • Analyze successes and growth opportunities to optimize the success of deliverables.
• Offers Administrative Support to Alumni and Donor Connections leadership
  • Understands workflows and the roles of others.
  • Optimizes efficiency within processes.
  • Follows a system of tracking and managing development communications projects to completion.
  • Identifies and escalates issues and ideas appropriately.
• Supports a service-oriented atmosphere in accordance with Foundation mission, values, and philosophy
  • Adheres to policies and procedures.
  • Assists with the day-to-day inflow of development communications requests.
  • Manages workload to meet quality standards and timeline expectations.
  • Adapts appropriately to unforeseen changes, delays, and requests.
  • Maintains strict confidence of non-public Foundation information.
  • Develops and maintains own competence; seeks opportunities for continued learning and professional development.
  • Assists in control of Foundation resources.
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions:

• Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
  • Efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, Planner, etc.)
  • Maintain files accurately, in paper and in software programs
  • Maintain records and prepare reports
  • Handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Plan, prioritize and meet deadlines
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.
  • Interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, internal staff, University community and the public
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to identify and resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Maintain confidentiality of records and information
  • Display excellent judgment and decision making
  • Follow through on projects with little supervision
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in English, Communications, Journalism, or related field

A minimum of two years experience in proposal writing, technical writing, grant writing, narrative non-fiction, creative writing, or marketing

Strong proofreading skills and ability to follow AP style guidelines

Willingness and ability to learn new styles of writing

Openness to receiving and delivering critical, constructive feedback and ability to engage in discussions regarding written projects

General office support knowledge and/or experience

Exceptional customer service skills

Demonstrated experience, and professionalism collaborating and communicating with a diverse population

Strong time management, organizational skills, ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects and deadlines

Excellent attention to detail and quality