"Communications Coordinator"

Job Details

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Position Title: Communications Coordinator

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Communications Specialist

Job Duties:

The Communications Coordinator advances the mission of the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation (UWLAFF) by implementing a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that supports fundraising, alumni and donor engagement, event promotion, and stewardship. This position creates and distributes content across digital, print, web, and social platforms to foster lasting relationships and promote a culture of philanthropy with the university.

• Physical Demands: Position requires significant time using telephones and computers.
• Working conditions and environment: Occasional travel for meetings and infrequent events/weekends for events.

The UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation raises philanthropic support to enhance the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse through relationship building. We strive for philanthropic results through donor-centered service.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

The review of applications starts on November 24, 2025. Applications received on or before November 24th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Website Management

• Maintain the Foundation’s website through regular updates that ensure content accuracy, brand consistency, and accessibility compliance.
• Consult with University Marketing & Communications, Web & Design Services, or Information Technology Services for technical issues or improvements.
• Analyze Foundation website performance metrics and provide actionable improvement strategies.

Strategy & Brand Management

• Develop and implement multi-channel communications and marketing strategies aligned with the Foundation’s mission and brand.
• Maintain a communications planner to coordinate timing and content across channels.
• Create the Foundation’s brand and style guide that aligns with the University Marketing & Communications guidelines.
• Adhere to the internal approval process for all mass communications sent from the Foundation.

Campaign and Fundraising Communications

• Develop branding for a major (>$100M) comprehensive campaign and execute the creation of all materials including campaign collateral for the Foundation including those which support individual campus campaign initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Advancement team to develop and execute multi-channel fundraising campaign materials and donor stewardship communications that align with institutional goals and donor engagement strategies.
• Track and analyze communication performance metrics (e.g., email open rates, social engagement, web traffic) to guide strategy and demonstrate impact.

Content Creation & Design

• Develop, proofread, and design digital and print communication materials and event collateral, including all campaign collateral as well as event invitations, programs, signage, flyers, banners, and postcards.
• Create and schedule content for digital signage in the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center using an online content management platform.
• Collaborate with Graduate and Extended Learning and University Marketing & Communications to design diploma inserts for Commencement.
• Direct the tone and design of the Light Reads publication in collaboration with University Marketing & Communications.
• Coordinate the email distribution of the monthly Light Reads e-newsletters, semiannual college-specific e-newsletters, and annual e-Lantern.

Social Media Management

• Manage Foundation social media accounts.
• Develop and execute a content calendar to ensure consistent and timely posting.
• Create engaging content aligned with Foundation brand and audience interests.
• Monitor social media engagement and respond thoughtfully to audience interactions to foster a positive online presence.
• Continuously research and apply social media best practices to improve reach, engagement, and content performance.

Email Communication

• Targeted campaign marketing and communication specific to campaign initiatives.
• Create and send email communications via the Foundation’s customer relationship management (CRM) system to ensure data is accurately tracked.
• Work with UWLAFF Advancement Services Data Requests to obtain customized recipient lists for targeted communications.
• Support the Annual Giving Coordinator One Day for UWL through Marketing, communication, and promotion of the event.
• Document Foundation events and create content for event follow up

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the entire Foundation enterprise.

Department: University Advancement

Compensation: starting at $47,000 / year to commensurate with qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of proofreading accuracy
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in marketing, communications, or advancement within a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Experience tailoring communications for diverse audiences across email, print, web, and social platforms.
• Proficiency with social media platforms such as Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
• Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems like Raiser’s Edge.
• Familiarity with collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Planner
• Familiarity with using content editing platforms like Canva.

How to Apply:

Required application documents

Cover letter

Resume/CV

Contact Information:

Maegan Ames mames@uwlax.edu