Director of Marketing and Communications

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 sixty three team members and growing. If you enjoy non-profit work, are inspired by our mission, love to collaborate with your colleagues, and are ambitious to 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 may be 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.

Position Summary:The Director of Marketing and Communications is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing the NDSU Foundation’s marketing and communications initiatives to advance philanthropic engagement and affinity of trustees, alumni, and donors. This role oversees all aspects of brand management, storytelling, and donor communications, while managing a high-performing team to deliver impactful campaigns and content.

A significant function of this position includes leading Annual Giving programs and NDSU Giving Day, ensuring these efforts drive donor participation and philanthropic growth. The Director will also implement workflow management systems to optimize processes, enhance collaboration, and ensure timely delivery of projects in service to the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Brand Management

• 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

1. Annual Giving & NDSU Giving Day

• 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

1. Content & Communications

• 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

1. Workflow & Team Management

• 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

1. Campaign Communications Strategy

• 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

1. Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions:

1. Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities
2. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization
3. Work cooperatively and effectively with others to identify and resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
4. Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques
5. Prompt and reliable attendance
6. Demonstrate support of Foundation mission and beliefs

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field
2. Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, preferably in nonprofit or higher education
3. Two years of supervisory experience
4. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
5. Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams and workflow systems
6. Proven ability to manage budgets
7. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
8. Proficiency in digital marketing, social media strategy, and analytics tools
9. Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office products

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Advanced degree
2. Proven success in managing annual giving programs and large-scale campaigns
3. Familiarity with fundraising principles and donor engagement strategies
4. Experience within project management software and CRM systems

Physical and Mental Demands:Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office, determine what others have said or written, critical thinking and converse with others and exchange accurate information. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and within the community. May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving objects. Occasionally required to move, raise, reach and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds.

The position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities, duties and requirements: but to describe the standard level of work being performed. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned or as required by the needs of the business. The NDSU Foundation reserves the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time.

The NDSU Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, or participation in lawful activity off the employer's premises, as applicable

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