Associate Director, Digital Communications- (Hybrid Work Schedule)

Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary

The associate director, digital communications manages and oversees the web marketing program for Alumni Relations and Development at Northwestern University and serves as the department’s project lead on maintenance of website content. This position will work with the director of digital communications to develop a web marketing strategy for ARD; collaborate with ARD teams to develop project execution goals, timelines, and success metrics in order to deliver a best-in-class digital experience for alumni and partners; implement the latest in best practices for web communications; partner with ARD User Services to analyze potential software purchases from a marketing perspective; and identify and analyze competitor digital communications including strategy, creative, and promotional innovations. As ARD’s website editor, this position ensures that the websites have refreshed, engaging content in coordination with ARD program teams.

Specific Responsibilities

Manage and Coordinate ARD’s Websites

• Manage website content for all digital properties owned and used by ARD, including alumni.northwestern.edu, wewill.northwestern.edu / giving.northwestern.edu
• Work with vendors on third-party sites supporting ARD initiatives, such as planned giving, mentorship, Learning for Life, and the Women’s board site
• Develop and continually update documentation of process guidelines and usage policies
• Serve as the subject-matter expert on ARD’s use of its websites and related technologies, including providing occasional advanced support for staff and troubleshooting of landing pages, event registrations, and/or forms
• Build digital tools to assist ARD staff with communications
• Advise the Northwestern Information Technology trainers on the digital training needs of ARD and University staff.

Develop Digital Marketing Strategies

• Measure, track, and report the effectiveness of web communications, such as lightboxes on websites, and develop actionable best practices for improving performance
• Create and follow goals within Google Analytics, such as users making a gift or submitting a form
• Manage and monitor Google Analytics and regularly report on progress to internal partners toward the goal of continual growth and adoption
• Develop data-gathering best practices for web-based engagement, in relation to the University’s constituent database of record

Project Management

• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications team and internal clients on developing strategies and creative approaches for digital communications
• Work with Marketing and Communications team members to establish project timelines
• Ensure project solutions meet defined goals
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders throughout the ARD and across the University, including schools and units

Manage Web-based Content Updates

• Administer and manage content-admin rights for ARD staff contributors
• Develop and edit content submitted by subject matter experts across ARD
• Strategically assist with new forms of web-based content, especially the development of advanced events and registration forms in iModules

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in a major such as journalism, communications, marketing, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Several years of professional experience in digital marketing and communications, including website content management and email marketing
• Expert HTML and Javascript skills
• Intermediate or greater CSS3 skills

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Advance knowledge of a content management system, as well as email and event management tools
• Strong experience with constituent database management
• Demonstrated expertise in email deliverability best practices, including mobile and responsive design
• Analytic skills and ability to analyze and derive insight from data through A/B testing and email optimization
• Ability to use both data and experience-based intuition to inform decisions
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with others on a team
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Effective project management skills in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field
• Experience in higher education advancement or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Advanced knowledge of iModules CMS, email, and events tools
• Knowledge of current internet standards, including email marketing, CAN-SPAM regulations
• Experience with landing page testing and optimization
• Understanding of basic online marketing funnel and how channels work together including search and SEO, social, mobile, and content marketing

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more. Work-Life and Wellness:

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more. Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.