Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing, the Director/Assistant Director of Marketing Communications is a newly created position to support the ambitious growth of USU Advancement fundraising and alumni engagement. This represents a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned marketing communications professional to be part of a highly productive team.  The position will be hired as either an Assistant Director (Marketer II) or Director (Marketer III) based upon depth of education/experience and duties assigned.  (See Minimum Qualifications section below.)

The Director/Assistant Director is tasked with a diverse set of responsibilities, so it is important for the person in this position to be flexible, proactive, and decisive with a well-rounded mix of experience in writing and editing marketing and donor solicitation content, compiling and analyzing marketing data, and managing creative campaigns.

We are a small team producing fundraising and alumni marketing communications projects for all colleges and units across the university, so we need a Director/Assistant Director who is extremely organized and collaborative, able to research each subject area they will be writing about, and willing to proactively take on complex, multifaceted projects, and see them through to completion. 

This position will own creative marketing and donor solicitation content writing for print and digital, as well as manage the scripting and storyboarding for fundraising and engagement video production projects.

A strong background in writing and editing persuasive creative content across multiple communications platforms are required, along with the ability to think critically and make data-driven decisions about audience and placement. Collecting and interpreting marketing data (especially digital advertising), and adjusting communications accordingly, will be crucial.

The Director/Assistant Director works closely with the entire University Advancement staff in elevating Utah State University through philanthropy and engagement, so you will be asked to juggle a wide variety of requests with competing deadlines. You will be expected to execute individual tasks side-by-side with co-workers as well as manage projects, so organizational and time management skills are important.

We are looking for a team member who has proven experience anticipating opportunities and reacting swiftly in moments that matter. If you have a passion for writing and refining marketing and donor solicitation messaging, collecting and analyzing data, uncovering new marketing angles for greater outcomes, and developing thought-provoking content, please apply!

This is not an entry-level or remote position.

Creative and Strategy

• Take the lead on writing and editing persuasive donor solicitation and marketing communications for print, website, digital advertising, and social media projects and campaigns that authentically connect with our audiences, including donors, alumni, friends, and community leaders.
• Maintain high standards of originality and creativity while ensuring owned and edited written content fit the intention of the communication.
• Ensure all marketing and solicitation content is on-brand, accurate, impactful, engaging, and strategic.
• Adapt content for best use and greatest impact across communication platforms.
• Strategically navigate the complexities of a statewide institution with multiple campuses and programs, ensuring that all marketing and donor solicitation efforts align with USU Advancement’s values, mission, and goals, as well as the university’s strategic plan.

Digital Marketing and Data Analytics

• Own, compile, and analyze all marketing outcome data (especially digital advertising) to help adjust ongoing campaigns and inform future advertising spending.
• Make decisions on digital marketing budget allocations based on data-driven approaches and continuous optimization of marketing strategies.
• Present analytics monthly and on an as-needed basis.
• Continually develop knowledge base and understanding of digital advertising best practices.
• Oversee the management of digital marketing requests and assets.

Collaboration and Leadership

• In partnership with the AVP, the director/assistant director will help manage the overall marketing content strategy and workflow, ensuring alignment and coordination between written and visual marketing efforts in print and on websites, social media, and other digital platforms and campaigns.
• Serve as a connector, not only between teams, but within projects, thoughtfully creating cohesive marketing content and donor solicitation messaging that flows seamlessly between each piece produced and platform utilized.
• Work collaboratively with advancement and alumni team to assemble disparate information and generate written content that is cohesive and aligns with intended goals.
• Serve as department co-lead in the absence of the AVP.
• Supervise and mentor the Social Media Manager position — and possible future marketing positions — cultivating a work environment that fosters belonging, ownership, and skill development, and ensures job duties and goals are met.
• Assist Social Media Manager in establishing metrics and goals for tracking social media and paid digital marketing reach and impact, ensuring content is optimized to build engagement and continues to align with advancement priorities.

Organization and Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing plans and ensure the cohesive execution of marketing campaigns across platforms, maintaining consistent, clear, and impactful messaging.
• Manage the production of marketing publications, donor solicitations, and other donor- and alumni-facing content, utilizing the project management system.
• Critically review, edit, and proof marketing and donor solicitation content for purpose and impact, as well as errors and appropriate language.
• Ensure website information is up to date by regularly reviewing and editing content.

* Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• The position will be hired at either the Assistant Director (Marketer II) or Director (Marketer III) level based upon duties assigned and depth of education/experience.
  • For an Assistant Director (Marketer II):
    • Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, communications, English, or related field plus two years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education plus experience is required.
    • Experience should include creating original written content for marketing and solicitations; developing, executing, and measuring digital marketing strategies; and managing creative projects and campaigns using a project management system.
  • For a Director (Marketer III): 
    • Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, communications, English, or related field plus four years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education plus experience is required.
    • Experience should include creating original written content for marketing and solicitations; developing, executing, and measuring digital marketing strategies; and managing creative projects and campaigns using a project management system.
    • Leadership Experience.
• For Both Levels:
  • A strong creative writer who can work quickly and create robust, meaningful content, sometimes based on little information, is an absolute necessity.
  • Must be a strategic marketing professional with a clear communication style and good judgement with experience building brand presence and creating content that engages and builds affinity.
  • Excellent writing, proofreading, and editing skills with the ability to identify opportunities and write succinctly and persuasively.
  • Experience developing digital marketing strategies, analyzing data, and presenting metrics.
  • Experience creating, executing, evaluating, and reporting on integrated marketing projects and solicitation campaigns.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience writing and editing content that drives non-profit and philanthropic/giving strategies.
• Possess a mix of multiplatform (print, web, social, and digital marketing) content creation expertise.
• Experience in Google search and display advertising. Google certification a plus.
• Experience overseeing social media in a professional capacity.
• Possess advanced marketing data analytics skills.
• Experience using a project management system.
• Demonstrated track record of success in leading, mentoring, and inspiring staff to achieve goals.
• Some experience with, or knowledge of, Adobe Creative Suite beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Multitalented writer.
• Ability to adapt written content for multiple platforms.
• Conscientious editor with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience gathering and organizing diverse information and connecting dots to write cohesive and impactful solicitation and marketing communication pieces.
• Ability to manage complex marketing communication projects.
• Understanding of the nuances of each marketing platform (print, web, social, and digital marketing) and the appropriate content and presentation method for each.
• Strategic thinker who can innovate across diverse communication platforms.
• Possess strong analytical skills in interpreting and translating marketing data (especially digital advertising), and experience acting on findings.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, SEO best practices.
• Experience writing both proactive and reactive communications, along with the sound judgement to know when each is necessary.
• Adept at effectively managing time and completing short-term, deadline-oriented tasks while also making progress on longer-term priorities.
• Ability to work independently with the strong sense of personal responsibility that is required to work in a team environment with shared ownership.
• High standard of excellence in customer service and project completion.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
   • Cover letter which clearly describes how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 07/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 06/2025