What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist position at Hope College?
Position Title
Communications Specialist
Classification Title
Administrative Full Time (.75-1.0 FTE)
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligibility
Department
Philanthropy & Engagement
Job Description
The communication specialist plays a crucial role within the Philanthropy and Engagement Division, reporting to the communications director. This position implements digital communication strategies and provides project management support for annual philanthropy, major and principal gifts, stewardship, and alumni and family engagement. The specialist will contribute to communication efforts, events, appeals, and stewardship projects to foster meaningful, lifelong relationships between alumni, families, friends and the college.
In this role, the communication specialist will focus on personalized and segmented digital communications that enhance engagement and build a multi-channel approach to connecting with Hope College’s external constituents. They will collaborate across teams, fostering an inclusive and productive workplace while working closely with colleagues in the philanthropy and engagement division and other campus partners.
Key responsibilities include maintaining segmented audience lists, analyzing email engagement metrics, and ensuring accuracy and effectiveness across all Philanthropy and Engagement email communication strategies. This role is part of a team responsible for developing and executing projects for Hope Forward, annual philanthropy, alumni and family engagement, principal and planned giving, major gifts, donor relations and stewardship, and future fundraising campaigns.
The specialist will play a key role in producing timely, high-quality materials that align with established brand guidelines and institutional goals, helping to strengthen and sustain engagement with the college’s alumni, families, donors and broader community.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute digital communication, audience segmentation, list management and data-driven messaging using MailChimp and Raiser’s Edge
- Create segmented lists for mail and email communication using Raiser’s Edge
- Analyze and distribute digital engagement metrics (e.g., open rates, click rates and conversions) to inform strategy and enhance effectiveness
- Develop and implement digital communication strategies to engage donors and inspire giving in collaboration with the annual philanthropy team
- Produce digital communications for annual philanthropy, alumni and family engagement, corporate engagement, major gifts, donor relations and stewardship initiatives
- Assist with executing all annual fundraising campaigns and giving days in partnership with the assistant director of annual philanthropy
- Manage the alumni data request form and collaborate on all alumni, family and donor communications
- Create and maintain event RSVP forms, invitations and attendance lists, and serve as the Philanthropy Services point of contact for Hope Forward and affinity and gift officer-initiated events.
- Support the delivery of stewardship messages for annual, major, and principal gifts, ensuring timely and personalized donor communications
- Ensure all communications align with Hope College’s brand guidelines and messaging standards
- Assist with other projects and divisional programs as assigned by the communications director, director of annual philanthropy or the associate vice president
- Implement a consistent process for identifying, prioritizing and completing communication projects across the division, including email, mail, website and social media campaigns Promote and contribute to a positive, dynamic and collaborative team culture, embracing and advancing the values and contributions of culture and inclusive excellence
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree (communications, marketing or a related field preferred)
- 1-3 years of experience in communication, email marketing, project management, or a related field
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy and follow-through
- Experience developing data-driven communication strategies and managing segmented audiences
- Knowledge of digital marketing best practices and communication technologies Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel), Google Suite and CRM/email marketing platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, MailChimp)
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences
- Ability to manipulate and understand data
- Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders and maintain positive professional relationships
- Internally driven and self-motivated towards excellence and innovation
- Project management experience, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently Enthusiasm for building relationships and fostering connections between Hope College and its constituents
Physical Demands
This position requires remaining in a sitting or standing position for frequent periods of time; uses office machinery such as a computers, printers, copy machines; Occasionally involves moving items over 10 pounds; frequently will move between different offices/workspaces/buildings; and requires effective communication abilities. In the case of temporary or permanent condition(s) that require(s) accommodation(s), reasonable accommodation(s) may be requested.
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check. Some positions may have position specific requirements, such as education/licensure/certification verification, a physical, drug screening, credit checks and/or transportation record review.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
2023-288SR
Job Posting Open Date
04/21/2025
Job Posting Close Date
05/16/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Is this position available for sponsorship
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- References
