Communications Officer

**Job Purpose**

With primary and overall reporting to the Senior Integrated Engagement Manager (and matrixed reporting as appropriate to the Campaign Director), the Communications Officer will provide coordination and support for the university’s overall fundraising communications, including the current comprehensive campaign. Under the direction of the Senior Integrated Engagement Manager, the Communications Officer will be responsible for overseeing the creation of campaign materials in both electronic and hardcopy formats. The Communications Officer will also collaborate with colleagues within Philanthropy, Alumni Engagement & Services, Community Relations, and Marketing and Communications to ensure key messages are strategically used in University communications. Providing inspiring communications is the key mandate of this position, levering excellent writing and production skills to create and deliver content of the highest quality across a broad range of topics and in formats appropriate to a range of audiences. Typical assignments include project coordination, research with content experts, writing, photography, videography or arranging of audio-visual production, webpage development and material production. This position deals with highly confidential donor information and requires tactful communication around potentially sensitive issues.

**Key Activities**

1. **_Develop Engagement Communications, Materials and Publications: _**
- Under the direction of the Senior Integrated Engagement Manager, contribute significantly to developing, updating and implementing an annualized communications plan that will assist in successfully achieving the University's philanthropic and alumni engagement goals and objectives.
- Prepare appropriate materials for internal and external target audiences, including prospective and current donors, board, faculty, staff, alumni, volunteers and community members.
- Communications materials will include regular campaign progress updates, high-quality proposals, special and regular annual fund appeals, speeches, media releases, articles for the Trent Magazine, website and e-newsletters, presentations, web and social media content, video and photography, and special event programs and invitations as needed.
- Ensure consistency among print, electronic and audio-visual materials to reflect campaign and university branding.

2. **_Ensure a strong web presence and e-communications for Alumni &_**

**_Philanthropy: _**
- Work closely with colleagues in Alumni and Philanthropy to coordinate and strengthen online and electronic messages and communication efforts.
- Regularly update campaign and Development-related webpages, highlighting campaign news, fundraising progress and opportunities, as well as donor recognition stories, impact and opportunities.
- In collaboration with the Director of Advancement Services, as well Marketing and Communications, ensure effective and efficient navigation of webpages and content within and among Net Community, Drupal and Contribute platforms.
- Implement creative approaches to integrate and synergize written and digital content, including the use of web, video and social media.

3. **_Prepare news releases, gift announcements and media releases: _**
- Work closely with Trent’s Marketing and Communications Office and the Stewardship Manager in preparing, planning and distributing major announcements and campaign updates.

4. **_Confidential and sensitive information: _**
- Deal with highly confidential and sensitive information related to donor gifts, agreements and support from the highest levels of donors, including Board of
- Governors, senior administration, senior volunteers, faculty and staff, alumni and the community.

5. **_Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned._**

**Education Required**
- General University degree (3 years) in a related discipline complemented by a post-graduate certificate or diploma in marketing, communications or public relations; Honours degree in marketing, communications, journalism or a related discipline preferred.
- A Trent University degree would be beneficial.

**Experience Required**

1. Minimum of four (4) years’ relevant work experience in progressive communications planning, writing, editing, audio-visual and material design and production, with a proven track record of creating compelling, persuasive and attractive individualized and corporate communications for target audiences. Experience in working in the education and/or in the charitable sector preferred.

2. Ability to create inspiring and high-quality fundraising communications: proposals, annual appeals, campaign impact reports, etc.

3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in understanding and marketing to target audiences

4. Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communications

5. Experience in proof-reading, editing and in managing publication projects

6. Experience in webpage development and navigation