Department:  Alumni & Development

FLSA:                Exempt

Job Status:      Staff, full-time, calendar year

Reports to:     Director of The Hotchkiss Fund

Travel:             Rare

POSITION SUMMARY

The Digital Fundraising and Communication strategist is a key role within the Alumni & Development department, reporting directly to the Director of The Hotchkiss Fund.

This full-time, exempt position is responsible for overseeing and managing the development and execution of comprehensive marketing and communications plans to support The Hotchkiss Fund’s growth and engagement initiatives. The role involves creating and implementing digital fundraising and communication strategies using segmentation, cultivating relationships with alumni, especially recent graduates, and collaborating with various stakeholders to drive donor engagement and fundraising efforts.

The Digital Fundraising and Communication Strategist will also handle publicity and public relations related to The Hotchkiss Fund, ensuring the effective promotion of its initiatives and events. This position requires a blend of strategic planning, creative development, and hands-on execution, with a focus on achieving annual income goals and enhancing donor loyalty. The role demands excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills, along with proficiency in various digital tools and platforms.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee and manage the development of marketing and communications plans (design/production) primarily for The Hotchkiss Fund (50% of job function)

• Create personalized marketing and communications materials to support the development and growth of The Hotchkiss Fund.With the Communication team, manage the development of and execution of digital marketing with the Communications Team (email, web, social) engagement strategies.

• Cultivate relationships, educate mission initiatives, and develop fundraising goals with creators who partner with The Hotchkiss School on social media.

• Serve as the lead writer and editor for THF, which will include the following responsibilities and deliverables:
  • marketing, segmentation and writing appeals, data analysis including brochures, print and broadcast advertising, web copy, email blasts, e-newsletters, direct mail, flyers, banners, postcards, advertisements, premiums, etc.
  • Event materials, including print and electronic invitations, program books, fact sheets, action cards, slide and video presentations, gift items, banners, goody bags, signage, social media, etc.
  • Articles for the donor newsletter, and other publications as needed
• Collaborate with Alumni & Development team to continually seek and develop fresh and effective new marketing strategies and tactics to attract new donors and participants while maintaining existing donor loyalty and passion.
• Create and manage project timelines based on marketing plans.
• Responsible for publicity and public relations relating to The Hotchkiss Fund efforts.

Serves as a main point of contact for the Hotchkiss student and young alumni (graduates of the last 15 years) fundraising strategies in direct support of our institutional priority to increase alumni participation (50% of job function)

• Cultivate relationships with the school’s Alumni, especially with the most recent graduates who are active participants in social and digital media.
• Manage Senior Class Gift Program, including related events and programming, to educate students on the impact of giving back through donations and volunteerism.
• Renew annual gifts and provide stewardship for a portfolio of 50 annual giving donors, meeting agreed-upon outreach activity metrics.
• Partner with young alumni class volunteers on a wide array of annual fund projects that arise throughout any given fiscal year.
• Increase engagement in The Hotchkiss Fund initiatives through outreach to specific personalized outreach.
• Help build the pipeline through both personal outreach and mass contacts to achieve annual income goals.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree, plus a minimum of five years of experience or a combination of education and work experience in a related field.
• Copywriting or writing experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite of products including, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Constant Contact, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Zoom.
• Must be comfortable making phone calls, reaching out via email, and using digital media to effectively communicate with donors.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration, ability to motivate and inspire colleagues, donors, and volunteers, set a positive tone, lead by example, and drive results.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, with solid decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient and in using social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Flickr, etc.
• Experience with Constant Contact, preferred.
• Experience working at or familiarity with educational institutions or non-profit organizations is preferred.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Primarily an office environment.
• At events, a significant amount of time is spent standing/walking.
• Repetitive (keyboard) motion

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms, and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination).

 In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

About The Hotchkiss School

Located in the scenic Berkshire-Taconic landscape in the quiet northwest corner of Connecticut, The Hotchkiss School is a community in which faculty and staff members build careers and grow as professionals. We seek to identify, recruit, and develop faculty and staff members who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds. Collectively, we are dedicated to supporting the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of nearly 600 students who come from around the country and the world. In the 2023-2024 school year, our student body includes 37% of students receiving financial aid, 13% international students, and 40% domestic students of color. Geographically diverse, our students represent 38 States, 34 Countries, and span 6 continents. The School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm learning community for students from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.

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