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Asst Director of Digital Communications
Job #
042645
Department Code
50301-1151
Department
Advancement and External Affairs
Job Title
Asst Director of Digital Communications
Location
Syracuse, NY
Campus
Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range
$68,000 - $69,000
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level
S5
FLSA Status
Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type
Full-time
Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable
Job Description
This role provides leadership for the email communications program operated by the Division of Advancement and External Affairs and used across the University, including schools, colleges and units, overseeing analytics, compliance and content standards across all digital fundraising, engagement and stewardship communications. Reporting to the Director of Digital Experience, this position directs audience segmentation, email performance optimization and cross-channel coordination to maximize donor engagement and support institutional fundraising goals.
The Asst. Director establishes and enforces quality standards for all advancement digital communications, including adherence to AP style, university brand guidelines, WCAG accessibility requirements and CAN-SPAM/PCI/gift compliance. The role supervises a Digital Communications Coordinator and leads the growth and development of the digital communications vertical. As a key member of the Digital Experience team, the Assistant Director partners with colleagues across the division and schools, colleges and units to ensure a coordinated, data-informed and donor-centric approach to digital communications.
The Asst. Director establishes and enforces quality standards for all advancement digital communications, including adherence to AP style, university brand guidelines, WCAG accessibility requirements and CAN-SPAM/PCI/gift compliance. The role supervises a Digital Communications Coordinator and leads the growth and development of the digital communications vertical. As a key member of the Digital Experience team, the Assistant Director partners with colleagues across the division and schools, colleges and units to ensure a coordinated, data-informed and donor-centric approach to digital communications.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field.
- 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in digital communications, email marketing, or related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in email marketing platforms and analytics tools.
- Strong knowledge of AP style and editorial standards.
- Working knowledge of WCAG accessibility guidelines and their application to digital content.
- Experience with web accessibility/WCAG and PCI compliance.
- Experience with email data analysis and translating metrics into actionable insights.
- Proven project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience supervising staff or leading projects.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital content management systems.
- Experience working with constituent resource management platforms. Blackbaud CRM experience preferred.
- Experience with HTML email coding and email testing tools.
- Experience with A/B testing and email optimization strategies.
- Understanding of data privacy regulations (CAN-SPAM, GDPR) as they apply to email communications.
- Some assignments and support may require work during non-business hours, including nights and / or weekends.
Skills and Knowledge
- Good communication and organizational skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to communicate corrections, determine desired intent and provide guidance to campus partners is crucial.
- Ability to provide timely responses to campus partners is critical, even after hours.
- Ability to evaluate, set priorities and execute on the fly.
- Be a self-starter and a creative and strategic thinker.
- High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills is necessary.
- Ability to quickly maneuver in a fast-paced environment is essential.
- Ability to handle knowledge that has not been widely distributed carefully and keep it confidential.
- Ability to multitask, including coordinating multiple projects in addition to other daily duties is necessary.
- Knowledge of donor engagement strategies and fundraising communications.
- Proficient in developing instructions and documentation.
- Experience working with digital engagement tools, including email marketing and event management systems.
- Anthology Encompass experience preferred.
- Experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, or institutional communications.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the University’s subject matter expert on email communications.
- Direct the email communications program operated by Advancement and External Affairs and used by the broader University, including schools, colleges and units, to reach more than 600,000 alumni, donors, parents and other constituents.
- Develop and maintain audience segmentation frameworks, send optimization protocols and coordinated scheduling standards that guide how email is deployed to support fundraising, alumni engagement and stewardship goals across the University.
- Establish editorial, brand and accessibility standards for all email content, ensuring consistency of voice and compliance with AP style, university editorial guidelines, WCAG accessibility requirements, CAN-SPAM regulations and PCI and gift processing standards.
- Develop training resources and provide guidance to content creators across Advancement and External Affairs, schools, colleges and units to ensure institution-wide adherence to these standards.
- Lead the analytics and performance measurement program for mass email communications across the University.
- Design and maintain standardized reporting frameworks that track deliverability, open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, unsubscribe trends, list health and campaign ROI.
- Conduct audience behavior analysis and segmentation performance reviews to identify opportunities for improved targeting and personalization.
- Manage A/B and multivariate testing programs to optimize subject lines, send timing, content formats and calls to action.
- Benchmark email performance against industry standards and peer institutions, and present findings and recommendations to leadership on a regular cadence.
- Evaluate emerging email marketing tools, technologies and vendor platforms to ensure the University’s email program remains current with industry best practices and evolving constituent expectations.
- Research and recommend new capabilities, including automation, personalization and AI-assisted content optimization.
- Manage vendor relationships and provide subject matter expertise in decisions around platforms.
- Represent the Digital Experience team on university and division committees and participate in cross-functional planning efforts as assigned.
- Maintain working proficiency in the division’s digital event registration, marketing and engagement platforms, processes and standards.
- Serve as backup to the Assistant Director of Digital Engagement during periods of high demand, including signature University events and campaign milestones, ensuring continuity of service to campus partners.
- Stay current on event platform capabilities, compliance requirements and data workflows to provide informed support when needed.
- Supervise, train and develop a Digital Communications Coordinator, establishing clear performance expectations, professional development goals and growth pathways.
- As the digital communications vertical scales, lead workforce planning efforts and identify and define additional staffing needs.
- Establish team workflows, documentation standards and quality assurance processes that ensure consistency and efficiency as volume increases.
- Foster a team culture of continuous improvement, accountability and forward thinking and ensure team members demonstrate AEA’s CRAFT values.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
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