Communications Specialist

VISION:   Transform the university through the power of generosity.   MISSION:  Unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of Oklahoma State University. DEPARTMENT PURPOSE:   The Marketing and Donor Experiences team, which falls within the Development team at the Oklahoma State University Foundation, contributes to the mission by collaborating with internal and external partners to provide strategic, integrated marketing, communication, creative services and special events expertise to achieve our mission of serving Oklahoma State University and providing our donors with impactful, dynamic and engaging experiences.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:   The Communications Specialist will help execute the Marketing & Donor Experiences department’s strategic goals of effective storytelling to inspire, solicit and steward donors. This position completes and/or contributes to important and ongoing MDX assignments, with a primary focus on managing the overall social media strategy and writing/deploying all content.

Additionally, the Communications Specialist will work with  the MDX team to create graphics and curate photographs  for the Oklahoma State University Foundation’s social media channels. This person will collaborate with internal partners to develop and coordinate online marketing/fundraising campaigns on all social and digital platforms and contribute to various other writing projects, including, but not limited to: news releases, newsletters, advertisements, web content, STATE Magazine articles, event speaking points, development communications such as proposals, etc.

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS: Social Media Content Management (40%)   Will work with the Senior Director of Communications, and others within MDX, to implement the Foundation’s overall digital content strategy. Responsible for generating copy and content for all the Foundation’s social media channels,  including curating photographs and collaborating with the MDX team to create social media graphics.

Work with multiple departments across the Foundation to define, track, analyze and report on digital communication metrics and analytics, with the goal of improving the online user experience and better targeting digital audiences. Help develop and implement strategies for new media and identify new communities and technologies for marketing efforts both at the Oklahoma State University Foundation and with our campus partners.

Work closely with communication departments across campus and the university’s central Brand Management office to share general online content and digital strategies. General Writing and Media Relations (40%)   Contribute copy for various publications, including the Foundation’s portion of STATE,  Oklahoma State University ’s official magazine, as well as other Foundation newsletters/e-communications.

Collaborate with designers, video producers and photographers to facilitate interviews for video shoots related to publications as well as design work required for each project. Work closely with the Multimedia Designer to write video scripts and video interview questions. Write digital and print advertising copy as assigned; and write and distribute various news releases. Assist with public relations/media relations outreach for news announcements and special events.

Contribute to the Foundation and Marketing & Communications team by participating in the execution and preparation of major events and initiatives, including involvement with Women for OSU, major gift announcements, specific campaigns, groundbreakings and other special projects. Assist with research projects, as needed. Other duties as assigned.   Digital Campaigns (20%)   Collaborate with Oklahoma State University Foundation internal partners to help implement online marketing/fundraisi