Director of Communications

From its location in New York City, Cambridge in America (CAm) promotes interest in and support for the University of Cambridge (UK) and its constituent Colleges among alumni and friends in the United States and in the Americas. Cambridge in America runs alumni and development programs aimed at showcasing the best of Cambridge, working in partnership with University and College leadership.

A historic institution of higher education in the United Kingdom, Cambridge consistently ranks among the very top research universities worldwide, with more than 20,000 students from all walks of life and all corners of the world, nearly 13,000 staff, 31 Colleges and 150 Departments, Faculties, Schools, and other institutions.

Sustaining a university of this caliber demands continual investment, therefore fundraising efforts and innovative engagement are vital and essential elements of the work of Cambridge in America. Staff at CAm are committed to excellence and a culture of high-performance and collaboration.

The Director of Communications has a crucial role in advancing CAm’s initiatives in engagement and fundraising. Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, the position provides support and consultation for a range of key communications programs and activities aimed at increasing support to Cambridge and its constituent Colleges.

The Communications team works closely with CAm colleagues across the organization and in Cambridge to provide effective, data-driven, compelling communications that further engagement and fundraising objectives. In addition to providing project management for a range of communications initiatives, the Director of Communications serves as the primary consultant and expert on messaging and brand

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and drive multi-channel communications strategies designed to increase engagement with the more than 20,000 CAm constituents across North America
• Use a variety of data-collection vehicles to monitor and report on the success of communications campaigns, using data to drive decision making at all stages of engagement planning
• Develop brand voice and maintain brand integrity across all platforms
• Write, edit and proofread outgoing and public facing material ensuring a high standard of messaging and accuracy
• Oversee the creation of print, digital, video, and audio content to be used across all CAm channels. Develop and maintain an annual content calendar
• Serve as primary contact and liaison with colleagues in Cambridge in the central Development and Alumni Relations (CUDAR), the Office of External Affairs and Communications (OEAC) and the 31 Cambridge Colleges. Provide management of Senior Manager, Communications
• Oversee relationships with all vendors including designers, printers, mail houses and freelance writers
• Provide consultation for internal communications and channels
• Create budget for communications team and ensure compliance

Qualifications / Skills:

• Strong track record in developing multi-channel communications strategies across print, digital and social media platforms
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies
• Impeccable copywriting and copy-editing abilities
• Understanding of graphic design, layout and publishing
• Working knowledge of email marketing platforms, content management systems and digital graphics production
• Familiarity with social media platforms and social media marketing
• Strong leadership track record
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills
• Ability and willingness to pitch in where needed, to provide help and consultation to all levels of the organization

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or a related discipline
• 5-plus years of communications, marketing or related experience, preferably in higher education and/or in philanthropic organizations
• An understanding of fundraising and philanthropy
• Experience managing print publication, digital content and email marketing
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro)
• International experience a plus
• Media relations experience a plus

Work Hours and Benefits

• Hybrid working schedule of three (3) days in office; two (2) days remote
• Occasional evenings or weekends
• Occasional travel to Cambridge and US for events and meetings
• Generous leave, insurance and retirement plan

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $150,000 per annum, depending on candidate experience and the final agreed upon title.

CAm requires that all staff be vaccinated for the Covid-19 virus. Please note that proof of vaccination will be required.

To apply for the position please send a cover letter and resume to: mail@cantab.org. A cover letter is an integral part of the application process and must be submitted with a resume.

CAm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws. CAm prohibits discrimination against employees and applicants for employment because of the individual’s race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin,age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, familial status, domestic partnership status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by law.