Details Department: Philanthropy ServicesSchedule:  Full Time, Monday-FridayLocation:  Remote with approximately 50% travel required
Benefits

Paid time off (PTO)
Various health insurance options & wellness plans
Retirement benefits including employer match plans
Long-term & short-term disability
Employee assistance programs (EAP)
Parental leave & adoption assistance
Tuition reimbursement
Ways to give back to your community

 

Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance and salary range at the time of the offer.

Responsibilities

Summary: The Director of Development Communications is a collaborative leader responsible for shaping and executing communication strategies that drive philanthropic engagement and contribute to fundraising success for the Ascension Foundation, Ascension Living, Community Health Ministries, and Dispensary of Hope.

Reporting to the Vice President of Foundation Communications and Impact and part of the newly created Ascension Philanthropy Services team, this role sits at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and stewardship.

The Director works in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Philanthropy Strategy and the Director of Development Operations and with communication and development colleagues to translate mission, programs, and impact into compelling narratives that inspire giving and deepen relationships with donors and partners.

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Communication & Collaborative LeadershipDevelop and implement a comprehensive fundraising communication strategy for each unit that ensures message alignment across fundraising channels, helps cultivate donor trust, and elevates the visibility of the fundraising prioritiesServe as lead strategist and content architect for donor-facing materials, engaging partners across the units to ensure alignment and accuracy of inputPartner with leadership and program teams to articulate investment opportunities that resonate with donors, institutional funders, and philanthropic partners.Partner with the Philanthropy Strategy team to ensure comprehensive development communication strategies and tactics are incorporated in sustainable philanthropic revenue plans for all units, covering all audience segments and giving levels (major, annual, planned, and institutional giving from individuals, foundations and corporations).Maintain and enhance the unit’s brand identity across and through development materials.Collaborate with teams across units to ensure message coherence and unified strategy.Partner with the Senior Director Philanthropy Strategy and Director of Development Operations to ensure communications are aligned with donor data, segments, channels, preferences, and giving historyContent DevelopmentLead the creation of high-impact content across channels to ensure cohesive donor engagement and maximize philanthropic outcomes, including: cases for support, messaging, proposals, reports, donor newsletters, web content, email, print, social and more, in partnership with Philanthropy Strategy team membersTranslate complex data and concepts into accessible, emotionally resonant storytelling.Standardize fundraiser collateral suites for effective and efficient communications activity that can be used as donor touchpoints throughout their journey – from cultivation to stewardship.Develop personalized proposals and stewardship materials that reflect the impact and value of donor investment and deepen donor engagement, in partnership with Philanthropy Strategy team members.Oversee production of stewardship materials and donor impact reports, with design and quality that contribute to overall program success.Collaborate with designers, videographers, and other creative vendors as needed to bring content to life.As needed, support executives and board members with tailored fundraising messages and briefing material.Ensure donor materials are inclusive, culturally responsive, and aligned with Ascension’s values.Project Leadership & ManagementEstablish editorial standards, workflows, and systems for message review, approvals, and archiving.Determine and analyze content performance metrics, identifying trends and providing reports to inform future strategies.Manage relevant budgets, timelines, and external vendors.
Requirements

Education:

High School diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management.
Additional Preferences

Key Attributes:
Proven ability to lead communications strategies that drive philanthropic action at every level, from annual giving to major and principal gifts; exceptional writing, editing, storytelling skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information with clarity and heart; deep understanding of donor psychology, philanthropic trends and fundraising; strong collaboration and interpersonal skills with an ability to influence and build trust across teams; able to organize multiple projects at the same time, with close attention to details and deadlines; high emotional intelligence; productive in a remote work environment; committed to equity, inclusion, and the values of Ascension.

 

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Why Join Our Team

Ascension associates are key to our commitment of transforming healthcare and providing care to all, especially those most in need. Join us and help us drive impact through reimagining how we can deliver a people-centered healthcare experience and creating the solutions to do it. Explore career opportunities across our ministry locations and within our corporate headquarters.

 

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 134,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

 

Our Mission, Vision and Values encompass everything we do at Ascension. Every associate is empowered to give back, volunteer and make a positive impact in their community. Ascension careers are more than jobs; they are opportunities to enhance your life and the lives of the people around you.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

 

For further information, view the  EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

 

As a military friendly organization, Ascension promotes career flexibility and offers many benefits to help support the well-being of our military families, spouses, veterans and reservists. Our associates are empowered to apply their military experience and unique perspective to their civilian career with Ascension.

 

Pay Non-Discrimination Notice

 

Please note that Ascension will make an offer of employment only to individuals who have applied for a position using our official application. Be on alert for possible fraudulent offers of employment. Ascension will not solicit money or banking information from applicants.

 

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