Advancement Communications Specialist
(Job Number: 53-25)
Department: Advancement and Alumni Relations
Campus: Barrie
Classification: Support Staff
Posting Date: June 2, 2025
Hourly pay range: $36.29 (start rate) – $42.13 (4-year rate)
Hours per week: 35 hours per week
Status: Contract (Appendix D)
Effective Dates: asap – January 30, 2026
This is a temporary replacement position for a bargaining unit employee. Terms and conditions of employment are as outlined in the Support Staff Collective Agreement.
Georgian College’s Advancement and Alumni Relations department creates and maintains strong relationships with a variety of constituents to inspire support and engagement.
Reporting to the Associate Director, Engagement and guided by the integrated communications strategy for the Advancement and Alumni Relations department, the Advancement Communications Specialist plans, develops and implements communications (print and digital) to further the department’s engagement, fundraising and community development goals. Writing for a variety of constituents (alumni, donors, prospective donors, faculty and staff, boards, community leaders, foundations and corporate partners), the Specialist is the chief storyteller in the department and assists with developing compelling, thought-provoking communications that have measurable impact and ROI. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
DEPARTMENTAL STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS:
Leading the coordination of all departmental publications and content production, including all related planning, production and dissemination efforts, and working with the Advancement Designer and others to coordinate deadlines, photography, design and print schedules, post schedules, post-distribution data and trend analysis, etc.
FUNDRAISING/PARTNERSHIP AND DONOR RELATIONS/STEWARDSHIPS RELATED:
Developing inspiring and compelling communications to engage existing and prospective donors in the mission of Georgian including fundraising and donor relations collateral (cases for support, impact and endowment reporting copy, customized proposals, brochures, direct marketing solicitation letters and emails, donor and alumni storytelling pieces, fundraising-related advertisements, etc.)
OTHER:
Supporting communications across the department as they arise including the department’s web presence, signature events, donor greetings, custom correspondence, etc. The Specialist will regularly contribute to new and creative growth strategies to deepen engagement and fundraising success across all channels as well as research and recommending story ideas that advance priorities and initiatives.
- Successfully completed a three-year postsecondary degree / diploma in a relevant field of study that includes journalism, public relations, fundraising or communications
- Three years experience in an environment related to advancement or corporate communications, where duties included writing and editing for various forms of media.
- Experience in higher education advancement is considered an asset
- Working knowledge of Canva and/or InDesign, Constant Contact, Teamwork, Hootsuite and video software are considered assets
- Highly proficient writer for a range of audiences, vehicles, and channels, with an exceptional command of grammar, punctuation, and syntax
- Knowledge of the philanthropic community and best practices in fundraising, alumni engagement and donor stewardship at all levels
- Ability to synthesize complex information and translate into clear and inspiring advancement communications and collateral
- Strong collaboration and team-working skills
- Advanced computer skills and experience in MS Office, database systems, all aspects of social media
- Working knowledge of Canva and/or InDesign, Constant Contact, Teamwork, Hootsuite are assets
- Proven time management skills with the ability to meet competing deadlines
- Strong research skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Highly detail-oriented and accurate
- Discretion and tact in handling highly sensitive or confidential information
- Highly organized in managing and planning own work, and ensuring others meet deadlines as inputs to the completion of your assignments
Georgian College supports diversity, equity and a workplace free from harassment and discrimination and is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free environment. We invite applications from all qualified candidates and actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to persons of Indigenous ancestry, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. If you are contacted to participate in the interview, please advise the coordinator of any accommodations needed with respect to any materials or processes used to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process.
Alternate formats will be provided upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.
Georgian College has introduced Flex Work for some positions. This position is currently eligible for Hybrid Work. Flex Work agreements will be determined between the employee and manager when employment commences and may change in accordance with the Flex Work guidelines. All employees are required to permanently reside in the province of Ontario.
Applications for this position must be received by 11:59 p.m. on June 8, 2025. While we thank all applicants, only those contacted for an interview will be acknowledged.
