JOB TITLE
Coordinator, Development Communications
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Development & Communications Strategy
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Coordinator, Development Communications provides essential support for WPI's advancement communications, stewardship, and content development efforts, enabling the Assistant Vice President, Development Communications and Strategy, to lead strategic storytelling that inspires philanthropic investment. This role assists with donor communications, impact reporting, stewardship materials, proposal support, and digital content while managing administrative and project coordination responsibilities. The Coordinator helps ensure WPI's donors, prospects, and alumni receive compelling, accurate, and timely communications that demonstrate impact and deepen their connection to the university. This position offers excellent professional development opportunities in advancement communications, nonprofit storytelling, and higher education marketing.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Communications & Content Support (40%)
- Assist with drafting and editing advancement communications including donor impact updates, newsletters, appeal letters, and acknowledgment materials
- Support development of stewardship communications that demonstrate how donor gifts are making impact
- Help produce donor impact reports including writing, editing, layout coordination, and proofreading
- Assist with proposal development by gathering supporting materials, formatting documents, and coordinating campus input
- Maintain advancement content library including boilerplate language, case statements, program descriptions, and impact stories
- Proofread all donor-facing communications for accuracy, consistency, and brand alignment
- Support social media content development for advancement channels
- Help coordinate photo and video shoots for advancement storytelling and marketing
Stewardship Program Support (25%)
- Assist with donor recognition programs and activities
- Help coordinate donor society communications, events, and member benefits
- Support gift acknowledgment processes including personalization and quality control
- Help manage donor recognition displays, honor rolls, and naming opportunities
- Track stewardship activities and maintain stewardship calendar
- Support donor appreciation events with communications, invitations, and materials
- Maintain donor recognition database and files
Administrative & Project Coordination (20%)
- Manage communications project timelines and deadlines, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule
- Coordinate communications vendor relationships (designers, printers, photographers, videographers)
- Track communications budget expenses and invoices
- Maintain organized files and archives of advancement communications materials
- Prepare materials for meetings and presentations
- Coordinate with Advancement Operations on data requests and mailing lists
- Support divisional communications initiatives and projects as assigned
Digital & Database Support (10%)
- Assist with email marketing campaigns using advancement email platform
- Update advancement website and social media content as needed
- Track communications metrics including open rates, click-throughs, and engagement
- Maintain accurate records of communications touchpoints in advancement database
- Help manage digital asset library including photos, videos, and graphics
- Support online giving platform content and updates
Cross-Functional Collaboration (5%)
- Collaborate with WPI Marketing and Communications on brand consistency and messaging
- Coordinate with Events team on communications for donor and alumni programs
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or related field
- 1-3 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit, advancement, or related fields
- Excellent writing and editing skills with strong command of grammar, AP style, and clear storytelling
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in all communications
- Ability to translate complex information into accessible, compelling narratives and data visualizations
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; Adobe Creative Suite experience a plus
- Experience with email marketing platforms, content management systems, or social media tools
- Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to gather information from diverse sources
- Collaborative work style and customer service orientation
- Ability to work independently and take initiative
- Discretion in handling confidential donor information
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for events
Preferred:
- Familiarity with donor stewardship and fundraising communications
- Understanding of brand management and messaging consistency
- Experience with photography, videography, or graphic design
- Knowledge of Salesforce or similar CRM systems
- Understanding of STEM fields or ability to learn and communicate technical concepts
Salary: $55,000 – $60,000 per year (depending on experience)
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
Compensation at WPI
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.