Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications

  • Indianapolis
  • Full time
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Position Summary:

The Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications serves as the lead communications strategist for the Ivy Tech Foundation and plays a critical role in advancing the Foundation’s philanthropic priorities through compelling storytelling, strategic messaging, and integrated communications. Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy, this role develops and implements communications strategies that elevate the visibility, impact, and fundraising success of the Foundation.
The Assistant Vice President partners closely with development staff, college leadership, and communications colleagues across the Ivy Tech system to ensure consistent messaging, donor-centered communications, and effective promotion of philanthropic initiatives. The role is particularly important in supporting major gift cultivation, stewardship, campaign communications, and public engagement with the Foundation’s mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Communications Leadership

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications plan aligned with the Ivy Tech Foundation’s fundraising priorities and institutional mission.

  • Ensure consistent messaging that articulates the impact of philanthropy on Ivy Tech students, programs, and communities.

  • Develop donor-centered messaging, campaign materials, and storytelling that demonstrate impact and inspire giving.

  • Collaborate with development team members to create communications that support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

  • Serve as the primary liaison with Ivy Tech’s system communications and public relations teams, ensuring coordinated messaging and alignment between institutional and Foundation communications.

Content Development and Storytelling

  • Oversee development of high-quality written and digital communications including donor impact stories, reports, newsletters, web content, and presentations.

  • Ensure compelling storytelling that highlights student success, donor impact, and the mission of Ivy Tech.

  • Maintain consistent voice and brand alignment across Foundation communications.

  • Support communications planning for major gift announcements, campaign milestones, and donor recognition opportunities.

Digital and External Engagement

  • Support development and management of the Foundation’s digital presence, including web, social media, and email communications.

  • Identify opportunities to increase visibility of Foundation impact among donors, partners, and community stakeholders.

  • Utilize data and analytics to assess effectiveness of communications and inform strategy.

Project and Content Management

  • Manage communications calendars and ensure timely execution of strategic initiatives.

  • Oversee development of materials that support Foundation priorities, including reports, case statements, donor communications, and marketing collateral.

  • Ensure projects are completed on time and aligned with strategic goals.

  • Use communications metrics and analytics to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategy.

Vendor and Budget Management

  • Manage relationships with external communications vendors, consultants, and creative agencies supporting Foundation communications initiatives.

  • Serve as the primary liaison with external partners, including communications and marketing agencies engaged by the Foundation.

  • Ensure vendor work aligns with Foundation strategy, brand standards, timelines, and performance expectations.

  • Oversee communications-related budgets and ensure resources are deployed effectively to support Foundation goals.

SUPERVISION GIVEN: Vice President of Philanthropy

HIRE SALARY RANGE: $115,000-$120,000

QUALIFICATIONS & KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

  • 7-10 years of professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field.

  • Demonstrated experience developing strategic communications plans and executing multi-channel communications initiatives.

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

  • Ability to translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling communications.

  • Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or philanthropic organizations.

  • Familiarity with fundraising communications, donor relations, or campaign communications.

  • Experience working collaboratively across departments and with senior leadership.

  • Strong project management and organizational skills.

  • High ethical standards and commitment to Ivy Tech’s mission

  • Must be able to build consensus among diverse campus groups and influence without direct authority for the overall success of the organization.

  • Must demonstrate ability to promote an inclusive environment that reflects the broad diversity and backgrounds represented by our students and employees in which every individual feels respected and valued.

Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our full-time faculty and staff. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health & Wellness

  • Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution

  • Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia

  • Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses

  • Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources

  • Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care

Retirement & Financial Security

  • 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years

  • Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage

  • Short-term and long-term disability benefits

Educational Benefits

  • Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children

  • Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs

  • Paid professional development opportunities

Work‑Life Balance

  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess

  • Flexible work arrangements where available

  • Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)

  • Paid parental leave (4 weeks)

Additional Perks

  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

  • Additional discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services

Ivy Tech is proud to offer benefits that support your health, your family, and your future—because when our employees thrive, our students and communities thrive too. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.

Note: Employees who re-hire with the College within 180 days of leaving a full-time position with the College may be eligible for additional benefits depending on their bridged seniority date.


Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.

Job ID: JR0000108257