Senior Writer/Development Communications Manager

This position is no longer open.

The Development Office at the Lebanese American University is currently searching for a Senior Writer/Development Communication Manager to support the fundraising initiatives held by the University.

Job Summary:

Under the strategic direction of the Assistant Vice Presidents for Development (AVP), and working closely with the university related entities in particular the Marketing and Communications Department (MarCom), the Senior Writer/Development Communication Manager is responsible for developing and implementing the campaign’s external and internal communication strategy through various media channels, publications, web presence and digital media to support the university’s fundraising and development activities.

The work requires a strong background in communications, journalism, writing, and editing with a solid understanding of digital media production. It also requires excellent organization skills and the ability to manage several assignments at once with creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of editorial standards and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.

The Senior Writer/Development Communication Manager is based at LAU’s Beirut campus. Frequent commuting to the Byblos campus is required.

This is a key full-time position at the Development Office. Errors can result in the publication of incorrect information or damage to the university’s reputation.

Area of Expertise:

Writing, editing, copy editing, journalism and communication, digital media.

Basic Responsibilities:

In close collaboration with concerned LAU entities, developing and implementing an integrated communication plan of action that covers both internal and external communications of the LAU campaign of Excellence.
Developing content and material that are appropriate to different target audiences, ranging from political decision makers, corporate stakeholders, alumni, students, donors and the public at large;
Acting as the Development Office focal point at editorial meetings at MarCom, ensuring the integration and generation of development-related content for the news section on the web, LAU Magazine and all other flagship publications.
Liaising with LAU community (schools, department…) to pitch and prepare content ideas, donor profiles and success stories to produce content for LAU Magazine, the news section on LAU website, the development website and other communications platforms.
Developing the editorial content for LAU Matters Middle East/Europe; assembling the newsletter and disseminating it; in addition, to managing and developing content.
Developing “Presidential Update email” to be sent from the President to designated VIPs on campaign updates.
Managing the campaign website, seeking the help of external expertise when needed. (Web developer, web designer…)
Managing timely production and developing press releases, news updates, stories and interviews on Campaign-related topics;
Promoting both internally and externally to diverse constituencies the campaign milestones, major gifts, and relevant events, achievements and celebrations;
Monitoring and evaluating project progress and performance to ensure that campaign communication material/documentation is accurate kept up to date;
Coordinating with — and providing regular updates progress to AVP including weekly phone calls or meetings to discuss progress, problems and identify future areas of interest to Campaign communications;
Prepares reports, proposals, correspondences and briefs for all internal and external communication purposes.
Documenting and archiving all campaign communication material;

Minimum Qualifications:

Advanced degree in communication, journalism, English literature or a related field from an accredited university.
At least 5 years of experience working on the editorial side of English-language communications (electronic, print or both) in a variety of contexts, including advertising and marketing, journalism, editing, book publishing, websites.
Some experience in digital media production, i.e. development of content for the web or mobile apps, video/audio editing, re-packaging content for different social media platforms, updating websites/blogs, etc.
Experience within academic institutions and/or fundraising is a plus.
Excellent command of written and spoken English (mother tongue highly desirable).
Expert knowledge of spelling, punctuation, grammar, idiom and style. Familiarity with AP, Chicago and New York Times style guides preferred.

Candidates should have a passion for the work, and the initiative to search for new ways to approach old problems. They must be willing function both as leaders and as members of a team. They should be neat, organized, spirited, multi-tasking and professionally capable.

Additional qualifications:

While not strictly necessary, each of the following qualifications will be considered a plus:

Fluency in Arabic.
Familiarity with LAU campuses, faculty, staff, students or alumni.
Familiarity with the higher education field and/or fundraising
Digital photography skills.

CV, letter of motivation and 3 writing samples of previous work should be emailed to vacancy1@lau.edu.lb, specifying the job title in the subject line. Please provide the exact month and year while listing your professional experience.

Closing date for applications is Sunday July 19, 2015.

No applications will be accepted after this date, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.