Location: Cleveland,OH, USA
Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Project Manager, Development and Alumni Communications, plays a pivotal role in enhancing Case Western Reserve University's reputation as a leading national research university by expertly coordinating project planning and execution within University Marketing and Communications (UMC) and University Relations and Development. Acting as a key liaison for fundraising and alumni engagement materials and campaigns, the Project Manager bridges communication between development/alumni stakeholders, UMC collaborators, graphic designers, and external vendors. They are responsible for defining project scope, establishing timelines, setting benchmarks, and ensuring transparent communication throughout the project lifecycle.
A proactive problem solver, the Project Manager excels in gathering detailed information at the project's outset, ensuring that goals are clearly defined and aligned with stakeholder expectations. They effectively distill this information, assess project needs, and strategically mobilize resources to achieve timely and successful project completion.
Exceptional customer service, particularly in a marketing context, is essential. The Project Manager will collaborate closely with the creative and art directors to ensure that project teams operate smoothly and deliver high-quality results.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
* Project management - Monitor and manage workflow: Oversee the end-to-end project lifecycle of all development and alumni communications projects, from intake to final delivery, ensuring timely and efficient completion of tasks. Partner with the creative director, other project managers, and graphic designers to develop detailed project plans for a wide range of fundraising and alumni materials and resolve any production challenges. Maintain consistent, open communication with key stakeholders, providing regular status updates, reminders, and addressing any concerns promptly. Collect, organize and assess project assets to ensure alignment with project goals. (35%)
* Marketing and client support - Solution development: Engage effectively with alumni/development partners to understand their goals and marketing needs. Translate partner objectives into actionable plans that align with UMCs marketing strategies, presenting tailored solutions that meet both client and organizational goals. Direct partner inquiries to the appropriate internal or external resources, ensuring all needs are addressed efficiently. (20%)
* Team collaboration - Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with the creative director, executive director of development and alumni communications, graphic designers, project managers, and the print production coordinator to ensure seamless project execution. Provide ongoing, constructive feedback and check-ins to the team, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines. Keep creative director and executive director of development/alumni communications informed of day-to-day project developments and any potential challenges. (20%)
* Brand identity management - Platform maintenance: Assist in managing key archiving and templating platforms, such as Marq and Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems. Maintain a deep understanding of the visual brand guidelines and offer professional feedback to external partners to ensure consistent and accurate brand identity representation. (20%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
* Industry Awareness - Stay informed: Continuously stay updated on current and emerging trends in marketing, design, and project management to ensure that strategies and processes remain relevant and competitive. (5%)
* Perform other duties as assigned. (