Associate Director, Campaign Communications

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

At the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, we are a team of dedicated individuals with a shared commitment to helping kids and families live healthier lives.

We do this by:

• Fundraising for Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford and the maternal and child health programs of Stanford University School of Medicine.
• Raising awareness of children's health issues.
• Promoting a system of care that improves the lives of children with special health care needs and their families 

DESCRIPTION

In preparation for a major fundraising campaign, the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health seeks an experienced communications professional to join our dynamic team of dedicated individuals with a shared commitment to helping kids and families live healthier lives. Our 90-member staff directs all fundraising for Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford and for the maternal and child health programs at Stanford University School of Medicine. The Foundation's five-year fundraising average totals $165 million a year. A successful campaign will support the continued growth of Stanford Children's Health as a leader in pediatric and obstetric care and research in the Bay Area, California, and nationwide.

The Associate Director of Campaign Communications is a new position reporting to the Senior Director of Stewardship and will be an active member of the Stewardship communications team. The Associate Director will serve as a key thought partner for the Campaigns team, be integrally involved in that team's strategic discussions, and bring persuasive writing skills and messaging expertise to the development of communications in support of the Foundation's nascent campaign.

The Associate Director will partner closely with the Foundation's President, the Senior Vice President for Strategic Communications, the Associate Vice President of Campaigns and the Campaigns team, and members of the Foundation's board in the development of a campaign communications strategy. The Associate Director will lead the development of impactful messaging and story arcs for this critical initiative-engaging all donors at all levels of giving in support of the campaign--and will create compelling communications that will attract new donors and inspire current donors to increase their philanthropic investment in identified campaign priorities. The Associate Director will deliver a variety of campaign-related communications and collateral, including case materials, presentations, pitch decks, proposals, Web and social media content, and stewardship reports.

Due to Covid-19, employees of LPFCH are working remotely through June of 2021 (subject to extension as circumstances warrant.) Once the office reopens, there will be some flexibility to work remotely based on discussion and agreement with the Senior Director.

GENERAL POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications

• Partner with leadership in the development of a thoughtful campaign communications strategy and lead the creation and delivery of communications products that will support a successful campaign in support of child and maternal health.
• Consistently develop and produce inspiring communication pieces-both customized and for broader consumption--to support outreach to prospective and current donors, and engage and report to those who give to the campaign. Collaborate with leadership on case materials, work with development officers on gift opportunity collateral and customized solicitation proposals, interview faculty and translate their research into a compelling vision, and draft whitepapers, stewardship impact reports, and other materials.
• Manage production of numerous communication projects simultaneously. Coordinate reviews by internal and external partners and incorporate feedback. Track schedules and adhere to deadlines.
• Serve as a trusted source of information about the campaign, maternal and child health care programs, and pediatric research at Stanford.
• Establish relationships and work collaboratively with Foundation leadership, physicians/faculty, Stanford leadership, and internal stakeholders.
• While this position is primarily focused on communications and writing, an ability to work with designers and help guide the development of compelling visuals is preferred.
• Ensure all communications are consistent with the Lucile Packard Foundation and Stanford Medicine brand and platform and are aligned with organizational goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum 8 years’ related experience demonstrating progressively increasing responsibilities 
• Interest in and basic knowledge of science and medicine
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Preferred (candidates without this experience but excitement to learn welcomed):
• Education or professional experience in writing about medicine, biology, or scientific research
• Experience translating scientific and medical concepts into lay language and synthesizing material from multiple sources to produce materials for diverse audiences
• Experience writing specifically for fundraising, public relations, or marketing in a nonprofit environment
• Experience developing campaign-related communications in a non-profit setting
• Experience partnering with designers or communications agencies
• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign
• Prior experience with Raiser's Edge or other nonprofit database software

SKILLS

Competencies that candidates must possess:

Exemplary communications skills:

• Excellent writing and oral communication skills with the proven ability to present, write, edit, and organize thoughts in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner for print, online, and other media
• Ability to write copy that not only explains complex concepts but persuades audiences to take action
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills; the ability to quickly grasp complex and technical information—especially about medicine—and synthesize it into clear, accurate, and persuasive prose
• Ability to bring imagination, ingenuity, and creativity to solving complex problems and developing strategic communications, including ability to lead strategic discussions and the problem-solving process
• Ability to change voice and writing style to fit different audiences, purposes, and media
• Strong copyediting and proofreading skill

Highly collaborative with the capacity to work with a diverse range of stakeholders:

• Ability to work closely with clients, designers, and other team members and interact effectively with a diverse array of people, including senior leaders and faculty/physicians
• Willingness to accept and incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate tactfully, directly, and effectively with others

Customer Service Orientation with a high level of adaptability and flexibility:

• Ability to listen to, understand and meet gift officer needs and goals
• Possessing a high tolerance for ambiguity in a complex and matrixed work environment

Sound judgment and integrity:

• Ability to operate diplomatically while balancing and meeting multiple organizational and client needs; successfully navigate conflicting needs as they arise
• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information, maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and complying with HIPAA regulations at all times

Strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously:

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously; coordinate the roles of various project contributors; set priorities and schedules; meet, prioritize and execute on multiple deadlines; and work collaboratively with co-workers, constituents, physicians, faculty, staff, vendors, etc.—all with a minimum of supervision
• Thrive in an environment characterized by deadlines, urgency, and shifting priorities
• Ability to work independently in a team environment

Motivated by the LPFCH Mission:

• Possessing a genuine interest in improving the health and well-being of children

We know that building a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to our success and enables us to do extraordinary work for kids and their families. When you become part of our team, you’ll be joining a group of passionate and dedicated individuals who truly care about and believe in the work they do.

The Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.