Content Development Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are:

For 140 years, National Louis University has been driven by one core belief: education changes lives. Since our founding, we've stayed grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity, and we've never wavered from the idea that education is the greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community built on continuous improvement and a genuine commitment to serving those we teach. Through education, we empower change and build stronger, healthier communities. Our hard-working team runs on collaboration and mutual respect, for one another and for every student we serve.

What You Will Do:

The Development Content Manager serves as the lead writer and editor for Institutional Advancement, developing compelling content that supports fundraising, donor engagement, and alumni relations initiatives. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, this role translates institutional priorities, student impact, and academic achievements into clear, persuasive communications that inspire philanthropic support and strengthen relationships with key constituents.

The Manager is responsible for creating and managing a wide range of Advancement communications—including fundraising appeals, reports, alumni content, and digital communications—ensuring consistency in voice, tone, and messaging across all platforms. This position partners closely with Advancement leadership and cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives, maintain an editorial calendar, and deliver high-quality communications that align with the University’s mission and goals.

This is a highly independent, hands-on role requiring exceptional writing, editing, and project management skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Content Creation & Editorial Leadership:

• Serve as the primary writer and editor for Advancement communications, including fundraising appeals, alumni communications, annual reports, newsletters, event materials, and digital content
• Develop compelling, donor-focused messaging that supports philanthropy, engagement, and institutional priorities
• Research and interview faculty, students, alumni, and donors to develop feature stories and impact narratives
• Ensure consistency of tone, voice, and messaging across all communications
• Edit and proof content to maintain high standards of quality and accuracy

Advancement Messaging & Campaign Support:

• Partner with Advancement leadership to develop messaging for fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and donor engagement efforts
• Translate complex institutional priorities into clear, persuasive communications
• Support development of case statements, donor communications, and strategic messaging

Communications Planning & Coordination:

• Manage and maintain an Advancement communications calendar
• Coordinate content development timelines and ensure timely delivery of communications
• Align messaging across different audiences and communication channels

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Production:

• Partner with Marketing, design teams, and external vendors to produce high-quality communication materials
• Ensure Advancement communications align with university brand standards

• Bachelor's Degree in: Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or another related field

• Minimum of 5 years of professional writing experience including creating multi-channel content (print, digital, email) and audience-specific messaging

• Experience working in a service-oriented role with both internal and external constituents, and collaborating with staff in a team-oriented department

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Ability to synthesize complex ideas and systems, and to connect with a wide variety of constituents, including staff, faculty, volunteers and alumni. Proven ability to write in multiple styles, including journalistic (features), persuasive (fundraising), and marketing (brochures). A keen understanding of how to segment messaging for diverse audiences and varying levels of constituent engagement.  

• Fluency with Microsoft Office (particularly Word and PowerPoint), Google Docs, and with database and software platforms. Experience with Salesforce preferred. Ability to become proficient in new software platforms quickly.

• Ability to adjust quickly and effectively to changing priorities and demands.

• Superior project management skills with the ability to ensure commitments are met in a timely manner and within budget.

Some night and weekend time required, based on events.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued.  We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.

The salary range of the grade for this position is $58,202 to $84,393 annually.  Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.  Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity. 

Please Include the following along with your application:

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Required)
• Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form