Assistant Director of Digital Engagement

Job #042644
Department Code 50301-1151
Department Advancement and External Affairs
Job Title Assistant Director of Digital Engagement
Location Syracuse, NY
Campus Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range$68,000 - $70,400
Pay Determination Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S5
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description This role provides critical leadership for the digital event platform ecosystem used across Syracuse University’s schools, colleges, units and central advancement departments, overseeing event technology strategy, data analytics, compliance and quality standards across all digital engagement initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Digital Experience, this position leads the University’s digital event marketing program including continuous improvement of the platform and use of the platform, establishing event build standards, data workflows and compliance protocols that support constituent engagement and institutional fundraising goals.

The Assistant Director serves as the division’s subject matter expert on event marketing technology, advising leadership and campus partners on platform capabilities, vendor partnerships and emerging tools. The role supervises a Digital Engagement Coordinator and leads the growth and development of the digital engagement vertical. As a key member of the Digital Experience team, the role partners with schools, colleges, units and central advancement teams to translate engagement objectives into effective digital event marketing strategies that advance the University’s philanthropic mission.
Education and Experience* Bachelor’s degree in information systems, human computer interaction, or related field.
* 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in digital engagement tools and data, or related field.
* Demonstrated expertise in user experience and user interface.
* Strong knowledge of AP style and editorial standards.
* Working knowledge of WCAG accessibility guidelines and their application to digital content.
* Experience with web accessibility/WCAG compliance.
* Experience with event data analysis and translating metrics into actionable insights.
* Proven project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Experience supervising staff or leading projects.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital content management systems.
* Experience working with digital engagement tools, including email marketing and event management systems.
* Anthology Encompass experience preferred.
* Experience working with constituent resource management platforms.
* Blackbaud CRM experience preferred.
* Experience with HTML coding.
* Understanding of data privacy regulations (CAN-SPAM, GDPR) as they apply to email communications.
* Some assignments and support may require work during non-business hours, including nights and / or weekends.
Skills and Knowledge* Good communication and organizational skills, both verbal and written.
* Ability to communicate corrections, determine desired intent and provide guidance to campus partners is crucial.
* Ability to provide timely responses to campus partners is critical, even after hours.
* Ability to evaluate, set priorities and execute on the fly.
* Be a self-starter and a creative and strategic thinker.
* High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills is necessary.
* Ability to quickly maneuver in a fast-paced environment is essential.
* Ability to handle knowledge that has not been widely distributed carefully and keep information confidential.
* Ability to multitask, including coordinating multiple projects in addition to other daily duties is necessary.
* Proficient in developing instructions and documentation.
* Experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, or institutional communications.
* Knowledge of donor engagement strategies and fundraising communications.
Responsibilities* Serve as the University’s subject matter expert on digital event technology and engagement platforms.
* Lead the direction and continuous improvement of the digital event marketing ecosystem across the University’s schools, colleges, units and central advancement operations.
* Define the event marketing technology roadmap, establish build standards and compliance protocols and advise campus partners and leadership on platform capabilities, system interoperability protocols and data transfer workflows that ensure event data captured is accurate, complete and actionable.
* Ensure online giving components of event marketing meet standards and are appropriate for the accompanying event.
* Establish and enforce standards for PCI compliance, data transfer and WCAG accessibility across digital event marketing, registration and engagement platforms and builds.
* Lead the analytics and performance measure program for digital engagement and event marketing initiatives.
* Design and maintain standardized reporting frameworks that track registration conversion rates, attendee engagement, registration abandonment patterns, event capacity utilization, giving integration outcomes and post-event engagement metrics.
* Work with partners to determine and report on event ROI.
* Evaluate data quality metrics and data transfer accuracy to ensure quality data is provided to constituent records for entry into CRM.
* Present performance insights and strategic recommendations to division leadership, benchmarking results against University and divisional goals and industry standards.
* Evaluate emerging event marketing platforms, vendor partnerships and integration opportunities to ensure the University’s digital engagement tools remain current and effective.
* Research and recommend new capabilities, including event personalization, attendee journey mapping and real-time engagement tools.
* Represent the Digital Experience team on University and division committees, as requested and participate in cross-functional planning efforts as assigned.
* Maintain working proficiency in the division’s email communications platforms, processes and standards.
* Serve as backup to the Assistant Director of Digital Communications during periods of high demand, including major fundraising campaigns and high-volume send periods, ensuring continuity of service to AEA and campus partners.
* Stay current on email strategy, compliance requirements and audience segmentation frameworks to provide informed support when needed.
* Supervise, train and develop a Digital Engagement Coordinator, establishing clear performance expectations, professional development goals and growth pathways.
* Supervise any student or temporary employees.
* As the digital engagement vertical scales, lead workforce planning efforts, and identify and define additional staffing needs.
* Establish team workflows, documentation standards and quality assurance processes that ensure consistency and efficiency as event volume and complexity increase.
* Foster a team culture of continuous improvement, accountability, strategic thinking and ensure team members are masters of our CRAFT values.
Physical Requirements Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment Not Applicable
Application Instructions In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link[https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/112536](https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/112536)
Job Posting Date 03/12/2026
Application Deadline 03/18/2026
Full Consideration By
Job Category Staff
Message to Applicants
URL: https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/112583