Every month the Administrative/Professional (A/P) Council highlights an A/P staff member through a series of questions as another way for the Illinois State community to connect. This month readers can get to know Jamie Wood, Associate director of donor and development communications in University Advancement Operations.
As associate director of donor and development communications, what are your job responsibilities?
My current position was new to my department when I was hired eight months ago, and it has been exciting to develop and shape a new role. I create and implement marketing and communication strategies and materials to help strengthen relationships with existing donors and inspire new philanthropy at Illinois State. Some examples of things I work on include managing the giving website and social media; writing stories and reports to demonstrate the impact of philanthropy at ISU; and creating communications for our comprehensive fundraising campaign, Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State.
How long have you been an employee at ISU?
Nearly eight years. I graduated from ISU with a communication degree, worked in the Bloomington/Normal community for several years, then returned to ISU as an employee in January of 2010.
What do you love most about working at ISU?
I’m proud of and believe in the education and opportunities we provide students, so it is exciting and just plain fun to work on marketing and communication efforts for the University. I also enjoy the variety of projects and initiatives I’ve had the opportunity to oversee in my years working in marketing roles in Student Affairs and now in Advancement. No two days are the same and I’m always working on something new.
What is one fact about yourself that might surprise people?
I grew up on a farm.
When you’re not working, what are you most likely doing?
When I am not working, I am most likely with my husband, Jason, and our two daughters, Vivian and Annalise, who are four and three years old. We enjoy taking advantage of all the family-friendly activities in Bloomington/Normal such as parks, the Children’s Discovery Museum, Miller Park Zoo, Redbird Athletics, and local festivals and parades. I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2015, so managing that is also a part of my life. I’ve been honored to share my story through speaking and writing opportunities to educate others about breast cancer, particularly how it impacts the lives of young women/mothers with the disease.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
I have several favorite spots, but lately it’s been Milner Library. I like taking my laptop, finding a table near a window, and working with a view of campus while having students working nearby.
What is your favorite movie of all time? Why?
If I’m being completely honest, it’s the 1987 classic Dirty Dancing. The music, the dance routines, the story … what’s not to love?
