Director of Advancement Communications – Hybrid Eligible

Role Overview

• Set and lead the overall Advancement content and communications strategy in partnership with Advancement leadership, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, fundraising goals, and campaign objectives
• Develop and oversee integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns by generating new content and strategically repurposing existing assets across platforms
• Build and sustain strong relationships with Advancement colleagues, University Marketing Communications, Donor Relations and Stewardship, and campus partners, positioning Advancement Communications as a trusted strategic advisor
• Collaborate closely with Donor Relations and Stewardship to deliver effective, timely, and customizable donor stewardship communications and impact reporting that strengthen donor confidence and long-term engagement
• Serve as lead writer for Advancement, personally authoring high-priority, high-visibility communications, including campaign messaging and major gift materials
• Assign, manage, and edit writing projects for staff and freelance writers; provide coaching and feedback to ensure quality, clarity, and strategic focus
• Oversee editorial planning by maintaining story pipelines and editorial calendars that reflect Advancement priorities and timelines
• Establish and enforce editorial standards, ensuring consistency with Advancement messaging and compliance with the University’s editorial style guide
• Implement and manage a rigorous review and proofreading process to ensure accuracy, quality, and readiness of all communications prior to publication
• Manage complex communications projects and perform other duties as assigned in support of Advancement and institutional goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field required
• 5–8 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on project management in a communications or marketing environment
• Experience in higher education strongly preferred, including knowledge of alumni relations and development/fundraising
• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to craft compelling content for diverse audiences and platforms (e.g., articles, appeals, brochures, video, social media), while seamlessly integrating key marketing messages
• Strategic mindset with demonstrated ability to align content strategy and execution with institutional and fundraising priorities
• Proven ability to balance competing stakeholder needs while prioritizing audience impact and engagement
• Knowledge of current best practices and trends in marketing communications, with a demonstrated curiosity and commitment to ongoing learning
• Experience collaborating with graphic designers and photographers preferred
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, analytical, and project management skills
• Proficiency with office productivity tools (Google suite) and the ability to quickly learn and effectively use alumni and donor systems (Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge/NXT as Advancement’s CRM)
• Demonstrated sound judgment and discretion when handling highly confidential information related to alumni, donors, and other constituents
• Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Retirement savings offerings
• Work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities