Responsibilities

• The senior director of advancement communications in Colgate University’s Office of University Communications serves as the strategic communications partner to Colgate’s advancement office.
• This role reports to the associate vice president for communications and works in close partnership with colleagues across university communications and the advancement division.
• The senior director leads the development and execution of integrated communications strategies and plans that inspire philanthropic engagement and advance the goals of Colgate’s Third-Century Plan within the Campaign for the Third Century.
• This position operates in close partnership with the director and senior writer of advancement.
• Working alongside advancement leadership, the senior director identifies and elevates a narrative that resonates with alumni, parents, donors, and friends.
• The role establishes editorial direction and advises on messaging and audience engagement in order to elevate institutional priorities and support advancement success.
• The senior director also provides editorial leadership — including creative development, execution, and continuous improvement — for advancement publications and other university communications supporting the Third-Century Plan.
• The role also ensures that advancement communications across print, digital, web, and emerging platforms are compelling, effective, high-quality, audience-centered, aligned with institutional priorities, and on-brand.
• Playing a hands-on role in the creation and editing of communications, the senior director is an exceptional storyteller, editor, and communications strategist with demonstrated expertise in research, interviewing, writing, and content development.
• The position supervises the advancement communications manager, providing leadership, coaching, and performance management while fostering a collaborative, high-performing communications function.

Requirements

• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in advancement communications for higher education, alumni relations, or other nonprofit.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated communications strategies that support organizational priorities, engage key audiences, and advance advancement or institutional goals.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic communications adviser and partner to senior leaders and to build strong collaborative relationships across an organization.
• Demonstrated experience in building collaborative relationships.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and project management skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling, audience-centered communications across digital channels, print, media, and event opportunities.
• Strong editorial judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of digital analytics strategy including audience segmentation, performance measurement, data-informed decision-making, content management systems, and communications best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, liberal arts, or a related field required. Advanced degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Preferred

• Experience executing communications strategies for a comprehensive fundraising campaign or other major philanthropic initiative.
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing staff.
• Experience with Drupal or a comparable content management system.

Benefits

• Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page .