Director, Advancement Communications & Philanthropic Proposals

George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Tuition benefits

Job summary

The George Washington University’s Division of University Advancement is seeking a Director, Advancement Communications & Philanthropic Proposals to lead the development, creative execution, and delivery of donor-facing fundraising content. This role guides campaign narratives and helps convert university priorities into persuasive cases for support.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Operations and Campaign Director, you will manage a small writing team, partner with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience or Master’s plus 6 years.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising communications and donor engagement.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into persuasive donor-facing content.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of donor-facing fundraising content across campaigns.
• Manage a writing team with strong research, reporting, and storytelling skills.
• Collaborate with university leadership and frontline fundraisers to shape campaign narratives.
• Incorporate emerging technologies and AI to enhance writing efficiency.

Skills

Written communications

Investigative research

Digital media best practices

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree or higher

Tools

Canva

Marq

InDesign

AI tools

MS Office

Google Workspace

Zoom

Smartsheet

Job description

Director, Advancement Communications & Philanthropic Proposals

Please include a link to your portfolio within your application or resume. The portfolio should contain writing samples that demonstrate your ability to create compelling fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic communications content.

Job Summary

The George Washington University’s Division of University Advancement is seeking a Director, Advancement Communications & Philanthropic Proposals to lead the development, creative execution, and delivery of a broad range of donor-facing fundraising content. University Advancement fosters meaningful relationships with a broad array of constituents – alumni, families, faculty, staff, corporations, foundations, and friends. We are committed to creating and leading a culture of philanthropy across our entire community. Through innovative and strategic fundraising and engagement, we support GW’s mission of excellence in education, research, and scholarship, empowering our institution to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Operations and Campaign Director, this role is a strategic thought partner with university leadership, frontline fundraisers, and operations staff who will create and communicate campaign narratives and help uncover, shape, and promote fundable ideas from across the university.

The management position leads a small but nimble writing team that uses exceptional research, reporting, and storytelling skills to translate GW’s strategic framework priorities and complex academic visions into clear, concise, and persuasive audience‑first messaging. Content ranges from the research and writing of interdisciplinary “big ideas,” or transformational initiatives, and bespoke multi-million‑dollar gift proposals and cases for support to internal communications/intranet, editorial content such as announcements of landmark gifts, talking points, templates, and letters: all with the through-line of supporting attainment with campaign forward storytelling.

Financial literacy and knowledge of graphic design and the role of visual communication are a must, as well as an entrepreneurial attitude, project management mindset, and a demonstrated commitment to identifying and implementing emerging technological tools such as AI to enhance writing efficiency, creative brainstorming, and departmental workflows.

Performs other duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 8 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 6 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated competence in written communications, investigative research or reporting, knowledge of digital media best practices including web information architecture, and comfort in presenting in informal or formal setting.
• Strong creative insight into both written and visual communication, with the ability to distill complex and/or technical ideas into clear narratives that inform and inspire donors.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a highly collaborative environment and the ability to influence people over whom you have no formal authority.
• Superior interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with ability to interact with tact and diplomacy with various constituencies at all levels, including donors and university leadership.
• Experience leading, supervising, and developing staff with a high degree of autonomy.
• Professional experience in a development or fundraising‑related environment, preferably an academic or non‑profit setting.
• Familiarity with directing graphic design and hands‑on use of design software such as Canva, Marq, or InDesign, and a working command of AI tools and how to write optimal prompts. Comfort with MS Office, Google and Zoom workspace, and project management tools (Smartsheet, etc.) is desired.
• Aptitude in mastering new technologies is preferred.

Hiring Range

$123,884.24 - $173,365.68

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well‑being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

Job Details

• Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
• College/School/Department: University Advancement
• Family: Comm, Mktg & Media
• Sub‑Family: Communications and Public Relations
• Stream: Management
• Level: Level 3
• Full‑Time/Part‑Time: Full‑Time
• Hours Per Week: 40
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Will this job require the employee to work on site?: Yes
• Employee Onsite Status: Hybrid
• Telework: Yes
• Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
• Special Instructions to Applicants: Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
• Internal Applicants Only?: No
• Posting Number: S014492
• Job Open Date: 10/01/2026
• Background Screening: Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.