Director of Advancement Communications

Caltech; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech in Pasadena seeks an Executive Director of Advancement Communications to lead philanthropy messaging, branding, and multi-channel campaigns across digital, print, and social platforms.

Reporting to the AVP for Philanthropic Initiatives, you will guide a small team of communications professionals, develop strategic communications plans for fundraising campaigns, and collaborate with senior leadership to amplify donor impact and institutional excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with seven+ years in marketing or communications.
• Proven experience leading fundraising communications, marketing, and creative services teams.
• Experience developing marketing/communications plans for major fundraising campaigns.
• Experience creating audience-centric materials, branding, digital communications, and graphic design.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills; strong organizational planning.
• Ability to lead with strategy, meet deadlines, and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor philanthropy communications and digital marketing plans.
• Lead and mentor a team of two communications professionals.
• Ensure messaging aligns with Caltech style and priorities.
• Publish ~40 gift announcements and impact stories annually.
• Produce proposals, cases for support, pitch decks, and donor materials.
• Manage external partners and vendors.
• Support Vice President with presentations and remarks.
• Collaborate across divisions to align messaging.

Skills

Excellent writing

Presentation skills

Leadership experience

Fundraising communications

Marketing plans

Digital communications

Brand identity

Graphic design

Strategic thinking

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Encompass

Wagtail

Job description

Caltech in Pasadena seeks an Executive Director of Advancement Communications to lead philanthropy messaging, branding, and multi-channel campaigns across digital, print, and social platforms.

Reporting to the AVP for Philanthropic Initiatives, you will guide a small team of communications professionals, develop strategic communications plans for fundraising campaigns, and collaborate with senior leadership to amplify donor impact and institutional excellence.