Head of Advancement Communications & Publications

Westfield State University; Westfield (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Tuition Discounts

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Westfield State University seeks a Director of Advancement Communications and Publications to lead donor cultivation communications, campaigns, and publication strategy. The role oversees print and digital outputs including the University Magazine and President's Annual Report, while partnering with the WSU Foundation and Alumni Association.

The in-person, exempt position drives editorial strategy, manages a team and volunteers, and coordinates with the VP for Institutional Advancement to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• At least 3–5 years of professional experience creating and leading external communications plans.
• Experience managing publications from concept through production, including editorial planning, writing, editing, and publication management.
• Experience developing executive-level communications, speeches, annual reports, or leadership messaging.
• Experience leading complex communications or marketing projects involving multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to identify story placement opportunities and think strategically about communications.
• Demonstrated interviewing skills for content development.
• Competency with digital communications and social media.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and manages annual communication and constituent engagement plans aligned with the institutional Strategic Plan.
• Plans and executes a robust annual alumni relations program marketing plan, including events, talks, and volunteer opportunities.
• Oversees design and distribution of print and digital marketing for Institutional Advancement programs and initiatives.
• Writes and edits compelling stories highlighting benefactors, donors, students, and alumni for use in publications and social media.
• Collaborates on scheduling and distribution to ensure timely delivery of annual impact reports to donors.

Skills

Excellent written and oral comms

Story development and interviewing

Digital communications and socialmedia

Editorial planning and publication mgm

Project management

Strategic communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/English/Journalism/Public Relations or related field

Job description

Westfield State University seeks a Director of Advancement Communications and Publications to lead donor cultivation communications, campaigns, and publication strategy. The role oversees print and digital outputs including the University Magazine and President's Annual Report, while partnering with the WSU Foundation and Alumni Association.

The in-person, exempt position drives editorial strategy, manages a team and volunteers, and coordinates with the VP for Institutional Advancement to