Program Manager, Advancement Communications

FHLB Des Moines; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

University of Washington is seeking a Program Manager for Advancement Communications in Seattle. This full-time role drives development communications projects, aligning donor engagement with the university’s annual plan and campaign goals.

The position emphasizes cross‑department collaboration, brand‑aligned content, and rigorous project governance. You will manage complex portfolios, oversee timelines and budgets, and partner with Advancement, UMAC, and campus units to deliver strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in program management, marketing, communications, development, or related field.
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with project management tools such as Asana and Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, prioritization and execution of development communications initiatives, independently managing project portfolios, timelines, budgets, resources and stakeholder expectations.
• Coordinate and track cross-functional workstreams for campaign communications, donor engagement initiatives and annual plan priorities.
• Proactively identify risks and recommend solutions to maintain momentum and ensure high-quality delivery.

Skills

Project management

Marketing communications

Cross-functional collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Asana

Microsoft Office

Job description

## Program Manager, Advancement CommunicationsApply: Hybrid (telework 2 days or less per week): Seattle, WA: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 6, 2026 (13 days left to apply): REQ-0000137291**Job Description**For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support. The mission of University Marketing & Communications (UMAC) is to lead branding, marketing and communications efforts that advance the reputation, resources and relationships of the University. This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals. **University Marketing & Communications has an exciting opening for a Program Manager for Advancement Communications. This is a full-time permanent position.** The Program Manager for Advancement Communications manages the day-to-day execution of marketing and communications projects that support the University of Washington’s philanthropic goals. As a core member of the Development Marketing & Communications team, this role oversees project workflows and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure the successful delivery of initiatives that advance development’s annual integrated marketing and communications plan, donor engagement efforts and the comprehensive campaign. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Brand Marketing Strategy, the Program Manager helps ensure communications are strategically aligned with institutional priorities and executed with clarity, consistency and quality. **What You Will Do** *Program Management & Execution (70%)* * Lead the planning, prioritization and execution of development communications initiatives, independently managing project portfolios, timelines, budgets, resources and stakeholder expectations to ensure successful delivery of strategic objectives.* Coordinate and track cross functional workstreams for campaign communications, donor engagement initiatives and annual plan priorities.* Proactively identify risks and recommend solutions/mitigating factors to maintain momentum.* Keep stakeholders informed through regular check-ins and updates.* Provide strategic project counsel to communications, creative and advancement partners, ensuring alignment between project execution, donor engagement goals and broader objectives.* Establish and maintain project management frameworks, processes and tools that facilitate communication and efficiency across teams.* Ensure high-quality, brand-aligned execution by providing oversight for the development and delivery of donor centered content, maintaining organized project documentation and facilitating smooth communication channels across all teams involved.* Monitor project performance and report on progress, highlighting successes, identifying opportunities for improvement and supporting continuous refinement of development communications workflows. *Collaboration & Relationship Management (25%)* * Partner collaboratively across Advancement, University Marketing & Communications, and campus units to clarify business needs, align expectations, translate strategic objectives into donor-centered communications and ensure coordinated, high-quality execution across projects and stakeholder groups.* Manage external vendors and freelancers as needed to support project delivery, ensuring clear scopes, timelines and expectations while maintaining quality and alignment with UW brand and development communications strategy.*Other duties as assigned (5%)* **Required Qualifications** To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification and/or registration. **Minimum Qualifications** Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department. Bachelor’s degree AND three years of experience in program management, marketing, communications, development, or related field. **Preferred Qualifications** * Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.* Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.* Experience with project management tools, such as Asana and Microsoft Office suite.* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.* Familiarity with the University of Washington or a similarly large, complex organization, coupled with a passion for philanthropy.* Knowledge of alumni relations/development/advancement principles. **What You Can Expect** * Hybrid-work schedule with 3 days in the office and 2 days eligible for telework per week.* Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions. **#**UWUAJOBS**Compensation, Benefits and Position Details****Pay Range Minimum:**$80,760.00 annual**Pay Range Maximum:**$85,008.00 annual**Other Compensation:**-**Benefits:**For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/**Shift:**First Shift (United States of America)**Temporary or Regular?**This is a regular position**FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):**100.00%