Senior Director of Advancement Communications

Colgate University; Village of Hamilton (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Gym discounts

Bookstore savings

Athletic tickets

Access to cultural facilities

Job summary

Colgate University invites applications for a Senior Director of Advancement Communications to lead strategic, integrated communications for the Office of University Communications. Hybrid schedule allows on-site collaboration with remote work as department needs dictate.

The role partners with senior leaders to shape compelling narratives for alumni, donors, and friends, orchestrating print, digital, and event communications that advance Colgate's fundraising and institutional priorities.

Qualifications

• Eight years of advancement communications experience in higher education or nonprofit.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into audience-centered communications across channels.
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to manage multiple high-priority projects.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of digital analytics and content management systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic comms partner to Colgate's advancement office and collaborate with colleagues across University Communications.
• Lead development and execution of integrated communications strategies to inspire philanthropic engagement.
• Elevate alumni, donors, and friends with narrative that aligns with the Third-Century Plan.
• Provide editorial leadership for advancement publications across print, digital, and web.
• Supervise the advancement communications manager, with coaching and performance management.

Skills

Advancement comms

Strategic adviser

Stakeholder engagement

Editing & storytelling

Project management

Digital analytics

CMS experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Content strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Drupal

Job description

Position Title

Senior Director of Advancement Communications

Position Category, Department, and Employment Type

Professional/Administrative – Office of University Communications, Office of University Communications (Full Time)

Work Arrangement

Hybrid/Partial Remote - a combination of on‑site and remote work. Specific schedules (e.g., 3 days on‑site, 2 days remote) are determined by the department based on operational needs.

Salary

$95,000-$105,000

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Education

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.

Offer Determination

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Work Visa Sponsorship

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

Accountabilities

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

Clery Act

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off‑campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e‑mail at [e-mail].

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Writing Sample

Optional Documents