Director of Advancement Communications and Marketing

About the position

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Communications and Marketing, the director will work to align and integrate messaging, branding, communication and marketing of advancement programs with the intent of growing alumni engagement and cultivating a culture of philanthropy. Serving as a key liaison between BCM and Advancement, the director will implement a strategic, comprehensive approach to communications that spans alumni engagement, annual giving, leadership giving, gift planning, stewardship, corporate and foundation relations, parent programs and more, ensuring a cohesive and impactful narrative across all initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Communications Planning: Develop and oversee a comprehensive communications plan that addresses and coordinates all areas within advancement, eliminating friction points and duplication of efforts and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
• Lead concept meetings, develop creative briefs and serve as the lead copywriter for strategic advancement communications initiatives.
• Advance an integrated editorial approach: Contribute to the alumni magazine and ensure that alumni narratives are meaningfully connected to broader College goals.
• Serve as a thought partner for colleagues in Institutional Advancement and Bates Communications and Marketing.
• Facilitate communications and information sharing between Advancement and BCM.
• Foster Cross-Divisional Partnerships: Collaborate with partners across the Advancement Division and other College departments.
• Track and respond to communication trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, branding and communications, with a preference of at least three years planning and producing communications for fundraising programs and campaigns.
• Strong understanding of philanthropy, advancement and alumni, parent, and constituent engagement.
• Prior experience in higher education and advancement communications strongly preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Exceptional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a complex environment and across divisional lines.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to collect, prioritize and distill facts into clear, concise and compelling copy.
• Ability to work effectively with members of the college's senior leadership team, alumni and parent leadership, donors, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated experience developing a cohesive vision for communications and marketing based on an institution's strategic goals and priorities.
• Ability to write, craft and disseminate persuasive messages in ways that reflect, engage, and enhance various community and cultural perspectives.
• Strong understanding of industry best practices and a holistic understanding of all aspects of communications, positioning, and messaging.
• Substantial experience evaluating the strengths of existing communications efforts and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Excellent creative and design sensibilities, with a strong understanding of the communications process from creative concept through production and execution.
• Solid understanding of the advantages and drawbacks of traditional and emerging media.
• Superior communication skills and the ability to connect with a variety of audiences.
• Experience working in an environment serving many internal clients and external constituents.
• Commitment to diversity in all its forms and across all audiences, internal and external.
• Able to address conflict and disagreement in calm and constructive ways.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more)
• Supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace