Director of Advancement Communications

Summary Of Responsibilities

Strategic Engagement and Communications
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive Advancement communications and engagement strategy aligned with the College's strategic priorities, fundraising objectives, and constituent engagement goals.
Partner across the College to strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, families, and friends through integrated, data-informed communications that advance institutional priorities.
Serve as a strategic advisor to Advancement leadership on communications, engagement opportunities, constituent sentiment, and messaging strategy.

Editorial Leadership and Project Management
Serve as Advancement's editor-at-large, providing strategic editorial leadership and ensuring the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of communications across the division.
Shape and advance compelling narratives that connect alumni, donors, families, and friends to Amherst's mission, values, priorities, and impact.
Provide editorial oversight for major Advancement communications, including fundraising campaigns, stewardship initiatives, alumni engagement programs, leadership communications, and special projects.
Lead complex, cross-functional initiatives by aligning stakeholders, resources, timelines, and communications plans to ensure the successful execution of divisional priorities.
Develop and implement project management practices that strengthen collaboration, accountability, transparency, and operational effectiveness across Advancement.
Establish editorial standards, content strategies, and communications frameworks that support Advancement objectives and enhance constituent engagement.

Team Leadership and Development
Lead, develop, and mentor a team of communications professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Establish clear priorities, goals, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities for team members.
Promote effective collaboration within Advancement and across the College to support integrated communications and engagement efforts.
Partner closely with the Office of Communications, the President's Office, and colleagues throughout Advancement to ensure coordinated, strategic, and effective messaging.
Represent Advancement Communications in divisional planning, institutional initiatives, and key strategic discussions.
Cultivate strong working relationships across departments and stakeholder groups to advance divisional and institutional objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, engagement, or related fields, preferably within higher education or other mission-driven organizations.
• Equivalent work experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing integrated communications and engagement strategies that advance institutional priorities and effectively reach diverse audiences.
• Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling, audience-centered communications.
• Strong understanding of communications best practices across print, digital, social, and emerging media, including the ability to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Proven experience leading complex projects, managing multiple priorities, and collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead communications teams, manage budgets and resources, and improve operational efficiency while maintaining high standards of quality and impact.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the judgment, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills necessary to navigate complex organizational and communications challenges.
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks.
• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check.