Director of Philanthropic Communications

About the role

The University of North Texas Division of University Advancement seeks a strategic, detail-oriented, and donor-centered communicator and leader to serve as Director of Philanthropic Communications.

Responsibilities

• Establish and oversee philanthropic communications strategy, editorial standards, and messaging frameworks used across Advancement and partner units.
• Provide clear editorial direction and final content guidance for donor-facing materials, ensuring consistency in tone, accuracy, and impact.
• Serve as the primary communications partner to the development team for high-level donor engagement and solicitations.
• Write and produce compelling campaign collateral, proposals, and donor-facing materials that reflect institutional priorities and philanthropic impact.
• Lead implementation and execution of the Advancement Gift Communications Plan, including coordination with CSU/UBSC partners and management of messaging, approvals, and publication processes for gifts above $1M.
• Contribute to planning and writing for the Philanthropy Annual Report, donor-focused e-newsletters, and presidential fundraising communications.
• Develop and refine donor-centered narratives that highlight philanthropic impact, student success, and UNT’s long-term vision.
• Partner with the creative team to develop testimonials, stories, and print and digital materials that reflect UNT’s philanthropic brand and values.
• Manage timelines and workflows for major gift proposals, donor communications, and key fundraising initiatives.
• Coordinate internal reviews and approvals, including donor approvals when required, ensuring accuracy and adherence to policy.
• Maintain organized archives of proposals, donor stories, and philanthropic content to support efficiency and reuse.
• Develop reports that evaluate reach, effectiveness, and opportunities for improvement.
• Apply data-informed insights to refine strategy, strengthen storytelling, and support fundraising outcomes over time.
• Work closely with Advancement leadership, fundraisers, UBSC, CSUs, and communications colleagues to align donor messaging with strategic priorities.
• Offer writing consultation, messaging input, and best-practice guidance to development officers and fundraising teams across colleges and units.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related field, and six years of progressively responsible professional experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education advancement, development communications, or nonprofit fundraising.
• Familiarity with CASE standards for donor recognition and stewardship.
• Experience working with fundraising databases, project management tools, or content management systems.