Executive Director of Advancement Communications

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do.

About the role

The Executive Director of Advancement Communications works closely with the Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations and senior leadership to oversee the strategy, planning, and implementation of all marketing and communications efforts supporting Advancement and Alumni Relations’ (AAR) philanthropic and engagement priorities. As AAR’s lead communications strategist, the Executive Director ensures a consistent voice and visual branding across the organization, developing philanthropic messages for fundraising case statements, complex proposals, donor and impact stories, and multi-channel dissemination.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor philanthropy-related communications, donor storytelling, content strategy, and digital marketing plans to support diverse fundraising initiatives through a multi-channel approach.
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of two communications professionals producing gift announcements, impact stories, social media posts, videos, newsletters, endowment reports, proposals, cases for support, pitch decks, and other engagement resources.
• Supervise day-to-day staff assignments, workflow, and review work products to ensure alignment with AAR and Caltech style guidelines.
• Ensure the publication of approximately 40 gift announcements and impact stories annually, along with related emails and social media posts.
• Produce and/or manage the development of proposals and case statements, collaborating directly with frontline fundraisers and faculty.
• Manage strategic use of external partners such as freelance writers, consultants, photographers, designers, and temporary staff.
• Serve as an executive communications resource to the Vice President and other advancement leaders, shaping strategic initiatives and developing presentations, talking points, and remarks.
• Establish strategy and relationships with local, state, and national media outlets to amplify gift announcements and philanthropic impact on Caltech’s innovation, research, and teaching.
• Provide strategic and hands-on production-level work, serving as a consultant/marketing agency to AAR departments.
• Develop processes to evaluate project effectiveness and support continuous improvement and creativity.
• Collaborate with Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Caltech Associates, Stewardship, Gift Planning, and other teams to disseminate key messages.
• Oversee strategy, content management, and regular updating of AAR’s giving and student initiative websites.
• Supervise maintenance of the AAR digital asset management system.
• Oversee monthly communications calendar meetings to promote visibility and collaboration among AAR communications teams.
• Plan and lead the AAR Communications Roundtable, a forum for communicators across AAR to share successes and support consistent messaging and branding.
• Update AAR Communications Guidelines and ensure adherence to branding, identity, tone, and voice standards.
• Design and conduct workshops for AAR staff to enhance writing skills, case statement development, proposal writing, and editing.
• Manage Advancement Communications’ proofreading and copyediting support for colleagues throughout AAR.
• Collaborate with the Office of Communications and External Relations on selected institutional projects under the direction of the Vice President.
• Serve on the AAR manager’s team, participating in organizational planning to meet fiscal year goals and facilitating strategic communications across the division.
• Establish and monitor team and individual work plans, creating professional development plans for team members.
• Manage the Advancement Communications budget and prepare proposed budgets for each new fiscal year.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and conduct best practice reviews of communications at other universities to ensure Caltech remains a leader among its peers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience with seven or more years in marketing or communications, including developing and executing high-level marketing and communications plans.
• Proven experience leading fundraising communications, marketing, and creative services teams.
• Experience developing marketing/communications plans for major fundraising campaigns.
• Experience creating audience-centric communications materials and familiarity with brand and identity development, integrated communications programs, digital communications, and graphic design.
• Expertise in core marketing principles, strategies, best practices, and communications channels.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Proven ability to bring discipline and organization to work while being flexible and responsive to emerging needs.
• Track record managing personnel, programs, and budgets.
• Comprehensive knowledge of every step in the communication and marketing materials production process.
• Ability to inspire others, foster cross-divisional collaboration, and manage by influence across a diverse organization.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback and integrate varying points of view.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and juggle multiple demands in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Highest standards of professional and personal conduct; excellent judgment and discretion with confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Authentic curiosity about science and technology, and an appreciation for the intellectual accomplishments of Caltech donors, faculty, students, alumni, and volunteers.
• Ability to practice and adhere to AAR’s Guiding Principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Science, medical, or technical writing/communications experience.
• Advanced degree in a communications-intensive discipline.
• Experience in higher education.
• Recognized by peers for excellence in advancement communications (via awards, publications, etc.).
• Experience with social media platforms, SEO, and GEO.
• Proficiency using marketing automation platforms (such as Encompass) and content management systems (such as Wagtail).

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Pay

$175,100 - $250,000 per year. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to onsite counseling and sick time.