Director of Advancement Communications

Reporting to the Senior AVP for Engagement, the director of Advancement Communications executes fundraising and alumni communications, working closely with other members of the Advancement team, while managing and motivating a communications team. The director of Advancement Communications will develop and implement a cohesive vision and strategies for messaging, branding, and marketing and ensure a coordinated approach to communications in support of the division’s fundraising, engagement, and campaign goals. 

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, salaried position with a hiring range of $88,197 - $112,497 per year.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, strategic planning, management, execution, and evaluation of all aspects of advancement communications strategies—driven by data—to support comprehensive advancement communications that elevate alumni engagement and fundraising.  
• Manage, motivate, and mentor a team of communications professionals in the creation of print and digital communications and brand marketing strategy for Middlebury Advancement.  
• Support, oversee and manage a wide range of advancement communications projects that support solicitation and engagement activities; edit and review content for advancement communications and marketing efforts  
• Translate complicated concepts into clear, compelling language for delivery by the president and other institutional leaders; create and edit speeches and related communications in a clear and consistent voice.  
• Serve as the creative curator and lead writer/editor for campaign materials and digital content in support of Middlebury’s fundraising and engagement program. 
• Manage Middlebury Advancement’s brand consistency, collaborating closely with the Office of Communications and all Advancement departments to understand and promote the overall Middlebury message and ensure brand standards are upheld on all channels. 
• Utilize analytics to inform communications strategy and make data-driven decisions around segmentation, content strategy, and channel mix; serve as the expert on new modes of communication for the division and proactively integrate new tools into advancement outreach. 
• Serve as the Advancement liaison with Middlebury’s central communications team to leverage opportunities for visibility of donors and initiatives in institution-wide communications; serve as a member of the Crisis Communications Team. 

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred. 
• 10 or more years of experience in marketing, branding, and communications and supervisory experience required; 3-5 years of direct experience in planning and producing communications for comprehensive campaigns and for fundraising and alumni relations programs preferred. 
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including presentation skills; demonstrated ability to find creative solutions. 
• Demonstrated analytical and strategic thinking capabilities combined with demonstrated ability to execute complex plans and excellent project-management skills. 
• Deep knowledge of and experience in evolving communications technologies, such as social media and video; experience integrating new media in communications programs. 
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively across a complex organization and to provide leadership, mentoring, and coaching to staff. 
• Demonstrated comfort and skill in working with senior administrators—including the president—and with trustees, top alumni and parent volunteers, and prospects. 
• Genuine appreciation for the values of higher education, diverse and inclusive communities, and global perspectives. 

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.

• An offer for this position is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and references.

• As an employee of Middlebury College in Vermont, you will enjoy being part of a vibrant supportive community.
• Middlebury offers its employees excellent compensation and competitive health, dental, life, disability, generous retirement matching, and vision benefits, and a generous time-away program - up to 34 days per year, increasing as the term of service lengthens. Employees are eligible for robust educational assistance programs. The result is a very high quality-of-life in a gorgeous setting. Middlebury Colleges offers its employees excellent compensation and other perks of employment including:
• MiddCard Privileges: access to athletic facilities, discounts at the college store, library privileges, and cultural and sporting events. Spouses or domestic partners are eligible to receive a card with the same privileges.
• Discounts on season passes at Middlebury College's Snow Bowl, the Ralph Myhre Golf Course and the Rikert Outdoor Center.
• Access to our Partner Inclusion Program that provides comprehensive support services to the spouses and partners of Middlebury employees.