Associate Director of Advancement Communications

Associate Director of Advancement Communications Bargaining Unit: VSC- UP PAT Exempt Grade 14 BASIC FUNCTION: The Associate Director of Advancement Communications provides strategic leadership and operational management of a comprehensive, multi-channel advancement communications and direct marketing program across a multi-campus university system. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and assessment of integrated communications and fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, email, digital outreach, and engagement communications, that support philanthropic giving, donor retention, and alumni engagement. As a key member of the Institutional Advancement team, the role ensures alignment of messaging, branding, and marketing strategies with system-wide fundraising priorities and institutional goals. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead comprehensive advancement communications and direct marketing strategy supporting annual giving, donor acquisition, retention, and alumni engagement.
• Design, implement, and manage integrated multi-channel campaigns, including direct mail appeals, email marketing, newsletters, event invitations, and digital outreach.
• Create and manage a system-wide communications and solicitation calendar, aligning appeals, stewardship communications, and engagement efforts across campuses.
• Oversee the creation, design, and production of all print and digital communications, ensuring consistency with institutional branding, voice, and messaging.
• Develop compelling, donor-centric messaging that supports fundraising priorities, engagement goals, and institutional initiatives.
• Develop, produce, and distribute annual stewardship reports (both electronic and print) and the organization’s annual report.
• Manage all aspects of direct mail production, including segmentation strategy, list preparation, vendor coordination, proofing, and delivery timelines.
• Execute and optimize email marketing campaigns, including segmentation, personalization, automation, A/B testing, and performance analysis.
• Oversee the production and distribution of advancement newsletters and engagement communications, including content development and design coordination.
• Utilize donor and alumni data to develop targeted segmentation strategies that enhance

engagement and improve fundraising outcomes.

• Track, analyze, and report on campaign performance metrics (e.g., open rates, response rates, conversion rates, ROI), and use insights to refine strategies and improve

effectiveness.

• Collaborate with advancement leadership and gift officers to support donor engagement and stewardship strategies, including targeted follow-up communications.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across campuses to ensure coordinated messaging and alignment with system-wide priorities.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and contractors, including designers, writers, mail houses, and marketing platform providers (e.g., MailChimp, Constant Contact).
• Work closely with advancement operations and database staff to ensure data integrity, accurate segmentation, and effective use of CRM systems.
• Develop and implement ad hoc communications in support of institutional priorities, campaigns, and emerging needs.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISON RECEIVED General supervision is received from the Director of Institutional Advancement SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBIITY May provide general supervision of student employees and functional oversight of contracted vendors and external partners. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business, or a related field, and eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in direct marketing, advancement communications, fundraising, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired may be considered. Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and evaluating multi-channel marketing campaigns, including the use of data and performance metrics to inform strategy and decision making. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in higher education advancement or nonprofit fundraising.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and email marketing platforms.
• Experience working in a multi-campus or system-level environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES Knowledge:

• Direct marketing and fundraising principles, including donor lifecycle strategies.
• Email marketing platforms, print production processes, and digital engagement tools.
• Advancement communications, donor engagement strategies, and branding principles.

Associate Director of Advancement Communications 5.2026 Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong editorial judgment and

ability to craft persuasive messaging.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple campaigns,

timelines, and vendors.

• Analytical skills to interpret campaign performance and inform strategy.

Abilities:

• Ability to develop and execute strategic, results-oriented communications and marketing campaigns.
• Ability to balance creative communications with data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across a complex, multi-campus organization.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with a high degree of organization, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to align communications and marketing efforts with institutional and advancement goals.

Location: This role is fully remote with occasional travel to Vermont State University campuses for special events. The incumbent must reside within a U.S State that the Vermont State Colleges System is registered to do business in. Compensation: The budgeted compensation for this position is $70,000 - $80,000 BENEFITS PACKAGE Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Retirement Plan Tuition Waiver to Vermont State Colleges Tuition Waiver to UVM* for dependent children Employee Assistance Program Long Term Disability 14 Paid Holidays Medical, Personal, and Vacation Leave This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the individual positions assigned to the classification. Other duties as assigned are anticipated and expected. Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations at [email protected]. NOTE: This job is subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal background check. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check. Apply To This Job