Director of Advancement Communications

Colgate University

$85K — $95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in advancement, fundraising, alumni relations, or related fields.
  • Strong writing, editing, and project management skills.
  • Bachelor's degree in liberal arts, communications, journalism, or similar required.
  • Management experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with digital communications and higher education advancement is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Create and execute the annual communications plan for fundraising initiatives.
  • Collaborate with advancement staff to identify and address communication needs.
  • Manage the Advancement Communications Specialist and assess performance fairly.
  • Curate and adapt content for print, digital, and web channels.
  • Provide editorial guidance for university publications aligned with strategic priorities.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans effective upon hire.
  • Retirement contributions and paid time off.
  • Paid family leave and health & wellness programs.
  • Continuing education and professional development opportunities.
  • Unique perks including free parking, gym discounts, and access to cultural facilities.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Position Information

Job Category
Professional/Administrative

Position Title
Director of Advancement Communications

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

Division
Office of University Communications

Department
Office of University Communications

Work Arrangement type
Hybrid/Partial Remote - a combination of on-site and remote work. Specific schedules (e.g., 3 days on-site, 2 days remote) are determined by the department based on operational needs.

Hiring Wage/Salary Range
$85,000.00-$95,000.00

Professional Experience/ Qualifications
  • A minimum of 5 years experience in advancement, fundraising, alumni relations, communications, project management, marketing, recruitment, public relations, or journalism.
  • Excellent writing, editing, publication, and project management skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Management experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of digital communications best practices strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge or experience in higher education advancement or alumni relations preferred.
  • Experience with Drupal preferred but not required.


Education

Bachelor's degree in liberal arts, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required.

Certifications

Offer Determination

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Physical Requirements

Other Information

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.

Department Statement

Accountabilities

The Advancement Communications Director is focused on the production of fundraising communication content across platforms - including print, digital, and web - serving as the primary liaison with advancement staff to identify communications needs, develop and implement an annual communications plan, and ensure achievement of goals and objectives for philanthropic support.

The Director is responsible for implementing advancement communications strategies in support of Colgate's Third-Century Plan. The position manages the Advancement Communications Specialist - fairly and accurately assessing employee performance in accordance with university practices - and reports to the Associate Vice President, Communications, while working closely with members of the Colgate advancement team.

The Advancement Communications Director demonstrates expertise in research, interviewing, writing, and editing high-quality, error-free copy in line with Colgate's editorial style and is able to curate and adapt content for designated communications channels. This position also assists with editorial suggestions for university publications based on Third-Century priorities and coordinates with the communication team for creative design and execution of materials.

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number
2026S034Posting

Temporary
No

Work Schedule

Weekdays, Occasional Weekends

Job Open Date
05/18/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions Summary

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