Associate Director, Advancement Communications

About the University of Denver

The University of Denver (DU) a private university is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region with approximately 12900 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University.

At the University of Denver were doing higher education our way: authentic to the Rocky Mountain Wests confident optimism and pragmatic independence. It sets us apart. Were preparing young people to be the solutions in their own stories empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.

Were fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. And were true to our mission as a top-tier private institution dedicated to making the world a better place contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.

About DU Advancement

The Denver Difference campaign is our most ambitious campaign yet. It marks a dramatic shift in conventional thinking about what the university experience can and should be. DU is setting the bar with our approach to higher education developing and preparing students to be successful in life in every way. The University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni relations development and student and alumni career services DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.

The University of Denver and DU Advancement deeply value inclusive excellence recognizing that its success depends on how well it values engages and includes the rich diversity of constituents. As a part of that effort we are continuing to grow a team of inclusive collaborative inquisitive innovative ethical and transparent advancement professionals who possess deep mutual respect for one another and for our shared profession.

About the Advancement Campaigns Team

The Campaigns Team led by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Campaigns plays a pivotal role in driving the success of the Universitys comprehensive campaigns and beyond. This team is responsible for strategizing and executing all campaign-related activities ensuring the institutions goals are advanced externally. This is accomplished through crafting experiences that increase the philanthropic commitment and engagement of the University of Denvers community including students alumni parents faculty staff and friends through strategic events and on-brand communications and marketing strategies.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director Advancement Communications the Associate Director Advancement Communications serves as a key partner in leading and executing communications activities and strategies that support a wide range of Advancement initiatives.

The Associate Director Advancement Communications leads the conceptualization research writing editing and project management of digital and print communications to support Advancements cultivation fundraising engagement and stewardship efforts. This position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to develop and execute a variety of communications including gift announcements storytelling pieces impact reports event materials social media campaigns solicitations campaign messaging leadership announcements and more.

In collaboration with the Advancement & Campaign Communications team the Associate Director Advancement Communications will create content marketing strategies that align with the broader goals and objectives of DU Advancement and the University. This position requires strong collaboration with stakeholders across both Advancement and campus to maintain a cohesive compelling and consistent communications experience for constituents.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer with a well-developed blend of creativity analytical thinking and interpersonal skills to quickly adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a high standard of work.

Essential Functions

Content Creation Storytelling and Writing

• Provide day-to-day leadership support and writing for communication deliverables including storytelling impact reporting print and digital newsletters web content scripting gift proposals presentation materials and executive communications.
• Through compelling writing and storytelling showcase impact and inspire lifelong engagement among DU constituents. Working in close collaboration with the Advancement Marketing & Creative team source and produce stories relevant to campaign priorities that support DU Advancements content marketing strategy and inspire our constituents to see themselves in DUs future.
• Write gift announcements for significant gifts and lead the communications strategy for distributing these announcements.
• Research write edit build and project-manage the design and production of a broad range of customized digital and print communications.

Content Management Strategy and Campaign Support

• Manage the production of the Crimson & Gold newsletter and collaborate with the Advancement & Campaign Communication team to develop specialized content.
• Support the production of materials messaging and toolkits for activities essential to the success of DUs fundraising campaign including direct response campaigns high-level stewardship reporting leadership communications presentation decks volunteer board activities scripting and programming support for signature events.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Project Management

• Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions and campus colleagues to foster strategic effective and successful advancement practices.
• Manage communications workflows and project timelines collaborating with Marketing & Creative on materials that require design or digital production.
• Manage complex production schedules setting and adjusting priorities and monitoring progress while meeting deadlines.

Editing Proofreading and Quality Assurance

• Edit and proofread communications written by Advancement colleagues following the DU editorial style guide ensuring that content is reviewed and approved as required prior to publication or distribution. Advise on and support quality assurance for a variety of Advancement writing projects as needed.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional writer and storyteller with the ability to craft compelling copy across a variety of styles and voices.
• Skilled at gathering and synthesizing large quantities of information organizing ideas and turning institutional objectives and messages into engaging communications.
• Outstanding attention to detail and a meticulous eye for proofreading and editing ensuring accuracy consistency and polished final content while adhering to established editorial standards.
• Effective presentation skills for publications websites and other media with the ability to develop write edit package and produce editorial content across diverse channels.
• Facile technology user with experience working with project management tools and the ability to learn new platforms quickly.
• Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to inspire others foster cross-divisional collaboration and build outstanding relationships across a diverse organization.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to successfully lead projects from concept to completion.
• Ability to handle confidential information with a high level of discretion.
• Ability to produce high-quality work while managing multiple projects priorities and deadlines.
• Experience working in a highly cohesive marketing and communications team preferably in a higher education fundraising environment.

Required Qualifications

We welcome applications from all candidates including first-generation applicants and individuals from diverse backgrounds such as veterans and those with disabilities. We welcome you to apply if you meet the minimum requirements listed below and are enthusiastic about the work.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for the degree qualification)
• 3 years of experience in a communications role with a heavy focus on writing
• Demonstrably exceptional writing skills across a variety of styles
• Experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications plans and producing best-in-class deliverables
• Management experience (to include personnel and/or projects)

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience
• Experience working in higher education or similarly complex non-profit or higher-ed organization
• Strong content marketing experience

Working Environment

• Standard open office environment
• Noise level is quiet to moderate

Physical Activities

• Ability to use a computer for an extended period
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 accordance with the Universitys flexible work policy this position is eligible to be considered for partial remote work. Further details regarding this plan will be determined with the hiring manager and are dependent on the division and team specific needs.

Application Deadline
For consideration please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) July 30 2025.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 12.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $75000-$85000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate departmental budget availability internal salary equity considerations and available market information but not based on a candidates sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits including medical dental retirement paid time off tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family or parental status pregnancy or related conditions national origin disability or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color national origin ancestry age religion creed disability sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family and parental status pregnancy genetic information military enlistment or veteran status and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal state or local law regulation or ordinance in any of the Universitys educational programs and activities and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers Rights (POWR) Act; and any other federal state and local laws regulations or ordinances that prohibit discrimination harassment and/or retaliation. For more information please see the University of Denvers NonDiscriminationStatement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.