Executive Director of Advancement Marketing and Communications

Reporting directly to the Vice President of University Advancement the Executive Director is an integral part of the Vice Presidents senior team working to amplify the impact of philanthropy highlight the value of the W&L network and promote lifelong learning opportunities. The role oversees a professional marketing and communications team to proactively manage advancement messaging strategy content creation digital engagement and analytics-driven marketing initiatives. The Executive Director will play a key leadership role in advancing the universitys Leading Lives of Consequence campaign and shaping the long-term philanthropic narrative of Washington and Lee University. Learn more about the campaign at and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn work and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Learn more about what makes Washington and Lee University a great place to work and live at .

Essential Functions:

• Lead integrated advancement marketing and communications strategies aligned with institutional priorities that advance fundraising goals and deepen engagement.

• Serve as primary strategist and liaison between University Advancement and Communications and Public Affairs to ensure consistent advancement messaging brand alignment and coordination across platforms.

• Convene and lead University Advancement marketing and communications working group to coordinate work across the division drive strategy monitor results and to ensure coordination with Communications and Public Affairs.

• Lead mentor and develop University Advancement marketing and communications staff; manage relationships with external agencies consultants and vendors as needed.

• Oversee development of advancement print and digital communications including campaigns email web social media publications and event materials with a focus on compelling storytelling and donor impact and in coordination with Communications and Public Affairs.

• Ensure all University Advancement marketing and communications are accurate strategic and aligned with university brand standards.

• Lead storytelling efforts that elevate donor impact alumni achievement and institutional priorities.

• Develop annual advancement marketing plans that deliver cohesive themes and messages across all channels including maintenance of a division-wide marketing and communications calendar.

• Write edit and advise on messaging for solicitations proposals stewardship and impact reports presentations and events.

• Partner with University Communications and Public Affairs to announce major gifts and secure strategic visibility for current and prospective supporters across appropriate channels.

• Working with partners and staff liaisons across University Advancement equip more than 1000 advancement volunteers with clear messaging and materials to empower them to serve as effective ambassadors.

• Oversee University Advancement web content and social media strategy coordinating closely with University Communications and Public Affairs.

• Use CRM systems and analytics to segment audiences personalize outreach measure engagement and continuously improve communication strategies.

• Support University Advancement events through strategic messaging promotion and targeted communications while ensuring event materials reinforce campaign priorities engagement goals and institutional identity.

• Manage budgets timelines and deliverables to ensure high-quality outcomes and as needed serve as University Advancements primary liaison to creative vendors.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in marketing journalism communications or related field with advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of seven years demonstrated professional experience in marketing and communications with preference for direct experience in advancement and higher education.

• Strong knowledge of brand management digital marketing and data analytics.

• Exceptional writing editing and storytelling ability.

• Proficiency with marketing tools CMS/CRM platforms and design software.

• Demonstrated leadership and experience managing a professional team of skilled marketing and communications staff and external partners.

• Knowledge of best practices in university advancement higher education fundraising engagement communication and stewardship.

• Strong collaborative skills and commitment to the mission and values of Washington and Lee University.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin on March 16 and continue until the position is filled. Required materials include:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Names and contact information for three professional references

• Candidates selected for interview may be asked to provide samples of marketing and communications work.

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at Pay:

$100000.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience

Physical Requirements:

• Fingering: Picking pinching typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.

• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists hands and/or fingers.

Working Conditions: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Types of Work: Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift carry push pull or otherwise move objects including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seekingcandidates committed to high standards of scholarship performance professionalism and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative but not allinclusive of the knowledge skill and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.