Associate Director of Advancement Communications

Vermont State University•,

1d•$70,000 - $80,000•Remote

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and evaluating multi-channel marketing campaigns, including the use of data and performance metrics to inform strategy and decision making.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.