Director of Advancement Communications and Publications

Westfield State University • Westfield, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Westfield State University, founded in 1839, is a public higher education institution committed to Horace Mann's ideals of social responsibility and innovative thinking. The university offers a liberal arts and professional studies curriculum designed to develop knowledgeable, skilled, and ethical leaders and engaged citizens. Westfield State is a highly residential campus with approximately 55% of its 3,100 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The university is situated in western Massachusetts, offering access to cultural centers, outdoor activities, and major cities like Boston and New York City. Westfield State values diversity, excellence, integrity, collaboration, accessible education, community building, and civic engagement. The university invites candidates to advance their careers and make a difference within its community, seeking individuals whose experience aligns with institutional values.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• At least three to five years of professional experience creating and leading the execution of an external communications plan, preferably in a college or university setting.
• Experience managing publications from concept through production, including editorial planning, writing, editing, and publication management.
• Experience developing executive-level communications, speeches, annual reports, or leadership messaging.
• Experience leading complex communications or marketing projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, balance priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to identify story placement opportunities and think strategically about communications.
• Demonstrated interviewing skills for content development.
• Competency with digital communications and social media.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day functions of Westfield State's communications program to support donor cultivation for a comprehensive campaign and general Institutional Advancement fundraising efforts.
• Oversee the redevelopment of publications and print and digital communications for WSU, the WSU Foundation, Inc., and the WSU Alumni Association.
• Develop strategies and manage volunteers, communications, and events to meet Advancement Office engagement goals with alumni, parents, community members, volunteers, and donors.
• Collaborate with other divisions on campus for college publications, including the Alumni/University Magazine, University Impact Report, and President's Annual Report.
• Develop and implement an annual communication and constituent engagement plan aligned with the institutional Strategic Plan.
• Support the implementation and appropriate use of WSU brand guidelines across the Office of Institutional Advancement.
• Ensure all communications comply with University branding standards, editorial guidelines, and digital accessibility requirements.
• Plan and implement a robust annual alumni relations program marketing plan, including social events and volunteer opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive annual editorial and communications calendar.
• Oversee the design and distribution of print and digital marketing for Institutional Advancement programs and initiatives.
• Develop and evaluate communication metrics to measure engagement, audience reach, and effectiveness of campaigns and publications.
• Manage and advise on alumni and friends social media channels.
• Support event staffing and logistics for Institutional Advancement programs and events.
• Serve as the convener of a University Magazine working group to create and execute a plan for a new University Magazine.
• Serve as lead writer and content creator for major University publications and Advancement materials, including the President's Report and University Magazine.
• Write and edit journalistic stories highlighting benefactors, beneficiaries, donors, students, and alumni for various platforms.
• Compile regular constituent correspondence and collaborate across departments for consistent messaging.
• Collaborate with Donor Relations and Institutional Advancement staff to ensure timely delivery of annual impact reports to donors.
• Work with leadership to embed student-focused storytelling into donor stewardship.
• Support the design and production of materials for the WSU Foundation and fundraising initiatives.
• Collaborate to create and manage digital outreach, advertising, and strategy for donor appeals and community events.
• Manage complex communications and project workflows with minimal supervision, ensuring quality and timeliness.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (HMO, POS, PPO options)
• Retirement pension through MA State Employee Retirement System (with 10-year vesting)
• Optional Retirement Plan with up to 5% employer matching contribution
• Tuition waivers and discounts for eligible employees, spouses, and dependent children at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities
• 12 paid holidays
• Generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director