Director of Advancement Communications (Hybrid Eligible)

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. 

You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY 

The Director of Advancement Communications provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for all fundraising and Alumnae/i Relations (“Advancement”) communications. The Director oversees editorial strategy and content development across all Advancement marketing channels, including but not limited to websites, email marketing, publications, and social media. 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumnae/i and Volunteer Engagement, the Director works strategically across the Advancement division and collaborates closely with University Marketing Communications and other campus partners. The role advances fundraising and alumnae/i engagement through compelling, audience-centered communications and ensures that all messaging aligns with Advancement priorities and the University’s brand and editorial standards. This position also directly supports Advancement’s revenue-generating efforts by leading the development of messaging and materials for major, principal, and transformational gifts; creating multi-platform content related to campaign and fundraising priorities; serving as senior editor for non-marketing Advancement communications; and managing complex communications projects as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

•  Set and lead the overall Advancement content and communications strategy in partnership with Advancement leadership, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, fundraising goals, and campaign objectives. 

• Develop and oversee integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns by generating new content and strategically repurposing existing assets across platforms. 

• Build and sustain strong relationships with Advancement colleagues, University Marketing Communications, Donor Relations and Stewardship, and campus partners, positioning Advancement Communications as a trusted strategic advisor. 

• Collaborate closely with Donor Relations and Stewardship to deliver effective, timely, and customizable donor stewardship communications and impact reporting that strengthen donor confidence and long-term engagement. 

• Serve as lead writer for Advancement, personally authoring high-priority, high-visibility communications, including campaign messaging and major gift materials. 

• Assign, manage, and edit writing projects for staff and freelance writers; provide coaching and feedback to ensure quality, clarity, and strategic focus. 

• Oversee editorial planning by maintaining story pipelines and editorial calendars that reflect Advancement priorities and timelines. 

• Establish and enforce editorial standards, ensuring consistency with Advancement messaging and compliance with the University’s editorial style guide. 

• Implement and manage a rigorous review and proofreading process to ensure accuracy, quality, and readiness of all communications prior to publication. 

• Manage complex communications projects and perform other duties as assigned in support of Advancement and institutional goals. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

•  Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field required. 

• 5–8 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on project management in a communications or marketing environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Experience in higher education strongly preferred, including knowledge of alumni relations and development/fundraising.    

• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to craft compelling content for diverse audiences and platforms (e.g., articles, appeals, brochures, video, social media), while seamlessly integrating key marketing messages. 

• Strategic mindset with demonstrated ability to align content strategy and execution with institutional and fundraising priorities. 

• Proven ability to balance competing stakeholder needs while prioritizing audience impact and engagement. 

• Knowledge of current best practices and trends in marketing communications, with a demonstrated curiosity and commitment to ongoing learning. 

• Experience collaborating with graphic designers and photographers preferred. 

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, analytical, and project management skills. 

• Proficiency with office productivity tools (Google suite) and the ability to quickly learn and effectively use alumni and donor systems (Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge/NXT as Advancement’s CRM).

• Demonstrated sound judgment and discretion when handling highly confidential information related to alumni, donors, and other constituents. 

• Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and meet deadlines.     

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

•  This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position with occasional evening and weekend work, as well as limited travel.

• Simmons offers a flexible hybrid work structure that blends remote and in-office work. 

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process. The hourly or annual salary range for this position is:

This is benefits eligible position.

Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, equity, and external market benchmarks that help guide compensation decisions. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, health benefits, and retirement savings offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.