Director of Advancement Communications and
Publications
Campus Title: Director of Advancement
Communications and Publications
State Job Title: Director
Department: Institutional Advancement
Job Code: HA6000
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: [contact details available in the full listing]
Bargaining Unit: APA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Timeframe: 52 Weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Salary: $95,000-$100,000 Annually (salary
commensurate with education and experience)
This is a fully in-person position at Westfield State University,
with all duties performed on campus during the employee's regularly
scheduled work hours to support direct engagement with students,
colleagues, and the campus community, unless your position requires
travel to perform said duties.
General Statement of Duties:
The Director is responsible for managing the day-to-day functions
of Westfield State's growing communications program by planning,
supporting, and executing communications to support the donor
cultivation process for a comprehensive campaign and general
Institutional Advancement friend and fundraising efforts. In
addition, the position oversees the redevelopment of publications
and print and digital communications in support of WSU, the WSU
Foundation, Inc., and the WSU Alumni Association. With guidance
from the Executive Director for the Campaign (EDC), the Director
develops strategies and effectively manages a diverse set of
volunteers, communications, and events to meet the Advancement
Office's engagement goals involving alumni, parents, community
members, volunteers, and donors.
With guidance from the Vice President of Institutional Advancement
(VPIA), the Director collaborates with other divisions on campus on
the development of college publications, including, but not limited
to, the Alumni/University Magazine, University Impact Report,
President's Annual Report, and a comprehensive divisional
communications plan.
This position involves regular and extensive interaction with the
President's Office, faculty and staff, donors and prospects,
community leaders, high-level volunteers, and alumni.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:
- Works with the EDC and the VPIA to establish long-term goals
and objectives for alumni and donor relations programs; recommends
short- and long-range strategies to support WSU's mission and
advancement goals.
Develops, implements, and manages annual communication and
constituent engagement plans aligned with the institutional
Strategic Plan.
Supports the implementation and appropriate use of WSU brand
guidelines across the Office of Institutional Advancement.
Ensures all communications produced by Institutional
Advancement comply with University branding standards, editorial
guidelines, and applicable digital accessibility requirements.
In collaboration with the Director of Alumni Relations and with
input from the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement
(EDIA), plans and implements a robust annual alumni relations
program marketing plan, including social events, talks, and
volunteer opportunities that reflect WSU's distinct culture and
engage alumni from all backgrounds and life stages.
Develops and maintains a comprehensive annual editorial and
communications calendar that aligns Institutional Advancement
initiatives with the University's strategic priorities and
fundraising objectives and oversees the design and distribution of
print and digital marketing for Institutional Advancement programs
and initiatives.
Develops and evaluates communication metrics to measure
engagement, audience reach, and the effectiveness of campaigns,
publications, and constituent communications, using data to inform
future communication strategies.
Helps manage and advise on alumni and friends social media
channels.
Supports event staffing and logistics for Institutional
Advancement programs and events as needed.
Serves as the convener of a University Magazine working group
to create and execute a plan for a new University Magazine. This
group should include staff, faculty, students, alumni, and
others.
Serves as lead writer and content creator for major University
publications and Advancement materials, including the President's
Report and University Magazine.
Writes and edits compelling journalistic stories highlighting
benefactors, beneficiaries, donors, students, and alumni for use in
publications, newsletters, press releases, correspondence, social
media, and marketing to support the Campaign and other
Institutional Advancement efforts.
Compiles regular constituent correspondence and collaborates
across departments to maintain consistent messaging in outreach
materials.
Collaborates with Donor Relations and Institutional Advancement
staff to ensure timely delivery of annual impact reports to donors,
serving as lead writer and designer for content and layout.
Works with the EDC, EDIA, and Senior Annual Giving Officer to
embed student-focused storytelling into donor stewardship through
videos, handwritten notes, and personalized outreach.
Supports the design and production of materials for the WSU
Foundation and fundraising initiatives, including brochures, appeal
letters, newsletters, and branded items.
Collaborates with Institutional Advancement staff to create and
manage digital outreach, advertising, and strategy for donor
appeals and community events such as Giving Day and
student-centered fundraising efforts.
Manages complex communications and project workflows with
minimal supervision, ensuring quality and timeliness.
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
- 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.
- Effectively manages multiple projects, balances priorities, and
meets 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.
Additional Information:
Salary:
Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and
individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must
be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining
agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may
be found on the
Department of Higher Education's webpage.
Employee Benefits:
Benefits are an important component of an employee's total
compensation package.
- Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS,
and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees.
Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of
hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month,
coverage is effective immediately.
- Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides
eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year
vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible
employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5%
employer matching contribution.
- Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including
spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state
colleges, community colleges, and universities.
- Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous
vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
- Additional information regarding employee benefits is available
on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage.
Disability Accommodations
Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of
individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of
reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed
to participate in the job application or interview process, please
contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809 or visit us in the Horace
Mann Building, 1st floor.
Background Check
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review
of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically
disqualify an applicant from consideration.
To apply, visit http://westfield.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=204408
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