Executive Director of Advancement Communications
Harvard Central Administration (CADM) Talent Acquisition · Cambridge, MA
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Cambridge, MA
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Job highlights
- Lead advancement communications strategy for fundraising.
- Manage and mentor communications teams effectively.
- Develop compelling narratives for donors and alumni.
- Oversee multi-channel content for engagement initiatives.
- Collaborate with university leadership and partners.
About the role
Job Summary
The Executive Director of Advancement Communications provides strategic leadership for all communications supporting the institution’s fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor relations efforts. This role develops and executes integrated, multi-channel communication strategies that advance institutional priorities, strengthen alumni and volunteer relationships, and inspire philanthropic investment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and lead a comprehensive advancement communications strategy aligned with institutional goals and fundraising priorities.
- Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leadership.
- Translate complex academic and institutional priorities into clear, persuasive narratives for diverse donor and alumni audiences.
- Partner with development officers to customize communications for high-level prospects and donors.
Team & Operations Management
- Lead, mentor, and manage multiple teams of advancement communications professionals (writers, editors, digital specialists, project managers, designers).
- Establish workflows, editorial standards, and performance metrics to ensure high-quality, timely deliverables.
- Manage budgets, vendor relationships, and external consultants as needed.
- Develop team members by providing clear and direct feedback motivated by a desire to help individuals grow while advancing organizational goals.
- Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture committed to the highest standards of performance and professional growth.
- Invest in talent development and build camaraderie across functional areas.
- Manage successfully across change and growth as the integrated unit evolves.
Fundraising and Engagement Communications
- Lead messaging and content strategy for major and principal gift initiatives, comprehensive marketing campaigns, and annual giving.
- Oversee creation of donor proposals, case statements, and initiative-specific supporting materials.
Content & Channel Oversight
- Oversee engagement-related content across print, digital, email, social media, and web platforms.
- Ensure brand alignment and message consistency in collaboration with central marketing and communications.
- Use data and analytics to assess effectiveness and refine strategies.
Collaboration & Institutional Partnerships
- Collaborate closely with alumni relations, central communications, academic units, and fundraising partners.
- Support leadership communications related to advancement priorities, including speeches, remarks, and talking points.
- Ensure communications reflect institutional values and donor-centric best practices.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, with a minimum of five years as a manager, preferably within higher education or nonprofit advancement.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex communications initiatives tied to fundraising or campaigns.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills for donor and executive audiences.
- Proven ability to manage teams, projects, and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
- Familiarity with donor relations, stewardship, and development operations.
- Knowledge of higher education culture and advancement best practices.
- Ability to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats in Cambridge, MA.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Strategic and systems thinking
- Donor-centric storytelling
- Collaborative leadership and relationship-building
- Leadership and talent development
- Judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
- Data-informed decision-making
- High attention to detail
Additional Information
- Orientation and Review Period: 6 months
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
Work Format Details
This position has been determined to allow for effective performance at a non-Harvard location, with the work schedule and location set by the department based on operational needs. Employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state if not working at a Harvard location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 062. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and well-being, including generous paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans with university contributions, wellbeing resources, support for families, professional development, and commuter benefits.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, seeking talent from all backgrounds to foster an inclusive environment where everyone thrives. Differences are valued to advance academic purposes. The university prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic, ensuring all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment.
Key skills/competency
- Strategic Communications
- Fundraising Communications
- Alumni Engagement
- Donor Relations
- Content Strategy
- Team Leadership
- Higher Education
- Nonprofit Advancement
- Storytelling
- Messaging
Skills & topics
- Executive Director
- Advancement Communications
- Fundraising Communications
- Alumni Engagement
- Donor Relations
- Communications Strategy
- Team Leadership
- Higher Education
- Nonprofit Management
- Harvard University
- Communications
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Content Strategy
- Storytelling
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media
- Campaign Management
- Leadership
- Management
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in communications, fundraising, and higher education advancement. Quantify achievements in team management and campaign support.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Emphasize your strategic leadership skills and donor-centric storytelling abilities, aligning them with Harvard's mission.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams, developing communication strategies, and handling sensitive information. Showcase your understanding of higher education culture.
- Network strategically: Connect with individuals in Harvard's Alumni Affairs and Development to gain insights into the team and culture.
- Showcase collaboration: Demonstrate your ability to partner effectively with development officers, academic leadership, and central communications teams.
Technical preparation
Master advanced communication and storytelling techniques.,Familiarize with fundraising campaign communication strategies.,Learn Harvard's brand guidelines and messaging standards.,Practice data analysis for communication effectiveness.
Behavioral questions
Describe leading diverse communication teams effectively.,How do you translate complex ideas for donors?,Share an experience in managing competing priorities.,How do you foster a collaborative team environment?
Frequently asked questions
- What specific experience is crucial for the Executive Director of Advancement Communications at Harvard?
- For the Executive Director of Advancement Communications role at Harvard, significant experience in communications is essential, with a strong emphasis on higher education or nonprofit advancement. A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience, including at least five years in management, is required. Demonstrated success in leading complex communications initiatives tied to fundraising, campaigns, and donor relations is critical. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills are also paramount.
- Can I apply for the Executive Director of Advancement Communications role at Harvard without a Bachelor's degree?
- According to the basic qualifications for the Executive Director of Advancement Communications position at Harvard, a Bachelor's degree is a requirement. While extensive experience can sometimes substitute for formal education, it's best to have the specified degree to meet the minimum qualifications for this role.
- Does Harvard offer visa sponsorship for the Executive Director of Advancement Communications position?
- Harvard University explicitly states that they are unable to provide visa sponsorship for the Executive Director of Advancement Communications position. Therefore, candidates must already possess the legal right to work in the United States.
- What is the work arrangement for the Executive Director of Advancement Communications at Harvard?
- The Executive Director of Advancement Communications position at Harvard has a hybrid work arrangement. While some duties can be performed remotely, the work schedule and location are determined by the department based on operational needs. Employees in hybrid roles must work in a Harvard-registered state if not on campus, and further details will be discussed during the interview process.
- How does Harvard's Central Administration support its employees?
- Harvard University's Central Administration supports its employees through a comprehensive benefits package focused on work-life balance and well-being. This includes generous paid time off, parental leave, robust health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans with university contributions, mental health resources, family support, professional development opportunities like tuition assistance, and commuter benefits.
- What kind of communication strategies are expected from the Executive Director of Advancement Communications?