Executive Director of Advancement Marketing and Communications

The Executive Director of Advancement Marketing and Communications serves as the strategic leader responsible for designing and executing comprehensive advancement marketing and communications efforts that strengthen philanthropic support and engagement for Washington and Lee University. Working collaboratively across University Advancement and in close partnership with University Communications and Public Affairs, the Executive Director develops and delivers clear, compelling, and consistent messaging that inspires alumni, parents, donors, and prospective donors to engage with and invest in the university.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of University Advancement, the Executive Director is an integral part of the Vice President’s senior team working to amplify the impact of philanthropy, highlight the value of the W&L network, and promote lifelong learning opportunities. The role oversees a professional marketing and communications team to proactively manage advancement messaging strategy, content creation, digital engagement, and analytics-driven marketing initiatives. The Executive Director will play a key leadership role in advancing the university’s Leading Lives of Consequence campaign and shaping the long-term philanthropic narrative of Washington and Lee University. Learn more about the campaign at https://campaign.wlu.edu/.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Learn more about what makes Washington and Lee University a great place to work and live at jobs.wlu.edu.

Essential Functions:

• Lead integrated advancement marketing and communications strategies aligned with institutional priorities that advance fundraising goals and deepen engagement.

• Serve as primary strategist and liaison between University Advancement and Communications and Public Affairs to ensure consistent advancement messaging, brand alignment, and coordination across platforms.

• Convene and lead University Advancement marketing and communications working group to coordinate work across the division, drive strategy, monitor results, and to ensure coordination with Communications and Public Affairs. 

• Lead, mentor, and develop University Advancement marketing and communications staff; manage relationships with external agencies, consultants, and vendors as needed.

• Oversee development of advancement print and digital communications, including campaigns, email, web, social media, publications, and event materials, with a focus on compelling storytelling and donor impact and in coordination with Communications and Public Affairs.

• Ensure all University Advancement marketing and communications are accurate, strategic, and aligned with university brand standards.

• Lead storytelling efforts that elevate donor impact, alumni achievement, and institutional priorities.

• Develop annual advancement marketing plans that deliver cohesive themes and messages across all channels including maintenance of a division-wide marketing and communications calendar.

• Write, edit, and advise on messaging for solicitations, proposals, stewardship and impact reports, presentations, and events.

• Partner with University Communications and Public Affairs to announce major gifts and secure strategic visibility for current and prospective supporters across appropriate channels.

• Working with partners and staff liaisons across University Advancement, equip more than 1,000 advancement volunteers with clear messaging and materials to empower them to serve as effective ambassadors.

• Oversee University Advancement web content and social media strategy, coordinating closely with University Communications and Public Affairs.

• Use CRM systems and analytics to segment audiences, personalize outreach, measure engagement, and continuously improve communication strategies.

• Support University Advancement events through strategic messaging, promotion, and targeted communications while ensuring event materials reinforce campaign priorities, engagement goals, and institutional identity.

• Manage budgets, timelines, and