Associate Director, Advancement Communications

About the University of Denver

The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 12,900 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University.

At the University of Denver, we’re doing higher education our way: authentic to the Rocky Mountain Wests confident optimism and pragmatic independence. It sets us apart. We’re preparing young people to be the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.

We’re fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. And we’re true to our mission as a top-tier private institution dedicated to making the world a better place – contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.

About DU Advancement

The Denver Difference campaign is our most ambitious campaign yet. It marks a dramatic shift in conventional thinking about what the university experience can and should be. DU is setting the bar with our approach to higher education, developing and preparing students to be successful in life in every way. The University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni relations, development, and student and alumni career services, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.

The University of Denver and DU Advancement deeply value inclusive excellence, recognizing that its success depends on how well it values, engages, and includes the rich diversity of constituents. As a part of that effort, we are continuing to grow a team of inclusive, collaborative, inquisitive, innovative, ethical, and transparent advancement professionals who possess deep mutual respect for one another and for our shared profession.

About the Advancement Campaigns Team

The Campaigns Team, led by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Campaigns, plays a pivotal role in driving the success of the University’s comprehensive campaigns and beyond. This team is responsible for strategizing and executing all campaign-related activities, ensuring the institution’s goals are advanced externally. This is accomplished through crafting experiences that increase the philanthropic commitment and engagement of the University of Denver’s community, including students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends, through strategic events and on-brand communications and marketing strategies.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director, Advancement Communications, the Associate Director, Advancement Communications serves as a key partner in leading and executing communications activities and strategies that support a wide range of Advancement initiatives.

The Associate Director, Advancement Communications leads the conceptualization, research, writing, editing, and project management of digital and print communications to support Advancement’s cultivation, fundraising, engagement, and stewardship efforts. This position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to develop and execute a variety of communications, including gift announcements, storytelling pieces, impact reports, event materials, social media campaigns, solicitations, campaign messaging, leadership announcements, and more.

In collaboration with the Advancement & Campaign Communications team, the Associate Director, Advancement Communications will create content marketing strategies that align with the broader goals and objectives of DU Advancement and the University. This position requires strong collaboration with stakeholders across both Advancement and campus to maintain a cohesive, compelling, and consistent communications experience for constituents.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer with a well-developed blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and interpersonal skills to quickly adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a high standard of work.

Essential Functions

Content Creation, Storytelling, and Writing

• Provide day-to-day leadership, support, and writing for communication deliverables, including storytelling, impact reporting, print and digital newsletters, web content, scripting, gift proposals, presentation materials, and executive communications.
• Through compelling writing and storytelling, showcase impact and inspire lifelong engagement among DU constituents. Working in close collaboration with the Advancement Marketing & Creative team, source and produce stories relevant to campaign priorities that support DU Advancement’s content marketing strateg