Associate Director, Marketing and Communications

Job Description

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.  

This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

Academic & Student Affairs has an exciting opening for an Associate Director for Marketing & Communications. This is a full-time permanent position.

The Associate Director for Marketing & Communications for Academic & Student Affairs Advancement (ASA Advancement) is a senior strategic leader responsible for shaping, positioning and advancing the narrative of one of the University of Washington’s most impactful and mission-critical portfolios.

This role operates at the intersection of institutional strategy, philanthropy, and public impact. The Associate Director crafts compelling, donor-focused narratives that reflect UW’s academic priorities and dedication to students, aiming to inspire support, encourage investment, and build lasting trust.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic & Student Affairs Advancement and partnering closely with senior academic leaders, advancement teams and communicators, the Associate Director ensures ASA Advancement communications are integrated with units, enterprise-aligned and campaign-ready, while elevating the visibility and value of higher education’s impact on students and communities.

What You Will Do

Narrative Leadership & Positioning (40%)

• Define and operationalize message architecture, audience segmentation and value propositions that translate complex ASA priorities into clear, donor-centered communications across internal and external channels.
• Lead the development of an integrated marketing and communications strategy that advances the University’s strategic vision, academic business plan and campaign priorities.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to ASA Advancement leadership on narrative risk, reputational alignment and the communications implications of emerging institutional priorities. Recommend approaches that protect coherence, credibility and long-term impact.

Advancement Communications & Content Strategy (30%)

• Design and execute communications strategies that directly support fundraising priorities, donor journeys and pipeline development.
• Partner closely with advancement leaders and frontline fundraisers to produce high-impact donor materials, including campaign and initiative prospectuses, donor engagement toolkits, talking points, stewardship narratives and impact storytelling.
• Strengthen alignment between communications strategy and frontline fundraising priorities, donor journeys and stewardship needs.
• Support stewardship strategies that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy on student success, access and academic excellence.
• Lead development of high-quality, donor-centric content, including executive-level briefs, white papers, donor engagement guides, discussion frameworks, digital storytelling and impact narratives.
• Ensure content accessibility, clarity and consistency across platforms and audiences.

Enterprise Integration & Team Leadership (20%)

• Serve as a leader across ASA Advancement, unit MarCom, and University Marketing & Communications, ensuring ASA priorities are positioned in advancement communications, presidential/provost messaging and campaign narratives.
• Lead enterprise-aligned storytelling by defining priorities, aligning to institutional moments and elevating ASA initiatives across high-visibility platforms to strengthen donor-centered communications.
• Build team and system capacity by setting clear workflows and decision frameworks, mentoring for strategic and editorial excellence and developing scalable tools that drive consistency, efficiency and quality.

Measurement & Insights (10%)

• Establish and track success metrics tied to advancement outcomes (engagement quality, donor readiness, narrative penetration), using data and feedback to continuously refine strategy and evaluate effectiveness.
• Leverage data and predictive insight on donor behavior to inform messaging, prioritize opportunities and guide allocation of resources.
• Provide strategic oversight of the ASA Advancement MarCom budget.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelor’s degree AND five years of progressively senior marketing and communications experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in advancement, higher education, or mission-driven communications within a complex organization.
• Proven ability as a strategic advisor to senior leaders.
• Exceptional editorial judgment and ability to synthesize complex information into compelling narratives.
• Experience leading teams and managing cross-functional partnerships.

What You Can Expect

• Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
• On-site work schedule with some flexibility for telework.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice.

Recruiting Instruction

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department. 

Please address the following in your cover letter: 

• Outline your qualifications and suitability for the position. 

• Include your interest in the role and directly relevant experience. 

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Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$120,216.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$132,732.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.