Associate Director, Marketing and Communications

Academic & Student Affairs has an exciting opening for an Associate Director for Marketing & Communications. This is a full‑time permanent position that supports the University of Washington’s legacy of learning, innovation, and community building by shaping, positioning, and advancing the narrative of a mission‑critical portfolio.
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, recommending 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

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.
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
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 dso@uw.edu.
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, as required by Washington state law.
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

#J-18808-Ljbffr