Director of Advancement Communications

Hiring Salary

Commensurate with education and experience.

ES

Director of Advancement Communications

Exempt

Office of University Advancement

Division of University Advancement

02/05/2026

Yes

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related academic discipline. Five years of relevant experience. Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience.

Performs complex and highly advanced managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning for the Office of University Advancement.

Provides leadership, vision, and management for the Division of University Advancement communications. Leads strategic communications efforts to support the university’s advancement goals, including fundraising, alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and stewardship. Ensures consistent, compelling messaging that strengthens relationships with donors, alumni, and friends of the institution while elevating the university’s brand. Develops and implements a comprehensive communications plan to advance fundraising, alumni relations, and engagement priorities.

Ensures messaging aligns with the university’s mission, brand standards, and advancement goals. Advises advancement leadership on communications strategies for campaigns, events, and donor engagement. Leads the creation of print, digital, and video content for donor impact stories, alumni publications, stewardship reports, campaign collateral, and event materials. Oversees the editorial direction, design, and production of advancement publications and digital platforms (magazines, newsletters, websites, social media).

Develops talking points, speeches, and scripts for advancement leaders and senior administrators. Collaborates with development officers to craft personalized proposals, stewardship reports, and communications tailored to donors. Partners with alumni relations to enhance communication touchpoints, including event promotion and alumni success stories. Strengthens recognition and stewardship programs through thoughtful, targeted communications. Supervises communications staff, freelancers, or vendors as needed. Works closely with Integrated Marketing Communications to align advancement messaging with institutional campaigns.

Serves as the primary communications liaison for major advancement initiatives, including capital campaigns. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Must be able to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Must have knowledge of communication and marketing, as well as a proven understanding of Advancement. Must have the ability to direct the execution of the Advancement communication strategy of a department. Must exhibit the following: be a team player and strong communicator (verbal and written) with excellent organizational and project management skills;

be a flexible, upbeat and energetic self-starter who enjoys collaborating with a wide variety of constituencies; have strong interpersonal skills and be able to maintain excellent internal/external relationships; be able to work effectively in teams of varying size and composition, both in and out of leadership roles; and be able to handle challenging situations with diplomacy and tact, even under pressure.

The individual must have a deep commitment to the well-being of the University, the advancement of its mission, and to serving the needs of a various community. Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of advancement and philanthropy. Collaborative and diplomatic communicator with strong relationship-building skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with CRM, content management systems, and digital engagement tools.

This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Full Time

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code

• 51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report