Director of Strategic Communications and Proposals

Director of Strategic Communications and Proposals

William & Mary | Williamsburg, VA - Posted 2 weeks ago

The Director of Strategic Communications and Proposals is a leader on the strategic communications team in University Marketing at William & Mary. The Director provides a full range of communications services to meet major goals of University Advancement and the university as a whole.

The director leads strategic communications for key university priorities, particularly in areas that connect funding priorities, principal prospect/donor management, marketing efforts, engagement initiatives and strategic events with broader university goals. The director is responsible for developing strategic communications plans that advance fundraising initiatives, proposals and priorities that align with the university’s strategic plan, campaign goals and philanthropic interests of major prospects as well as special university-wide projects.

The director’s portfolio of work prioritizes high-level, strategic projects in support of the university’s priorities, specifically donor proposals at the $1M+ level and complex proposals with multiple stakeholders. The director also supports key university initiatives and is responsible for project execution and project deliverables.

The director works with development officers and advancement staff across the university to devise strategic plans for engagement initiatives and donor events on campus, across the U.S. and in key global regions. The director also collaborates closely with leadership, faculty and advancement staff to develop concepts, conduct in-depth research and write strategic communications and proposals that support university initiatives.

The successful director of strategic communications and proposals will be an innovator — a values-driven professional who will foster a culture of belonging. This is a hybrid position based in Williamsburg, Virginia, that offers a flexible work environment.

• 70% – Strategic Communications and Proposal Writing:
  • Develop strategic communications plans that advance fundraising initiatives, draft detailed high‑end proposals and priorities that align with the university’s strategic plan, fundraising campaigns and philanthropic interests of major prospects or special university‑wide projects.
  • Collaborate with senior university administrators, faculty and advancement staff to develop fundraising collateral, conduct in‑depth research of industry trends and write strategic communications that support key initiatives.
  • Create mid‑ and high‑level proposal templates for advancement staff and leaders across the university to spark donor interest in fundraising priorities.
  • Conduct research and write briefs for senior level and presidential level meetings with donors and prospects.
  • Consult with the executive director and the associate vice president to provide high‑level strategic communications and events with donors.
• 20% – Collaboration & Implementation:
  • Collaborate with leaders and advancement staff to develop and implement comprehensive prospect management strategies and proposals for major/principal donors.
  • Participate in principal and major gift prospect strategy development, serving as a thought partner on emerging campus opportunities of possible donor interest and creating proposals and other materials to advance donor conversations.
  • Conceptualize and align donor interests and priorities with university and campaign goals for proposals for transformational gifts.
  • Work with development officers and advancement staff across the university to devise strategic plans for engagement initiatives and events on campus and in key global regions that resonate with donors.
• 10% – Coordination and Other Communications Projects:
  • Coordinate with senior leaders to ensure that university and advancement priorities and initiatives are aligned.
  • Produce materials that support the university’s strategic plan, Vision 2026 and other high‑level W&M priorities.
  • Develop communication toolkits for development officers and volunteer leaders.
  • Collaborate with colleagues in the convening of focus groups and qualitative sessions to further…