Description

UNCW is seeking a dynamic, imaginative, and strategic Director of Advancement Communications to foster meaningful engagement among alumni, parents, students, employees, and friends of the university. This position is the architect behind compelling narratives that capture attention, cut through the noise, and inspire Seahawk pride. The Director is responsible for shaping communications across digital and traditional channels, turning ideas into cohesive strategies that inspire the Seahawk community to engage in meaningful ways and invest philanthropically. The ideal candidate will be an effective storyteller with a strong knowledge of both digital and traditional media and a creative problemsolver who can channel an abundance of ideas into actionable plans. This position requires strong relationship building, diplomacy, and collaboration.

Responsibilities include:

• Transforming initiatives into meaningful, integrated content strategies that advance the mission of UNCW and the goals of University Advancement
• Collaborating with teams to craft campaigns that stand out with clarity, creativity, and emotional resonance
• Showcasing donor impact and motivating constituents to deepen their relationship with UNCW through communications, event attendance, volunteerism and giving
• Building strong, trusted relationships within the division and across campus
• Leading a small team of communication specialists and interns
• Fostering a culture of innovation, professionalism, and collegiality

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelors degree in communications or related field
• More than 5 years of experience across the full spectrum of marketing and communications channels, including social media (paid and organic), web strategy, email marketing, written storytelling and speech writing, graphic design and videography
• Several years of progressive experience guiding strategic communications
• Previous experience developing and leading small teams

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Professional experience in nonprofit organizations or higher education
• Experience using Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge/NXT
• Experience with Asana
• A self-starter who will immersive themselves in UNCW’s campus community and beyond to uncover and tell stories
• Ability to implement project management tools to keep internal departments aligned and on-task
• An understanding of development best practices related to communications, engagement, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data and use it to drive decision making and advocate for resources
• Excellent interpersonal skills including diplomacy, discretion and influence
• Mission-driven professional energized by the work of higher education
• Ability to lead with calm, clarity, and intentions, who can succeed in high-pressure moments
• A partner, mentor, listener, and facilitator who uplifts teams and fosters a growth-minded environment