Executive Director of Advancement Communications

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) is a dedicated team supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas.

Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work; and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work.

AA&D is comprised of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Communications, Events & Donor Relations, University Development and Advancement Solutions, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and AA&D Administration.

The Executive Director of Advancement Communications provides strategic leadership for all communications supporting the institution’s fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor relations efforts. This role develops and executes integrated, multi-channel communication strategies that advance institutional priorities, strengthen alumni and volunteer relationships, and inspire philanthropic investment. 

Reporting to the AVP for Advancement Communications, Events, and Donor Relations, the Executive Director partners closely with development officers, alumni relations, and academic leadership to ensure compelling, consistent messaging across campaigns, stewardship, and engagement initiatives. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and lead a comprehensive advancement communications strategy aligned with institutional goals and fundraising priorities. 

• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leadership. 

• Translate complex academic and institutional priorities into clear, persuasive narratives for diverse donor and alumni audiences. 

• Partner with development officers to customize communications for high-level prospects and donors. 

Team & Operations Management 

• Lead, mentor, and manage multiple teams of advancement communications professionals (writers, editors, digital specialists, project managers, designers). 

• Establish workflows, editorial standards, and performance metrics to ensure high-quality, timely deliverables. 

• Manage budgets, vendor relationships, and external consultants as needed. 

• Develop team members by providing clear and direct feedback motivated by a desire to help individuals grow while advancing organizational goals.

• Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture committed to the highest standards of performance and professional growth.

• Invest in talent development and build camaraderie across functional areas. 

• Manage successfully across change and growth as the integrated unit evolves.

Fundraising and Engagement Communications 

• Lead messaging and content strategy for major and principal gift initiatives, comprehensive marketing campaigns, and annual giving. 

• Oversee creation of donor proposals, case statements, and initiative-specific supporting materials. 

Content & Channel Oversight 

• Oversee engagement-related content across print, digital, email, social media, and web platforms. 

• Ensure brand alignment and message consistency in collaboration with central marketing and communications. 

• Use data and analytics to assess effectiveness and refine strategies. 

Collaboration & Institutional Partnerships 

• Collaborate closely with alumni relations, central communications, academic units, and fundraising partners. 

• Support leadership communications related to advancement priorities, including speeches, remarks, and talking points. 

• Ensure communications reflect institutional values and donor-centric best practices.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required. 

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, with a minimum of five years as a manager, preferably within higher education or nonprofit advancement. 

• Demonstrated experience leading complex communications initiatives tied to fundraising or campaigns. 

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills for donor and executive audiences. 

• Proven ability to manage teams, projects, and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• Experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns. 

• Familiarity with donor relations, stewardship, and development operations. 

• Knowledge of higher education culture and advancement best practices. 

• You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strategic and systems thinking

• Donor-centric storytelling

• Collaborative leadership and relationship-building

• Leadership and talent development

• Judgment, discretion, and confidentiality

• Data-informed decision-making

• High attention to detail

• Orientation and Review Period: 6 months
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 062. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.