Director of Advancement Marketing and Communications

Working Title :

Director of Advancement Marketing and Communications

Position Number : FA271

FLSA : Exempt

Appointment Type : Full Time

Sensitive Position : No

Sensitive Position Statement :

A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history Check.

Campus Security Authority :

Yes

Campus Security Authority Statement :

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities”. A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.

Designated Personnel :

Yes

Designated Personnel Statement :

This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.

Statement of Economic Interest :

No

Statement of Economic Interest Statement :

This position may require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.

Restricted Position :

No

Restricted Position Statement :

A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding.

Chief Objective of Position :

The Director of Advancement Marketing and Communications leads strategies for the Office of University Advancement, including alumni and campaign communications, graphic / web design, social media, corporate communications, and utilizes appropriate metrics to gauge performance and guide team performance. Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Director of Marketing and Communications manages a team of professionals with responsibilities in donor communications, digital marketing, constituent engagement management, and multiple alumni and campaign publications. This position, in collaboration with the Office for Communications and Public Relations (OCPR), provides recommendations to advancement and university leadership on campaign messaging and content to develop strategic direction, to determine priorities, and to initiate communication efforts consistent with those priorities. This position has responsibility for conceptualizing and overseeing the execution of initiatives that reach multiple audiences and helps elevate CNU’s reputation among potential and existing constituents, donors, alumni, and corporations. The director will act as the communications and marketing liaison for University Advancement – to present stories and build relationships through various activities and events, including but not limited to on and off-campus visits, campaign requests, and philanthropic engagement related to University Advancement. Builds strategies for visibility and brand through digital and print communications, including website, videos, social media, publications, and other channels and products.

Work Tasks :

• Communication oversight, planning, implementation, and production for the Office of University Advancement including, but not limited to events, fundraising, stewardship, operations, and alumni and donor engagement, along with partnership with OCPR ensuring communications are strategically executed and in line with the University’s strategic plan and brand standards.
• Develop comprehensive advancement communications plan and tactics based on the strategic objectives at CNU, the Division of University Advancement, and individual departments / units across campus.
• Collaborate with internal teams, annual giving, gift planning, alumni engagement, development, donor relations, to solidify and execute comprehensive, strategic communications plans.
• Coordinate Advancement communications needs, working with individual units and promoting best practices. Implement comprehensive communication plans for Advancement units in a precise effective manner including, but not limited to, writing, editing, obtaining approvals, and in partnership with OCPR, managing video, photography, website, and graphic design.
• Create overarching messaging strategy for university campaigns and related initiatives.
• Management of all Advancement communications to streamline and ensure audiences are appropriately utilized and communicated.
• Work in partnership with internal and external partners to produce compelling Advancement materials including, but not limited to, videos, postcards, brochures, sponsorships, and promotional materials.
• Lead and execute CNU Day communications and marketing, in partnership with OCPR and Annual Giving.
• Develop measurement criteria to gauge campaign and communications success, separate from dollars generated reporting.
• Partner with OCPR to manage the full life cycle, and expansion of, the Advancement website – from asset-gathering to production, promotion, maintenance
• Manage and oversee Advancement projects to ensure the timely delivery of communications including, but not limited to, appeals, newsletters and releases that meet objectives.
• Coordination of materials, such as proposals, sponsorships, invitations, programs, video and photography, needed for Advancement events.
• Participate in management and project implementation teams as requested.
• Plan and implement comprehensive content, marketing, and communications strategies for maximizing philanthropic engagement with CNU.
• Conceptualize and execute initiatives that reach multiple audiences, through a variety of channels, and elevate CNU’s reputation among potential and existing constituents, donors, alums, and corporations.
• Define and pursue comprehensive, effective messaging and content to develop strategic philanthropic priorities and initiate communication efforts consistent with those priorities.
• Serve as the University Advancement’s primary liaison to counterparts across the university related to philanthropic engagement, campaign messaging, and gift announcements.
• Collaborate with fundraising communication teams in the units and central University Communications related to alumni, donor, and campaign content and messaging to ensure consistency and donor focus
• Work with campus partners including OCPR, Arts, Athletics, academic schools, programs, centers, and colleges, UA engagement, alumni, and annual giving teams to co-develop content and plan and implement internal and external communications and tools that improve the CNU donor experience.
• Represent University Advancement at functions and work with donors and other constituents to strengthen connections and build trust in CNU.
• Assist in setting both long- and short-term goals for Advancement marketing and communications and Alumni Engagement to determine resources required.
• Participate with appropriate teams at the Units to strategically link to community and outreach activities that have the potential to align and synergize with the philanthropic community and the work of the development team with donor populations.
• Efficiently and effectively manage Advancement editorial, design, video, and photo production resources in collaboration with OCPR to produce beautifully crafted and highly effective content within project scope; solves problems, makes decisions, manages expectations, communicates effectively in difficult situations, escalates appropriately, and delegates actively to provide opportunities for leadership and professional growth within the team

This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

Develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and / or relations within the office / department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Fully supports the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service

Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.Ensure employees under your supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions.Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state and federal guidelines.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position :

Required Education :

Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s degree with experience that equates to an advanced degree.

Additional Consideration - Education :

Bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience Required :

Additional Consideration - Experience :

Salary Information :

Starting at $77,300, commensurate with education and experience.

CNU Information :

Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.

Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu .

Is this position telework eligible? :

Yes

Telework Eligibility Disclaimer :

This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee’s success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage telework. Departments and / or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.

Posting Number : AP425P

Number of Vacancies :

Posting Date :

09 / 12 / 2025

Review Begin Date : 10 / 05 / 2025

Application Instructions :

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.

This position will be posted until filled, however for priority consideration, please apply by 10 / 05 / 2025.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and / or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

Quick Link for Internal Postings :

https : / / jobs.cnu.edu / postings / 19865

EEO / Diversity Statement(s) :

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.

Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement