Senior Director for Marketing and Communications

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building.

Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement . Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.

Alumni and Stakeholder Engagement (ASE), working in collaborative partnerships with the UW Alumni Association , UW Retirement Association and the University Book Store , fulfills its mission to advance higher education in the state of Washington and to support the UW through impactful, broad-based engagement with alumni, students, retirees and friends of the University.

This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

Alumni & Stakeholder Engagement has an exciting opening for a Senior Director for Marketing & Communications. This is a full-time permanent position.

The Senior Director for Marketing and Communications leads the strategy and execution of integrated marketing and communications campaigns that deepen alumni engagement, strengthen the University of Washington's reputation and advance fundraising and revenue goals.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications and serving on the senior leadership team, this role leads a multidisciplinary team spanning content, creative, digital, analytics, project management and sponsorship development.

Working within the University's integrated Advancement model, the Senior Director partners across University Advancement and campus leaders to deliver high-impact campaigns, events and experiences that strengthen lifelong connections with alumni, donors and supporters.

What You Will Do

Strategy Development (45%)

• Develop and lead integrated, multi-year marketing and communications strategies that advance alumni engagement, fundraising, revenue generation and institutional priorities.
• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of approximately 12 professionals across marketing, communications, content, creative, digital, analytics, project management and sponsorship development functions.
• Drive the planning and execution of complex, multi-channel campaigns and initiatives, ensuring alignment across audiences, channels and organizational goals.
• Lead the organization's sponsorship and business development strategy, serving as the senior relationship manager for key corporate partners and negotiating high-value sponsorship agreements.
• Establish strategic priorities, align resources and timelines and ensure consistency across multiple concurrent initiatives to maximize organizational impact.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture by providing clear direction, accountability and support in a highly matrixed environment.
• Establish and oversee processes, workflows and governance structures that support effective prioritization, resource allocation and execution across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Oversee departmental budgets and sponsorship revenue goals, proactively managing resources, mitigating risks and ensuring measurable outcomes.

Program Development & Management (35%)

• Oversee integrated, multi-channel campaigns supporting alumni engagement, fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, events, volunteer programs, giving days, capital campaigns and other university priorities.
• Partner with senior leaders across University Advancement to develop alumni and donor engagement strategies and coordinated communication journeys.
• Ensure consistent brand voice, messaging and storytelling across campaigns, channels and audiences while translating complex stakeholder priorities into compelling communications.
• Leverage CRM, marketing automation, analytics, testing, reporting and audience insights to inform strategy, strengthen audience segmentation and personalization, optimize campaign performance, and maximize engagement and fundraising outcomes.

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration (20%)

• Serve as a strategic partner and point of coordination for marketing, communications, sponsorship and resource development efforts across Alumni and Stakeholder Engagement, University Advancement, academic units and university leadership.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders while establishing effective processes for project intake, prioritization, collaboration, decision-making and approvals.
• Navigate complex organizational dynamics and competing priorities to ensure alignment, clarity and progress toward shared goals.
• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, planning and decision-making.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelor’s degree AND at least 10 years of experience leading integrated marketing and communications campaigns, ideally in higher education, nonprofits, or similar complex organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a complex and collaborative environment.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with a proven capacity to influence and build trust across diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success navigating and leading through ambiguity and organizational complexity while providing clarity, structure and strategic direction.
• Strong project management and operational planning expertise, including oversight of multiple concurrent initiatives and competing priorities.
• Systems-thinking mindset with a track record of aligning strategy, operations and organizational goals.
• Proven accountability, sound judgment and a results-oriented approach to leadership and decision-making.
• Experience with CRM platforms, marketing automation tools, analytics and audience segmentation strategies.
• Skilled storyteller who translates complex priorities into compelling narratives and meaningful engagement opportunities.

What You Can Expect

• On-site work schedule with some flexibility for telework.
• Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.
• Work schedules may vary based on organizational and event needs, including occasional evening and weekend work and flexibility with in-office days on short notice.
• Access to reliable transportation for local travel and willingness to travel when necessary.

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Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$126,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$136,068.00 annual

Other Compensation

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all.

As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .