Director, Advancement Communications & Philanthropic Proposals at George Washington University

Edtech.com's Summary

The George Washington University is hiring a Director, Advancement Communications & Philanthropic Proposals. This role leads a writing team to develop and deliver donor-facing fundraising content, strategically partners with university leadership and fundraisers to create campaign narratives, and supports fundraising efforts with clear, persuasive storytelling that reflects the university's priorities. The position requires financial literacy, knowledge of graphic design, and a project management mindset to enhance communications and workflows using emerging tools.

Highlights

Lead a small writing team to produce donor-facing fundraising and engagement content.

Collaborate with university leadership, fundraisers, and operations staff to develop campaign narratives and philanthropic proposals.

Create diverse content ranging from multi-million-dollar gift proposals and transformational initiative narratives to internal communications and editorial materials.

Apply financial literacy and graphic design knowledge, with familiarity in design software like Canva, Marq, or InDesign.

Utilize emerging technologies, including AI tools, to boost writing efficiency and creative processes.

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree plus 8 years relevant experience, or Master’s degree plus 6 years relevant experience.

Preferred skills include strong written communication, investigative research, digital media best practices, and ability to present to various audiences.

Experience leading and developing staff with a high degree of autonomy in a fundraising or development environment.

Proficiency with MS Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, and project management tools such as Smartsheet.

Hiring salary range: $123,884.24 - $173,365.68 annually.

Director, Advancement Communications & Philanthropic Proposals Full Description

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
Please include a link to your portfolio within your application or resume. The portfolio should contain writing samples that demonstrate your ability to create compelling fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic communications content

Posting Details

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:	The George Washington University’s Division of University Advancement is seeking a Director, Advancement Communications & Philanthropic Proposals to lead the development, creative execution, and delivery of a broad range of donor-facing fundraising content. University Advancement fosters meaningful relationships with a broad array of constituents – alumni, families, faculty, staff, corporations, foundations, and friends. We are committed to creating and leading a culture of philanthropy across our entire community. Through innovative and strategic fundraising and engagement, we support GW’s mission of excellence in education, research, and scholarship, empowering our institution to thrive in an ever-changing world. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Operations and Campaign Director, this role is a strategic thought partner with university leadership, frontline fundraisers, and operations staff who will create and communicate campaign narratives and help uncover, shape, and promote fundable ideas from across the university. The management position leads a small but nimble writing team that uses exceptional research, reporting, and storytelling skills to translate GW’s strategic framework priorities and complex academic visions into clear, concise, and persuasive audience-first messaging. Content ranges from the research and writing of interdisciplinary “big ideas,” or transformational initiatives, and bespoke multi-million-dollar gift proposals and cases for support to internal communications/intranet, editorial content such as announcements of landmark gifts, talking points, templates, and letters: all with the through-line of supporting attainment with campaign forward storytelling. Financial literacy and knowledge of graphic design and the role of visual communication are a must, as well as an entrepreneurial attitude, project management mindset, and a demonstrated commitment to identifying and implementing emerging technological tools such as AI to enhance writing efficiency, creative brainstorming, and departmental workflows. Performs other duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:	Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 8 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 6 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:	Demonstrated competence in written communications, investigative research or reporting, knowledge of digital media best practices including web information architecture, and comfort in presenting in informal or formal setting. Strong creative insight into both written and visual communication, with the ability to distill complex and/or technical ideas into clear narratives that inform and inspire donors. Ability to work independently and proactively in a highly collaborative environment and the ability to influence people over whom you have no formal authority. Superior interpersonal and relationship-building skills with ability to interact with tact and diplomacy with various constituencies at all levels, including donors and university leadership. Experience leading, supervising, and developing staff with a high degree of autonomy. Professional experience in a development or fundraising-related environment, preferably an academic or non-profit setting. Familiarity with directing graphic design and hands-on use of design software such as Canva, Marq, or InDesign, and a working command of AI tools and how to write optimal prompts. Comfort with MS Office, Google and Zoom workspace, and project management tools (Smartsheet, etc.) is desired. Aptitude in mastering new technologies is preferred.
Hiring Range	$123,884.24 - $173,365.68
GW Staff Approach to Pay	How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:	Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department:	University Advancement
Family	Comm, Mktg & Media
Sub-Family	Communications and Public Relations
Stream	Management
Level	Level 3
Full-Time/Part-Time:	Full-Time
Hours Per Week:	40
Work Schedule:	Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Will this job require the employee to work on site?	Yes
Employee Onsite Status	Hybrid
Telework:	Yes
Required Background Check:	Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status Please include a link to your portfolio within your application or resume. The portfolio should contain writing samples that demonstrate your ability to create compelling fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic communications content
Internal Applicants Only?	No
Posting Number:	S014492
Job Open Date:	10/01/2026
Job Close Date:
If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:
Background Screening	Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement:	The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Are you a current employee of The George Washington University?
- Yes
- No
* What is your expected salary range?
(Open Ended Question)
* For current GW employees, have you completed your Introductory Employment Period (IEP)? (As a reminder, employees in their IEP are not eligible to apply for other internal university staff and research positions until the IEP is complete.)
- Yes, IEP complete
- No, still in IEP
- N/a - not a current GW employee
* Please include a link to your portfolio within your application or resume. The portfolio should contain writing samples that demonstrate your ability to create compelling fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic communications content
(Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to Apply

Required Documents

Resume
Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Human Resource
Management & Development

2013 H Street, NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20006

Phone: 202-994-8500
Fax: 202-994-9680
Email: [email protected]
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Director, Advancement Communications & Philanthropic Proposals

Edtech.com's Summary

Director, Advancement Communications & Philanthropic Proposals Full Description

Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving | Communications

Associate VP, Advancement Services & Strategic Information Resources

KPBS Major Gifts Officer

Communications Officer

Senior Director of Development, Principal Gifts (VPUR)