Director of Philanthropic Communications

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Director of Philanthropic Communications

Employee Classification: Dir Division Communications

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Advancement

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Advancement

Department: UNT-Advancement - Gen-170000

Job Location: Denton

Salary: $81,792 - 83,652

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at

Department Summary

The Division of University Advancement strives to transform lives and unlock potential through the power of philanthropy and engagement by awakening and stewarding pride and loyalty for the University of North Texas.

Established in 1890, the University of North Texas is a place where students transform their lives through education and opportunity. With more than 46,000 students from across the state, nation, and world, UNT offers 240 academic programs — many nationally and internationally recognized. A Tier One research university and designated a Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution, UNT has a legacy of excellence in education, music, the arts, business and social sciences, with growing strengths in science and engineering. Last year, students earned nearly 13,000 degrees and joined UNT's network of 480,000 alumni, fueling progress and innovation.

Position Overview

The University of North Texas Division of University Advancement seeks a strategic, detail oriented, and donor-centered communicator and leader to serve as Director of Philanthropic Communications. Under the direction of the Executive Director & Chief Communications Strategist for Advancement, this position develops and manages content that supports major gift fundraising, donor stewardship, and philanthropic storytelling.

The Director works in close collaboration with development officers, college/unit partners, and colleagues across Advancement to create high-impact donor proposal templates, announcements, and stories that reflect UNT’s mission and the power of philanthropy. This includes leading the execution of the Advancement Gift Communications Plan, coordinating messaging and donor approvals for major gift announcements, and producing compelling materials that demonstrate donor impact.

The Director also contributes to division-wide projects such as the Philanthropy Annual Report, donor-focused newsletters, and presidential donor communications. As part of the Advancement Communications team, the Director ensures that all philanthropic content aligns with UNT’s voice, brand, and strategic priorities — and supports meaningful engagement with alumni, donors, and friends of the university.

In addition to leading all major gift communications, the Director will supervise two senior communications strategists, ensuring strategic alignment and consistent messaging across annual giving, donor relations, and alumni engagement — strengthening the division’s voice and amplifying the impact of UNT’s philanthropic storytelling.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related field, and six years of progressively responsible professional experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Knowledge of communications field.
* Ability to coordinate and supervise the work of others. to work under pressure, meet deadlines, conduct multiple tasks, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
* Ability to build and sustain strategic relationships.
* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
* Ability to conceptualize, write, edit and oversee the creation of strategic, accurate and concise content for internal and external audiences.
* Ability to plan, organize, and direct complex, multi-unit projects and workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience in higher education philanthropy is preferred; candidates with development communications or nonprofit fundraising experience may also be considered based on the strength of their overall application and interview.
* Familiarity with CASE standards for donor recognition and stewardship.
* Experience working with fundraising databases, project management tools, or content management systems.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

 

Job Duties

Strategic Leadership and Oversight
* Establish and oversee philanthropic communications strategy, editorial standards, and messaging frameworks used across Advancement and partner units.

* Provide clear editorial direction and final content guidance for donor-facing materials, ensuring consistency in tone, accuracy, and impact.
* Supervise and mentor two full-time senior communications strategists, supporting professional development, performance management, and strategic alignment across teams.
* Contribute to oversight and coordination of division-wide communications initiatives to ensure philanthropic messaging is aligned and cohesive. 

Major Gift Communications
* Serve as the primary communications partner to the development team for high-level donor engagement and solicitations.
* Write and produce compelling campaign collateral, proposals, and donor-facing materials that reflect institutional priorities and philanthropic impact.
* Lead implementation and execution of the Advancement Gift Communications Plan, including coordination with CSU/UBSC partners and management of messaging, approvals, and publication processes for gifts above $1M.
* Collaborate with college and unit partners to support and review communications for gifts below $1M, providing strategic writing, editing, and design guidance as needed. 

Donor Impact and Philanthropic Storytelling
* Contribute to planning and writing for the Philanthropy Annual Report, donor-focused e-newsletters, and presidential fundraising communications.
* Develop and refine donor-centered narratives that highlight philanthropic impact, student success, and UNT’s long-term vision.
* Proactively identify storytelling opportunities connected to campaign priorities, donor interests, and institutional momentum.
* Partner with the creative team to develop testimonials, stories, and print and digital materials that reflect UNT’s philanthropic brand and values. 

Project Management, Production, Analytics and Reporting
* Manage timelines and workflows for major gift proposals, donor communications, and key fundraising initiatives.
* Coordinate internal reviews and approvals, including donor approvals when required, ensuring accuracy and adherence to policy.
* Maintain organized archives of proposals, donor stories, and philanthropic content to support efficiency and reuse.
* Develop reports that evaluate reach, effectiveness, and opportunities for improvement.
* Apply data-informed insights to refine strategy, strengthen storytelling, and support fundraising outcomes over time. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with Advancement leadership, fundraisers, UBSC, CSUs, and communications colleagues to align donor messaging with strategic priorities.
* Provide strategic communications guidance for planned giving and corporate/foundation relations efforts.
* Offer writing consultation, messaging input, and best-practice guidance to development officers and fundraising teams across colleges and units. 

 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm; Typical 40-hour work week with possible flex-time schedule and hybrid work opportunities.

Driving University Vehicle

Yes

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.