Associate Director, Executive Communications

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Executive Communications leads the development and execution of comprehensive presidential communications strategy and infrastructure, partnering with the President's Office, SVP, Executive Director, and advancement teams to elevate and amplify the President's voice through innovative, strategic approaches to executive communication with a focus on advancing key presidential relationships. Collaborates with the Executive Director to manage and oversee communications for the SVP of Advancement through direct supervision of the Senior Writer in the office of the Senior Vice President.

Minimum Qualification

Knowledge and skills required for this position are typically acquired through the completion of Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) with ten to fifteen years of experience in donor relations and/or advancement. Persuasive written communication skills.

Key Accountabilities & responsibilities :

1) Presidential & SVP Communications Oversight

• Oversee external communications for the President and provide management responsibility for internal and external communications for the SVP of Advancement, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and advancement goals

• Develop and maintain consistent messaging frameworks across presidential and SVP communications

• Coordinate communication workflows between President's Office and SVP for Advancement

• Direct supervision of Senior Writer in the Office of SVP for Advancement

• Help define what the president's key messaging priorities are and integrate this across communications strategies

2) Presidential Communications for Donor & Prospect Engagement : Enable the President to deepen personal relationships with key donors, prospects, and foundations through systematic, high-touch communications that advance institutional fundraising priorities while positioning the President as a thought leader whose vision positions Northeastern University as worthy of investment.

• Direct outreach to highest-level donors, prospects and personal relationships ("thought partners" tier)

• Personal touchpoints and strategic relationship mapping for presidential cultivation

• Drafting personal correspondence/responses considering presidential voice, tone, and appropriate context and strategy

• Oversee presidential acknowledgement process in coordination with donor relations and SVP team

• Create feedback loops to continuously refine presidential messaging based on donor and prospect interactions

• As needed, develop and write proposals for key presidential relationships, ensuring alignment with donor interests and institutional priorities

• Strategically leverage and repurpose content across multiple donor segments, maximizing the impact of communications materials by identifying opportunities to adapt proposals, impact reports, and other content for broader relationship cultivation. This includes working closely with the foundations team and supporting presidential-level foundation relations

3) Presidential Leadership Network Cultivation : Expand the President and SVP's reach into key networks including alumni, industry leaders, and influencers to build leadership pipeline and strengthen philanthropic partnerships.

• Leverage LinkedIn engagement for high-impact recognition of alumni and other distinguished leaders

• Presidential congratulations to distinguished individuals (Young Global Leaders, Innovators, industry pioneers, etc.)

• Systematic presidential touchpoints with volunteer leaders, board members, and key influencers coordinated with SVP/gift officers – including event follow-up for presidential speakers

• Leverage in-person presidential interactions for relationship intelligence and network expansion

Position Type

Marketing and Communications

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

111S

Expected Hiring Range:

$86,490.00 - $122,163.75

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.