Advancement Communications and Donor Engagement Manager Lead
École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL
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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe
and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main
missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working
environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000
researchers from more than 120 different countries.
Advancement Communications and Donor Engagement Manager Lead
Mission
At EPFL, philanthropy is essential to advancing world-class education, research and innovation. As we continue to
strengthen our advancement efforts, we seek a dynamic Advancement Communication and Donor Engagement Manager Lead to
strengthen our outreach and deepen meaningful long-term relationships with our philanthropic community. In this role,
you will shape and execute communication strategies that inspire donor to further engage, oversee stewardship of our
portfolio and support transformational philanthropy across the institution. Your leadership will help expand EPFL’s
network of supporters and ensure that donors are convinced by the impact of their generosity. Your mission is a pivotal
role in aligning communication efforts with donor outreach and engagement strategies to enhance fundraising outcomes.
Main duties and responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Content Development
- Lead the design and implementation of targeted communication strategies to cultivate and steward donors, conveying
the impact of philanthropy and aligning messaging with EPFL’s mission and fundraising priorities.
- Oversee the creation and quality control of donor-centered content including annual reports, newsletters, impact
stories, social media posts (LinkedIn), proposals, presentations, and acknowledgment materials.
- Oversee and support briefing documents for EPFL leadership
- Collaborate closely with faculty, research leaders, and internal stakeholders to develop compelling, data-driven
cases for support.
- Manage external consultants contributing to content production, ensuring output meets institutional standards and
deadlines.
- Work in close collaboration with both the Alumni and Mediacom units to ensure aligned and coordinated messaging
Donor Engagement, Stewardship & Prospect Strategy
- Ensure timely delivery of all contractual obligations and commitments linked to donor agreements
- In partnership with internal stakeholders and Philanthropy team members, develop and implement engagement strategies
to deepen relationships with a portfolio of major donors and prospects.
- Oversee prospect identification and qualification efforts through strategic segmentation and analysis working
closely with the Senior Fundraiser Team Lead and the Philanthropy Managers.
- Support colleagues in the design and delivery of donor engagement experiences, while actively identifying and
contributing to event opportunities for prospects and existing donors
CRM Data Management
- Ensure that all key donor and prospect engagement activities are accurately recorded and updated in the CRM system
- Lead on further CRM development and dashboard creation needs
Oversight of Communication Channels
- Oversee the regular update and content curation of philanthropy-focused platforms, including the website, LinkedIn,
and YouTube.
Reporting and Metrics
- Responsible for producing regular key activity reports on prospecting, donor engagement and the fulfillment of
donor-related obligations.
Leadership & Management
- Supervise and support team members
- Support team members through mentorship, professional development, and foster a culture of collaboration and
excellence.
Performs other duties as required by the hierarchy contributing to the overall success of the organization’s
philanthropic fundraising activities.
Profile
Education and experience:
- A Master’s degree in communication/marketing/political science/scientific diploma
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in communications or advancement, including proven experience in
managing a small team and working in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders
- Strong interest in research and higher education.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience working in a research or higher education environment is highly desirable.
- Beyond theoretical knowledge, adept at applying fundraising principles and donor engagement strategies through
data-informed analysis of evolving philanthropic trends.
Competencies:
- Bilingual English-French, ideally English as a mother tongue, other languages a plus,
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
Skills:
- Strategic thinker,
- Attention to detail
- Proven ability to navigate within a multilayered, decentralized organization,
- Solid understanding of academic environment,
- Resistance to stress.
We offer
- A stimulating, dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international working environment
- An inclusive workspace and equal opportunities for all
- Excellent work conditions
Informations
Contract Start Date : As soon as possible
Activity Rate : 100%
Contract Type: CDI
Reference: 1896
Application deadline: 31.12.2025
and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main
missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working
environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000
researchers from more than 120 different countries.
Advancement Communications and Donor Engagement Manager Lead
Mission
At EPFL, philanthropy is essential to advancing world-class education, research and innovation. As we continue to
strengthen our advancement efforts, we seek a dynamic Advancement Communication and Donor Engagement Manager Lead to
strengthen our outreach and deepen meaningful long-term relationships with our philanthropic community. In this role,
you will shape and execute communication strategies that inspire donor to further engage, oversee stewardship of our
portfolio and support transformational philanthropy across the institution. Your leadership will help expand EPFL’s
network of supporters and ensure that donors are convinced by the impact of their generosity. Your mission is a pivotal
role in aligning communication efforts with donor outreach and engagement strategies to enhance fundraising outcomes.
Main duties and responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Content Development
- Lead the design and implementation of targeted communication strategies to cultivate and steward donors, conveying
the impact of philanthropy and aligning messaging with EPFL’s mission and fundraising priorities.
- Oversee the creation and quality control of donor-centered content including annual reports, newsletters, impact
stories, social media posts (LinkedIn), proposals, presentations, and acknowledgment materials.
- Oversee and support briefing documents for EPFL leadership
- Collaborate closely with faculty, research leaders, and internal stakeholders to develop compelling, data-driven
cases for support.
- Manage external consultants contributing to content production, ensuring output meets institutional standards and
deadlines.
- Work in close collaboration with both the Alumni and Mediacom units to ensure aligned and coordinated messaging
Donor Engagement, Stewardship & Prospect Strategy
- Ensure timely delivery of all contractual obligations and commitments linked to donor agreements
- In partnership with internal stakeholders and Philanthropy team members, develop and implement engagement strategies
to deepen relationships with a portfolio of major donors and prospects.
- Oversee prospect identification and qualification efforts through strategic segmentation and analysis working
closely with the Senior Fundraiser Team Lead and the Philanthropy Managers.
- Support colleagues in the design and delivery of donor engagement experiences, while actively identifying and
contributing to event opportunities for prospects and existing donors
CRM Data Management
- Ensure that all key donor and prospect engagement activities are accurately recorded and updated in the CRM system
- Lead on further CRM development and dashboard creation needs
Oversight of Communication Channels
- Oversee the regular update and content curation of philanthropy-focused platforms, including the website, LinkedIn,
and YouTube.
Reporting and Metrics
- Responsible for producing regular key activity reports on prospecting, donor engagement and the fulfillment of
donor-related obligations.
Leadership & Management
- Supervise and support team members
- Support team members through mentorship, professional development, and foster a culture of collaboration and
excellence.
Performs other duties as required by the hierarchy contributing to the overall success of the organization’s
philanthropic fundraising activities.
Profile
Education and experience:
- A Master’s degree in communication/marketing/political science/scientific diploma
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in communications or advancement, including proven experience in
managing a small team and working in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders
- Strong interest in research and higher education.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience working in a research or higher education environment is highly desirable.
- Beyond theoretical knowledge, adept at applying fundraising principles and donor engagement strategies through
data-informed analysis of evolving philanthropic trends.
Competencies:
- Bilingual English-French, ideally English as a mother tongue, other languages a plus,
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
Skills:
- Strategic thinker,
- Attention to detail
- Proven ability to navigate within a multilayered, decentralized organization,
- Solid understanding of academic environment,
- Resistance to stress.
We offer
- A stimulating, dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international working environment
- An inclusive workspace and equal opportunities for all
- Excellent work conditions
Informations
Contract Start Date : As soon as possible
Activity Rate : 100%
Contract Type: CDI
Reference: 1896
Application deadline: 31.12.2025