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Dan Giroux / DJG Marketing Insights

Mastering the Collaboration Matrix

Published 16 days ago • 1 min read

Processes matter. But collaboration in higher ed doesn’t succeed—or fail—because of forms or workflows. It succeeds when relationships are strong.

That’s the focus of Episode 3 of Advancement Amplified: The IA MarCom Shift: Mastering the Collaboration Matrix.

Too often, Advancement MarCom teams don’t have formal authority, yet they’re expected to align a sprawling set of players—Central Marketing, schools and units, frontline fundraisers, alumni engagement, donor relations, university leadership, and more. But the reality is that everyone in higher ed feels the friction of competing goals and unclear hand-offs, no matter where your role resides.

In this conversation, I'm joined by Gabrielle Giddings, an advancement leader with 30+ years of experience who currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor for Campaigns at the University of Denver. Together we talk about:

  • Where collaboration usually breaks down—and why.
  • Tools and approaches that help.
  • How to protect time without hurting relationships.
  • How to show results leaders trust.

🎧 Listen: Episode 3 — Mastering the Collaboration Matrix​

Here’s to building collaboration that matters.

Dan

Dan Giroux, MBA
Principal / Consultant
DJG Marketing

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Dan is an independent strategic marketing consultant helping higher education and nonprofits amplify their brands and drive meaningful engagement.

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Dan Giroux / DJG Marketing Insights

Helping Higher Education and Philanthropic Leaders Build Stronger Teams, Brands, Campaigns—and Results

With 20 years of experience blending high-impact agency work with in-house strategic leadership, I specialize in Advancement Marketing, Communications, and Stewardship. As an independent consultant, I partner with mission-driven organizations to elevate their reputation, foster deeper alumni and donor engagement, and achieve transformative fundraising results. Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter for insights and resources designed to inform—not overwhelm.

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