Associate Vice President, Alumni and Community Experience - JR26987-3800

at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

• Works closely with the Vice President for ARD to set overall alumni and community engagement goals and guides planning and strategy to achieve those goals. Serves as a critical thought partner to the VP in the conception and implementation of annual organizational and longer-term engagement and messaging strategies.
• Manages a team of three direct reports, providing senior leadership for alumni relations, stewardship and donor relations, direct marketing and communications, and events.
• Partners with volunteer leaders, deans, and ARD leadership across the university to develop andcoordinate programming, communications, and outreach to increase engagement and participation across UChicago's global community of alumni, parents, and friends.
• Serves as an adviser to partners in the schools, divisions, and units on alumni and community communication and engagement strategies and planning, helping to construct a unified and innovative approach to this work across the University.
• Provides senior leadership for the planning, organization, and management of a cohesive direct marketing program that employs a unified approach to annual giving and emphasizes increased engagement, unrestricted dollars raised, and giving participation.
• Envisions and implements a best-in-class donor relations and stewardship program, strengthening the University's culture of philanthropy and demonstrating the enduring impact of donor support.
• Personally cultivates and nurtures relationships with alumni and other constituents individually and in groups regionally, nationally, and internationally in support of advancement and overarching University goals.
• Coaches, supports, and evaluates a large, diverse team of professionals. Actively encourages staff members' professional growth, development, and participation in the life of the University.
• Leads and inspires staff to meet and exceed expectations. Builds talent and fosters an environment that rewards new ideas and risk-taking, builds confidence, promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages effective partnerships and collaboration.
• Ensures that teamwork, collaboration, and innovation are expected, recognized, and rewarded; leads by example with regard to appropriate risk-taking, cross-organizational cooperation, and clear standards of conduct and performance.
• Manages staff and budget to execute responsibilities in an efficient, timely and cost-effective manner.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions and with an eye towards broadly diversifying the advancement profession.
• Assumes additional responsibilities consistent with the changing needs of the office.
• Performs other related work as needed.

• Outstanding organizational skills exhibiting insight, innovation, transparency, persuasiveness, and commitment to mission.
• Proven ability to work with and inspire confidence and trust from senior leaders, faculty, and staff, and to manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Proven ability to identify stakeholders and build strong, collaborative relationships with them across departments and units within a large, multi-faceted organization.
• The capacity to foster partnership and collaboration, and to lead and improve an exceptional organization.
• A collegial management style and the ability to motivate, energize, and focus leaders and staff.
• A sense of urgency and commitment to priorities, with an ability to adapt to new programs and priorities in an emerging and changing environment.
• Proven ability to build, lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team, and to encourage change and growth in both people and programs. A strong commitment to personal and professional development, and the ability to foster a collaborative, diverse and inclusive team environment.
• Proficiency in communication effectively and with influence.
• A strong work ethic and drive to succeed.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum ten years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, or similar professional work experience required.
• A record of success working with faculty, senior administrators, trustees, and other key internal and external stakeholders.
• Minimum five years of successfully managing, coaching, and motivating staff required.
• Minimum three years of experience developing, and monitoring budgets required.
• Superior analytical and prioritization skills; ability to embrace challenges and thrive in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership qualities, including the ability both to delegate and to execute, thereby leading by word and example required.
• Flexibility to adapt in an emerging and changing environment required.

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including Phoenix, the University's donor relationship management system and the Microsoft Office Suite.

• This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
• Standard office environment.
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter