Affinity Networks & EDI Prgm Associate Director

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

42d

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. Responsibilities GENERAL PURPOSE: The Associate Director, Affinity Networks and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), is a key member of the Alumni Relations team responsible for supporting Advancement's strategic priority of increasing alumni and constituent engagement among underrepresented populations. The Associate Director will develop and implement strategies to ensure Alumni Relations programs are representative and inclusive of the University's diverse community. The Associate Director will plan, implement, and support identity-based volunteer networks (such as and not limited to the Black Alumni, First-Generation, LGBTQ+, and/or Latin Alumni Networks) and programs that meaningfully engage diverse individuals. The Associate Director will establish baseline metrics, desired outcomes, and goals for engagement of underrepresented populations, and will track, analyze, and report upon progress. This role includes building and maintaining key relationships with students, staff, faculty, alumni, senior administration, and volunteers, as well as identifying opportunities to incorporate alumni's diverse perspectives in discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Travel is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
5-7 years of alumni relations, advancement, volunteer management, student activities, or comparable experience required.
Outstanding communication skills, including direct interpersonal skills and strong writing ability.
Demonstrated ability to work with, motivate, and lead volunteers and create, nurture, and leverage partnerships.
Demonstrated experience in event planning and program development.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the needs and experiences of a diverse student and alumni body.
Demonstrated understanding, ability to work with, and desire to serve underrepresented populations.
Ability to analyze, condense and synthesize information and ability to provide accurate analysis and summaries.
Excellent organization and project management skills, with an ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with keen attention to detail.
Ability to diplomatically overcome objections and effectively persuade key constituents.
Ability to work as a member of a team to accomplish objectives.
Experience with computer technologies and sophisticated software applications.
Some travel required; evening and weekend work.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred.
A general knowledge of institutional fundraising is also preferred.
A personal belief in mission, goals and objectives of private higher education and a desire to change the world.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning Develop a comprehensive strategy for building, managing, and/or supporting identity-based affinity networks, with the explicit goal of increasing engagement through event attendance, volunteerism, philanthropy, and communications across underrepresented populations within the University community.
Build and/or maintain strategic plans for each identity-based affinity network, including goals and desired outcomes.
Track, analyze, and report upon progress and key results.
Contribute to and execute on strategic communications plans to better engage underrepresented constituents including a digital engagement presence of Affinity Networks (website, virtual networking platforms, social media)
Build and maintain relationships with key campus partners (staff, faculty, and administrators) and Advancement colleagues to develop and support affinity networks, ensuring positive interactions and outcomes for all stakeholders.
Volunteer Management - Identity-Based Affinity Network Identify and Recruit Volunteers: Seek out and enlist a diverse group of volunteers to support engagement initiatives.
Manage volunteers and programs: Oversee volunteers and programs for specific Networks, ensuring valuable onboarding, structured meeting management, individualized engagement opportunities aligned with the Network goals and objectives.
Coordinate with Other Groups: Ensure alignment between identity-based affinity programs, regional alumni groups, and the Diversity Advisory Council.
Alumni Outreach: Meet with 50 alumni/constituents each fiscal year to identify new volunteers and to cultivate and steward existing volunteers.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives and Events Plan and manage both volunteer-led and Advancement-led Network events.
Plan and develop affinity group events: Work with Alumni Relations and University colleagues to recommend, develop, and plan events for identified affinity groups, including Meliora Weekend and the Volunteers in Partnership Leadership Conference.
Support logistical programming and marketing for EDI events: Manage and execute requirements for in-person and virtual events, including the REAL (Rochester's Equity & Access Leadership) Conversations Programs, in collaboration with the Affinity Networks and EDI team.
Survey and collect input from constituents and support continuous efforts to increase the amount of demographic data for alumni (including ethnic and racial data, gender, and sexual orientation, and religious affiliations) to develop programs and outreach strategies to further engage specific audiences.
Provide EDI insights and information to Alumni and Constituent Relations leadership, and the Office of Advancement.
Track related program marketing and budgets.
Work closely with other Advancement staff to identify, qualify, cultivate, and steward existing and potential prospects.
Other tasks and duties as assigned by the Sr. Director of Affinity Networks and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.