Associate Director, Hooks Institute
About The Position
The Associate Director serves as the Hooks Institute’s chief internal operations leader, translating strategic vision into effective systems, processes, and results. The role oversees day-to-day operations, staff management, fundraising infrastructure, research and publication workflows, and cross-functional coordination to support the Institute’s mission of promoting civil rights and social justice. The Associate Director partners closely with the Executive Director to align strategy, operations, and resource development, consistent with nonprofit best practices. The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change is an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Memphis. Its mission is to advance social change and strengthen democracy through service, research, and historical preservation, and to provide awareness, education, and advocacy for social change in policy and practice for the betterment of the Memphis and Mid-South community.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit or academic operations, with demonstrated success in staff management, fundraising, and program delivery.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple operational functions simultaneously.
- Strong strategic and operational leadership skills.
- Expertise in nonprofit fundraising and grant management.
- Experience with academic or research publication processes.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage complex projects and budgets.
- Proficiency in project management tools and data analytics.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; employment visa sponsorship or transfer is not available.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (MBA, MA, or PhD) preferred; career-related exceptional outcomes in areas identified in the posting may substitute for an advanced degree.
- Experience in social change, education, or public policy sectors.
- Familiarity with nonprofit governance and compliance frameworks.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the Executive Director to develop and implement operational strategies that support the Institute’s mission and growth objectives.
- Oversee day-to-day management of projects and programs, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and performance targets.
- Monitor and report on operational performance and identify opportunities for efficiency, cost savings, and process improvement.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a cross-functional team, including fundraising, community engagement, research publication, and program support staff.
- Lead and mentor staff creating community engagement initiatives, including conferences, symposia, lectures, and other activities connecting the Institute’s mission to community members and their needs.
- Establish performance expectations, conduct performance reviews, and provide career development guidance.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
- Oversee the Institute’s fundraising strategy, including grant writing, donor relations, and major gift campaigns.
- Coordinate with staff and the Hooks Institute Advisory Board to meet annual fundraising goals and expand the donor base.
- Ensure compliance with the university’s fundraising requirements.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a cross-functional team responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing research publication initiatives, including journal submissions, conference presentations, and public dissemination.
- Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and external partners to ensure timely, high-quality research outputs.
- Liaise among operational, program, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and resource optimization.
- Represent the Institute in internal and external meetings, conferences, and partnerships.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
