Associate Director, Hooks Institute
About The Position
The Associate Director of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis serves as the Institute’s chief internal operations leader. The role translates strategic vision into effective systems, processes, and results, and oversees day-to-day operations, staff management, fundraising infrastructure, research and publication workflows, and cross-functional coordination. The Associate Director partners closely with the Executive Director to align strategy, operations, and resource development in support of the Institute’s mission to advance social change and strengthen democracy through service, research, and historical preservation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit or academic operations.
- Proven 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 United States; the employer is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
Nice To Haves
- An advanced degree, such as an MBA, MA, or PhD.
- 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 supporting 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, identifying opportunities for efficiency, cost savings, and process improvement.
- Lead, develop, and mentor cross-functional staff involved in fundraising, community engagement, research publication, and program support.
- Guide community engagement initiatives, including conferences, symposia, lectures, and other activities that connect the Institute’s mission with community needs.
- Establish performance expectations, conduct performance reviews, and provide career development guidance.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
- Oversee 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 and mentor staff in 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 and publication outputs.
- Liaise among operational, program, and external stakeholders to support 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
Director
