Associate Vice Chancellor, Alumni and Constituent Engagement - University Advancement

Washington University in St. Louis • Clayton, MO

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Vice Chancellor of Alumni and Constituent Engagement reports to the Executive Vice Chancellor for University Advancement. The AVC provides strategic leadership for programs and initiatives that deepen lifelong relationships between the university and its alumni, parents, friends, and key external constituencies. This role oversees a comprehensive engagement program designed to provide meaningful opportunities for volunteerism, service, personal and professional development, and events and programs for alumni and friends to enhance loyalty, dedication, and philanthropic support for Washington University. The ideal candidate is a visionary, collaborative, data-driven, and outcomes-based people leader who will drive engagement efforts and strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Relevant Experience (8 Years)

Nice To Haves

• Experience in building and managing high performing alumni and constituent engagement programs, preferably in a higher education environment, with a track record of successful program development, volunteer management and deep knowledge of best practices nationally.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement robust and successful alumni engagement programs with a focus on strategies which appeal to a variety of constituents and lead to and support increased engagement and philanthropic support for Washington University.
• Ability to work successfully with administration, faculty, and volunteers as appropriate to develop and execute alumni programs.
• Desire and ambition to work in an organization that is evolving at an accelerated pace.
• Ability to work in a system that emphasizes measurable objectives including mutually agreed upon targets for specific programs.
• Superior communication skills - the ability to speak credibly about higher education and the aspirations of Washington University; clarity, crispness and effectiveness in written and oral presentation.
• Demonstrated ability in motivating volunteers.
• Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of varied cultures or backgrounds.
• Powerful management skills - both strategic and operational, making for a productive and effective department, one where staff are committed to the organization and feel ownership and pride in their work, and where openness and communication are mutually valued.
• A deep appreciation for and an ability to successfully articulate the mission and aspirations of Washington University; a desire to play a meaningful role in the University’s community and to share in the community’s commitment to research and education.
• Value placed on organizational loyalty, commitment, pride, integrity, mutual respect, and collegial openness.
• Ability to work with collaboratively with diverse constituencies within a complex organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and continuously innovate initiatives and programming that foster a lifelong commitment to Washington University beginning when students first arrive on campus and continuing through their lifetime.
• Collaborate closely with Danforth Campus deans and UA leaders to design and execute strategic programming to engage both undergraduate and graduate alumni through a diverse set of activities that are both universal and school focused.
• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic planning for new programs designed to appeal to diverse constituents including young alumni, alumni living inside and outside of St. Louis.
• Expanded programs include the shared interest and cultural networks designed to increase engagement of alumni who contribute to the university community as well as the professional and industry networking groups which allow alumni and friends to connect based on areas of professional interest.
• This will include an analysis of resources required, timetables for implementation and evaluation of effectiveness of each activity, and the introduction of adjustments as needed to achieve stated objectives.
• Work closely with the Executive Vice Chancellor and UA senior leadership to develop and implement a multi-year, data-informed strategy for engagement programs and communications that strengthen relationships with alumni, parents, and friends locally and nationally.
• Facilitate the growth of the student-alumni connections while fostering student engagement and philanthropy.
• Set annual goals, metrics, and assessment plans for engagement programs, track progress and adjusting strategy based on results.
• Lead a comprehensive undergraduate reunion program including a cohesive brand that unites all university reunion activities and creates an inclusive program.
• Increase understanding of alumni interests highlighting signature events and class celebrations.
• Work with Reunion Giving program leaders to strengthen and integrate the reunion gift effort.
• Partner with colleagues from across University Advancement to identify, recruit, train, and staff alumni volunteers for leadership positions in reunions, alumni clubs, the Alumni Board of Governors, etc. with a focus on building a pipeline of engaged volunteers through meaningful service.
• Establish and maintain strong and effective relationships with the major internal constituencies of the Danforth Campus schools and units, including deans, members of the faculty, and administrative leaders.
• Within University Advancement, establish a strong, effective working relationship with senior leadership for regional major gifts, planned giving, and medical advancement to develop and implement strategic programming outside of St. Louis.
• Develop and present informed annual budget recommendations to the Executive Vice Chancellor; exercise fiscal oversight of all assigned programs and initiatives to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and prudent use of resources; provide ongoing management, coaching, and professional development for alumni engagement staff; and deliver timely, data-driven reports on the progress, outcomes, and impact of key projects and activities.
• Work closely with the Annual Giving staff, Development staff, and Danforth Campus University Advancement program leaders to develop, implement, monitor, and fine-tune programs that enhance results and drives fundraising success.
• Working closely with the Executive Vice Chancellor and Advancement Communications, oversee the continued development of the alumni website and other electronic forms of communication.
• Oversee alumni communications via social media, electronic and mail communications, etc. to ensure consistency and quality of messaging.
• In collaboration with Career Center staff and other colleagues in University Advancement, develop a strategic plan and programs to engage alumni in career counseling, mentoring, placement, and other career-related assistance.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the fundamentals of the annual fund, major gift and principal gift fundraising, and planned giving.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
• 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child.
• Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive