Associate Vice President, Engagement

Serves as part of the leadership team, working closely with other executive leaders including the President. Manages large parts of the institution while providing leadership and vision to the respective divisions. The AVP provides strategic leadership for key engagement functions, including Alumni Relations, Donor Success, Advancement Communications, and Corporate and Foundation Relations, ensuring these areas are aligned and working together to support the University’s advancement priorities. The AVP is responsible for creating a coordinated, relationship-centered approach that deepens connection, enhances the constituent experience, and supports successful fundraising efforts. ### Responsibilities **Essential Duties and Responsibilities** - **Engagement Strategy and Program Leadership** Provide Strategic Leadership for Engagement: Serve as the senior leader responsible for defining and advancing a comprehensive engagement strategy that strengthens the University’s philanthropic efforts. Provide leadership across Alumni Relations, Donor Success, Advancement Communications, and Corporate and Foundation Relations, ensuring these functions operate in alignment and support institutional priorities. Lead Constituent Engagement Strategy: Design and implement strategies that deepen connection, build affinity, and create meaningful opportunities for alumni and other constituents to engage with the University. Ensure efforts are intentional, relationship focused, and aligned with long-term advancement goals. Serve as the National Alumni Board liaison. Lead Donor Success and Stewardship Strategy: Oversee donor success initiatives to ensure thoughtful, consistent stewardship that reinforces impact, strengthens relationships, and encourages continued engagement and support. Advance Corporate and Foundation Partnerships: Provide strategic direction for corporate and foundation relations, aligning partnerships with institutional priorities and ensuring coordinated engagement that supports funding opportunities and long-term collaboration. Integrate Engagement with Fundraising Strategy: Partner closely with philanthropy leadership and fundraisers to ensure engagement, communications, and stewardship efforts are aligned with fundraising priorities and effectively support donor identification, cultivation, and retention. Translate Strategy into Execution: Ensure programs, events, communications, and stewardship activities are coordinated, outcomes-driven, and designed to strengthen relationships and advance engagement goals. Oversee Signature Engagement and Communication Efforts: Guide the development of high-impact programs, events, and communications that elevate the University’s visibility, strengthen relationships, and reinforce a cohesive constituent experience. Utilize Data and Analytics for Continuous Improvement: Leverage data, reporting, and segmentation to evaluate effectiveness, understand constituent behavior, and inform strategic decisions. - **Team Leadership and Organizational Management** Lead and Manage Engagement Teams: Directly supervise and mentor a high-performing team across Alumni Relations, Donor Success, Advancement Communications, and Corporate and Foundation Relations. Provide guidance and feedback to support professional growth and team effectiveness. In partnership with the Vice President, establish clear goals and performance expectations aligned with Advancement priorities. Develop Engagement Strategy: Collaborate with team members to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that align with institutional goals, unit priorities, and constituent interests. Set and monitor objectives that strengthen participation, relationship development, and engagement outcomes. Provide Leadership and Motivation: Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and excellence. Provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities to enhance team performance and morale. Performa…