Associate Vice President, Engagement

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.

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. 

  Performance Management: Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes. Regularly assess individual and team performance, provide constructive feedback, and identify opportunities for professional development. 

  Support a Culture of Collaboration: Promote teamwork and open communication within engagement teams and across Advancement. Reinforce a shared vision for engagement and philanthropic success and model core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellent Communication. 

• Integration, Collaboration, and Institutional Alignment

  Drive Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensure engagement strategies are aligned with philanthropy, principal gifts, and academic priorities through strong partnerships across Advancement and the University.

  Lead Collaborative Planning and Execution: Work across communications, advancement services, and academic units to deliver coordinated, consistent outreach and engagement efforts.

  Strengthen the Constituent Experience: Build and sustain partnerships that ensure a seamless and high-quality experience across all advancement touchpoints.

  Oversee Volunteer and Leadership Structures: Provide leadership for alumni volunteer programs, boards, and councils to ensure they are strategically aligned and effectively contributing to engagement and advancement goals.

  Serve as Strategic Advisor: Act as a key advisor to the Vice President, providing insight on engagement strategy, organizational priorities, and opportunities for growth.

• External Relations and Representation 

  Represent the University Externally: Serve as a visible leader with alumni, donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and community stakeholders, strengthening relationships and advancing institutional priorities.

  Advance Strategic Engagement Opportunities: Participate in key events, meetings, and initiatives that enhance visibility and deepen relationships.

  Support Volunteer Leadership and Partnerships: Strengthen and support volunteer leadership structures and advisory groups that contribute to engagement and advocacy.

  Ensure Operational Excellence: Oversee the effective use of advancement systems, data tools, and CRM platforms to support engagement strategy and performance tracking. 

  Manage Resources and Program Performance: Monitor budgets, resource allocation, and program outcomes to ensure efficiency, accountability, and impact.

  Establish Metrics and Reporting: Define and implement clear metrics and reporting processes to evaluate success and support continuous improvement.

  Lead Performance and Planning Processes: Participate in performance management and goal-setting processes, including developing personal plans and overseeing team members’ success plans and work plans.

• Other duties as assigned. 

• Master’s Degree and eight (8) years of advancement experience in higher education including senior level management experience, resource development, strategic planning, public relations/communications. 
• Must have at least 7 (seven) years of progressively responsible experience in advancement management, engagement, or related fields. 
• Relevant experience may substitute for the required education.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.