Director, Affinity Programs

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is seeking a Director of Affinity Programs to join the Alumni Relations & Engagement team! 

The Director of Affinity Programs will serve the Alumni Relations and Engagement division as the strategic lead and people leader working within engagement program portfolios focused on building affinity. This position will co-lead the development of data-informed strategies to build affinity, pride and community among alumni, donors and stakeholders with the university and WFAA. This individual will lead portfolio teams to design engagement initiatives in support of the affinity strategic business area plan and will work with WFAA and campus partners to deliver tactics that will engage key audiences. In addition, they will supervise professional and part-time staff and serve as a lead on cross-functional teams and initiatives. This is a hybrid position that will require you to work weekly in our Madison, WI office location.

Who is WFAA?The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is a private, nonprofit corporation that encourages individuals and organizations to make gifts to the university and to connect with the UW. In 2014, the UW Foundation merged with the Wisconsin Alumni Association® to better serve a growing population of UW alumni and donors. We believe that private support grows out of good relationships between campus leaders, faculty and program staff who need support, and the alumni and friends who want to invest in UW–Madison. We provide important engagement opportunities to link UW–Madison alumni to each other and to their alma mater, building a strong community of Badgers.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Just as the university community benefits from differing viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences, inclusion and diversity are imperative for the success of our mission. WFAA values people and the differences that they bring to the organization, and creates an environment in which all staff members and constituents feel respected and have opportunities to thrive. 

Program Leadership and Strategy 

• Supervise and lead full and part-time staff on Affinity Team, including leading cross-functional portfolio teams to set strategies aligned with business area plan outcomes; budgeting; and overseeing the execution of tactics in the plans.
• Coach and support portfolio leads team members in the management of priorities and workflow, ensuring effective planning and execution of activities.
• Identify resource gaps and problem-solve solutions for maximum return.

Program Development and Delivery 

• Provide leadership for the design and delivery of engagement strategies that serve to establish and grow affinity with constituents through engagements with UW/WFAA.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and at times serve as project lead
• Intentionally solicit feedback and participation from alumni and donors in the development of engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with the Associate Vice President for Engagement Programs, and other program directors to ensure consistency across teams in approach to planning, execution, and intended outcomes.

Team Leadership 

• Supervise and develop professional and part-time staff across affinity portfolio program staff to ensure consistency in approach and execution, across portfolio teams and staff members. Hold team members accountable to expectations, fluencies, and best practices.
• Motivate, inspire, and coach teams that foster a shared vision and demonstrate organizational values.
• Provide ongoing feedback and recognition as well as regular performance appraisals.
• Guide and train team on best practices and tools to track engagement and affinity outcomes.
• Participate and help guide team efforts in annual divisional business area planning for affinity portfolios.

Administration

• Demonstrate fluency, proficiency and effectively use organizational processes and technology tools, including WFAA’s CRM, 4WARD.
• Lead the development of program portfolio budgets in alignment with organizational priorities and oversee effective stewardship of organizational resources in collaboration with the Finance department.
• Respond promptly and positively to internal and external information inquiries.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 + years of experience in alumni or donor relations, educational institutions, non-profit or fundraising environment or related area.
• Experience supervising and managing professional staff and collaborating with volunteers.
• High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) is essential.

 Other Qualifications: 

• Knowledge or experience with project management tools and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute a strategic engagement plan with a team.
• Experience planning and executing large and small-scale events and engagement activities.
• Familiarity with marketing and communications practices, including use of social media.
• Excellent analytical, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience managing a team and advising students and/or volunteers.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. Click here to learn more about our employee benefits! 

*The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (advanceuw.org) is the “doing business as” name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (supportuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.