Senior Associate Director, Alumni Engagement - Thunderbird

Thunderbird School of Global Management has one of the most global and dynamic networks of alumni and donors in the world.  T-birds are true global citizens, defined by their global mindset, entrepreneurial nature, ability to navigate different cultures and environments and bring unique perspectives to complex situations. Founded on the principle that borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers, Thunderbird is as vital for the world today as it ever has been. Alumni and donors are critical to Thunderbird’s student experience, strategy, philanthropic ambitions and future growth, and this is a unique opportunity to shape a modern and global engagement strategy as dynamic and innovative as the constituents it serves.

The Sr. Associate Director, Alumni Engagement (SADE) at Thunderbird School of Global Management builds and delivers a comprehensive program of interaction and involvement with Thunderbird’s 45,000 graduates and 100+ global chapters. As a liaison with alumni around the world, the SDAE must possess excellent communications skills and be able to represent Thunderbird and the Arizona State University Foundation with these key stakeholders.  The SDAE should be a creative and innovative thinker who enjoys the challenge of building and rebuilding relationships and working strategically through those alumni relationships to build multidimensional partnerships for Thunderbird and ASUF.

There have been strong foundations laid for the alumni engagement program, with the development of over 85 chapters globally, and an active network of volunteers working to support the school across a multitude of engagements.  This position will play a lead role in nurturing this global network, but will also play a critical role in the development of new opportunities, such as affinity networks and digital engagement. A person who is excited by the possibilities of technology and AI, as an underpinning for engagement would be advantageous.

The SADE will report to the Senior Director, Alumni Engagement, who is leading a newly restructured team which incorporates alumni engagement with oversight of our philanthropic campaigns, including estate and planned giving, annual fund and donor and volunteer stewardship, ensuring that engagement and giving are intrinsically linked and seamlessly integrated.  This is an opportunity to shape the future of a truly integrated advancement team, working closely with leadership to create compelling ways to further engage stakeholders across Thunderbird, including non-degreed programs and the extended global network of learners engaged through Thunderbird’s non-degreed platforms, including 100 Million Learners and executive education.

Thunderbird has big ambitions for its alumni engagement. The successful candidate will not only be a creative engagement professional, but will be creative, entrepreneurial and not be afraid to take risks or try new initiatives. A skilled relationship builder, the SADE will be someone who thrives in a fast-paced, globally networked environment and is inspired by Thunderbird’s role as a force for good in developing the entrepreneurs, industries and ecosystems of the future. 

This role would suit someone who enjoys experiencing different cultures and the challenge of working across a truly global network. Joining Thunderbird means being part of an inspiring international community at the forefront of global management, digital transformation and purpose-driven leadership.  This position offers the chance to put alumni at the heart of Thunderbird’s mission and drive measurable global impact.

What you'll do:

• Work Across Thunderbird’s global network, identifying opportunities to grow existing, and develop new creative, and engaging ways to involve alumni in the life of the school

• Continuously assess and strengthen the Thunderbird Alumni Chapter network, re-launching inactive chapters, expanding the activities of the chapters with a goal to significantly increase engagement levels and align chapter activities with the strategic priorities of the School

• Be a key partner with colleagues across Thunderbird where there are opportunities to strengthen the involvement of alumni, including but not limited to; recruitment out admissions, global challenge labs, executive education, careers and employability, guest speakers and company visits

• Identify and engage Thunderbird Alumni through a strategic and thoughtful process to strengthen alumni engagement with the School, Alumni Chapters and key departments across the institution

• Work across the team to ensure a true advancement approach, where engagement reinforces giving, and giving reinforces engagement.  Learn from best practice outside the immediate engagement sphere in order to create the best possible opportunities for alumni to grow their involvement

• Support the development of Thunderbird’s digital platform, and the engagement of alumni with this. Consider a creative digital engagement strategy as well as high touch, face-to-face, to reach as many alumni as possible

• Use data and metrics to ensure that resource and efforts are targeted and measured in the right way

• Work across the School to partner on key signature events where there is potential to involve and engage alumni

• Directly lead the team in the coordination of alumni reunions and other signature events, including class decade reunion engagement and philanthropy, affinity group engagement and collaboration with the ASUAA Sun Devil 100 program among others

• Participate as a lead member of the global alumni relations working group, working with colleagues from the outreach of and global advancement

• Assist in the coordination of the Thunderbird Global Ambassador Network (TGAN), including maintaining membership rosters, coordinating and participating in regular Task Force meetings and working with individual members and teams on projects

• Management of at least one staff member

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all alumni activity in accordance with ASUF policies

• Serve as a key member of the Thunderbird advancement team and a resource to colleagues within ASUF and ASU. Deputize for senior colleagues where necessary

What you'll need:

• Professional experience in a higher education setting, including experience in alumni engagement, advancement and volunteer management

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices pertaining to alumni engagement within a higher education setting

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Thunderbird’s relationships, donor base, and finances and the Foundation and University’s business and confidential information

• Collaborative style, combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment

• Strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, and by phone

• Evidence of having highly-developed emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish trust and effective communications with a wide array of stakeholders

• Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible

• An advocate’s belief in the vision of Thunderbird and ASU as the New American University

• Ability to work hours necessary to complete tasks, including nights and weekends

• Flexible, collaborative style, combined with the ability and desire to work in a results-oriented, dynamic environment with complex and evolving relationships and priorities

• Highly organized and attentive to detail with ability to meet deadlines and complete projects

• Able to travel as required to meet with alumni, participate in events, and maintain relationships

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable working in Salesforce or similar CRM System.  Experience working with on-line community platforms and on-line engagement activities a plus

Relevant qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

• Four (4) years of successful professional work in a higher education or alumni engagement setting

• Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in managing events and other complex activities in support of engagement objectives

Preferred education and experience:

• Advanced degree

• Experience working in Salesforce and Workday

• Experience living and/or working outside the U.S.

• Experience in intercultural communications

• Fluency in a second language a strong preference

The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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