Director of External Engagement and Board Relations

Aurora University seeks talented staff and administrators who are passionate about supporting an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning.

Position Purpose: The Director of External Engagement and Board Relations for the Development Office supports learning by assisting the Vice President for Development in the daily operations of the department. As a key member of the Development team, this person will provide leadership and vision for key events that promote a positive image of the university. This person is responsible for coordinating activities with external audiences, the Board of Trustees, and all top tier events for the University. The director expedites special donor and fund raising events for arts programming (Celebrating Arts and Ideas, Sundays at 4, and Music by the Lake) with the offices of Development and the President's Office.

Core Competencies:

Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.

Upholds the Mission Statement:Aurora University an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning.

Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.

Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

Develops, plans and implements an annual calendar of events to include: Board of Trustee meetings and annual dinners, President 's events during special occasions, advancement/fund-raising, faculty/staff appreciation events, dedications and ground breaking events.

Responsible for the planning, development and implementation of the arts series for both the AU and GWC campuses. Manage and implement all contracts with agencies to secure talented authors and musical guests for the academic year and summer months.

Oversees contracts with artist agencies for Celebrating Arts and Ideas includ ing technical riders, hotel and travel arrangements for guest artists, and overseeing requirements for stage set up with the campus services manager.

Responsible for managing special events, including registration, facilities management, audiovisual needs, catering services, staffing, and assessment where applicable.

Works with outside vendors, as appropriate and other university departments to coordinate various aspects of events.

Collaborates with communications to develop a communications plan for marketing various arts programming events to niche markets.

Coordinates and oversees special events (donor receptions, lunches or dinners, recognition events, etc.) for both campuses. Assists in coordinating special events through the Office of the President. Manages process for Honorary Degree recipients for Commencement Ceremonies.

Interacts effectively with a diverse group of arts and ideas patrons, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members.

Prepares reports and evaluates the effectiveness of major special events and makes recommendations to university senior administration

Assists in letter writing for the annual fund campaigns for the university including solicitations for the Arts and Ideas Series, Sundays at 4 Series and MBTL as well as other potential prospects.

Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with all of our constituents and the community we serve.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelors' degree required or a minimum of three to five years equivalent experience working in an administrative role, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to set and achieve or exceed goals and the ability to consistently meet deadlines.

Skills:

• Strategic thinking and orientation with the ability to identify and to solve problems.
• The ability to deal with multiple projects and priorities simultaneously and the flexibility to deal with changing needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents; the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external audiences.
• Customer - service focused.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends for university sanctioned events.
• Excellent organizational skills with an attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills, with a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets (Excel), and the Internet.
• The ability to work independently and as a member of the University Advancement team.
• Strong enthusiasm, motivation and drive.

Physical Requirements:

• The ability to interact verbally by telephone and in person.
• The ability to move about campus and between locations.
• The ability to work evenings and weekends.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission. Please send resume with cover letter and contact information for three references including name, telephone and email address.

Apply to:

Aurora University
Human Resources
347 South Gladstone Ave
Aurora, IL 60506
630-844-5650 - fax
jobs@aurora.edu - email

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.