Associate Vice President, Engagement and Volunteerism

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title

Associate Vice President, Engagement and Volunteerism

Position Type

Administrator

Job Number

SA2702122

Full or Part Time

Full Time

Employee Status

Regular

Posting Date

05/13/2022

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of University Advancement, the Associate Vice President of Engagement and Volunteerism (“ AVP ”) serves as an important member of the University Advancement (“UA”) senior leadership team. The AVP strategically develops and implements a comprehensive engagement and volunteerism program designed to increase alumni, parent, donor, and community members’ (collectively “Constituents”) long-term involvement in the life of the University.

This position builds collaborative relationships across campus with deans, vice presidents, directors, and other campus leaders; identifies meaningful opportunities for volunteerism, service, and personal and professional development across campus as well as social, recreational, and networking opportunities for Constituents; and ensures these engagement opportunities lead to enhanced Constituent loyalty, contribute to student success, and help establish and grow a culture of philanthropy among Constituents.

Responsibilities

Leadership; Strategic Vision, Planning, and Implementation; Campus Partnerships

• Provide vision, leadership, and oversight for all centralized engagement and volunteerism programming and initiatives, including Alumni Engagement, Parent Engagement, and Volunteerism, to expand and deepen Constituent involvement across campus.
  1. Evaluate current engagement and volunteerism initiatives and identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
  2. Develop and implement a strategic plan for increasing meaningful engagement and volunteerism among Constituents, leading to an increased sense of loyalty and connectivity to the University and campus community.
  3. Set goals and benchmarks; establish metrics to measure progress toward short-, medium-, and long-term objectives. Work with staff to develop and implement strategies and tactics to reach goals.
  4. Collect and evaluate relevant data. Assess progress at regular intervals and adjust strategies and tactics, as necessary.
     
     
• Collaborate closely with deans, directors, faculty, and other campus partners to build bridges between centralized engagement and volunteerism efforts and similar efforts taking place within Chapman’s colleges, schools, offices, and programs. Support campus partners in creating unique opportunities for meaningful engagement and volunteerism throughout campus.
• Lead efforts to connect Constituents with new engagement and volunteerism opportunities in areas of interest to them throughout the University. Work to ensure a strong fit between Constituents’ interests and avenues for engagement.
• Lead efforts to build relationships with student and alumni leaders, affinity groups, and existing groups of engaged Constituents to strengthen and expand Constituent participation in the life of the University and support a culture of philanthropy among Constituents.
• Represent the University when meeting with internal and external stakeholders and Constituents. Present to boards, committees, and senior University leadership on engagement and volunteerism efforts and outcomes.
• Ensure Constituents have opportunities to provide input and feedback regarding engagement and volunteerism efforts and that Constituents’ interests are incorporated when planning programs and initiatives.
• Ensure initiatives are inclusive and effective in engaging and supporting an increasingly diverse campus community.
• Ensure volunteers receive recognition and appreciation for their service.
• Leverage technology to expand opportunities for engagement and volunteerism. · Collaborate with development officers and other UA leaders and colleagues to cultivate and steward Constituents who are (or wish to become) engaged in philanthropy to benefit Chapman’s students and programs.
• Collaborate with UA senior leadership to support Chapman’s Comprehensive Campaign and the goals set forth in the University’s current Strategic Plan.

Constituent Support; Events; Boards and Councils

• Ensure ongoing, high-touch support is provided to Constituents through centralized hotlines, help desks, email communication, and other methods of communication.
• Oversee marketing and communication to Constituents to foster greater engagement through a variety of media.
• Oversee the planning and execution of events and activities designed to enhance relationships with Constituents including alumni and parent programming during Homecoming, Chapman50 events, Parent Welcome Receptions, Parent Spring Summit, Orientation, and Chappy Hours, among others.
• Lead efforts to support and advise college and school staff in planning events and activities to engage their alumni and other Constituents.
• Oversee efforts to support and carry out the Alumni Compact.
• Work closely with the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Executive Parent Ambassador Council, supporting their work and ensuring that their policies and programs are planned and implemented in accordance with University policies.

Management; Administration

• Provide supervision and development to staff including recruitment/hiring, training, coaching, and performance assessment/feedback. Set clear direction and establish individual goals; mentor and support staff in meeting those goals.
• Support team in becoming proficient in and using the tools available through UA’s CRM database, Affinaquest, and other applicable systems. Use Affinaquest data and reports to track progress and inform engagement efforts.
• Support the Director of Alumni Engagement in meeting annual fundraising goals and increasing alumni participation rate.
• Oversee annual department budget.
• Ensure staff are knowledgeable of and in compliance with all regulations and laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Keep abreast of best practices for engagement and volunteerism; develop relationships with colleagues at other institutions and professional organizations to learn of new, innovative approaches.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s or Doctorate degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven years’ direct experience in engagement, alumni relations, parent relations, advancement, student affairs, or related experience, preferably in a leadership role.
• A minimum of five years’ leadership and management experience in higher education, including hiring, goal setting, and providing mentorship and constructive feedback. Experience motivating and inspiring teams to meet shared goals and guiding teams through periods of change and transition.
• Extensive experience engaging various constituencies in university activities, events, and volunteer initiatives. Ability to think creatively, conceptualize, design, and implement engagement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success building strong relationships with a wide range of constituents from diverse backgrounds, including alumni, parents, students, and donors. Experience developing strategic partnerships across an organization to optimize program effectiveness and reach strategic goals.
• Experience with board development and management and volunteer engagement and management.
• Knowledge of and experience with strategic planning and implementation.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with diverse groups of individuals. A strong commitment and sensitivity to fostering inclusive working environments and educational communities.
• Ability to represent the University in a positive light, communicate persuasively and passionately to, and collaborate effectively with various internal and external constituencies.
• Experience developing and implementing marketing and communication plans, targeting various constituent groups.
• Experience overseeing events of all sizes, including complex, large-scale events.
• Experience collecting and analyzing data to evaluate progress toward goals and inform future planning.
• Technical skills to learn and use Chapman’s CRM database and other systems. Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Experience overseeing budgets and managing expenses to meet program objectives.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality at all times.
• Proven ability to achieve success in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment with complex and evolving relationships and priorities.
• Ability to understand and consistently ensure compliance with University policies and procedures, state and federal rules and regulations (including FERPA ), as well as high ethical standards.
• Ability to travel locally to meet with Constituents in Southern California and to travel regionally or nationally on occasion, as required.

Desired Qualifications

• Substantial understanding of Southern California’s philanthropic and business communities.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Minimum Number of References

Maximum Number of References

Pre-screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents