Primary Purpose
The AVP Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving provides strategic leadership and management of a university-wide alumni engagement and annual giving program to support the university’s mission and institutional priorities. The AVP will establish and foster lifelong connections and loyalty among alumni in order to develop a culture of engagement and philanthropy with the University of the Pacific.
Essential Functions
Leads and implements effective alumni programming that fosters a culture of engagement and pride among alumni, students, the campus community, and other key stakeholders. Oversees the annual giving team that is responsible for securing philanthropic support for schools/units and strategic initiatives. Ensures annual giving goals are met and plans are in place to increase fundraising results each year. Collaborates with the University leadership, deans and faculty to develop alumni programming and annual giving plans to support academic and university priorities. Ensures that deans, faculty, staff and students are developing meaningful connections with alumni. Bills and oversees a nationwide alumni club structure in geographic markets with large concentrations of alumni to maintain connections with the university and among alumni. Provides leadership for the Pacific Alumni Association board of directors and its programs. Ensures the work of the board is in alignment with the university’s goals and priorities. Engages alumni leaders in meaningful volunteer roles on and off campus. Ensures continuity, diversity and capability in the volunteer pipeline. Partners closely with the strategic communications and development communications teams to create and execute a plan to effectively communicate with alumni and donors through a variety of channels. Leads university-wide alumni events, including Homecoming and Family Weekend and reunions. Supervises and motivates staff as well as ensures each member has well-defined and measurable goals. Reports directly to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations and is a member of the division’s leadership team. Performs other related duties as requested or assigned. University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Seven (7) years of progressive experience in alumni relations and development in higher education or not for profit organization.
Preferred Qualifications
Service experience on University Committees and Professional Organizations. Thorough knowledge of principles of practice and methods for the operation of a successful alumni and annual giving program. Demonstrated team-building and management skills. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to foster productive relationships with volunteers and develop volunteer leadership. Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines. Ability to thrive in a team environment to achieve institutional goals. High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information. Experience applying CASE standards for Alumni Relations in daily work. Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion. Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting. Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.
