Job Summary

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) oversees all aspects of Alumni and Constituent Engagement for the Office of Institutional Advancement. Leading with organizational values and vision, the AVP is responsible for increasing and expanding the engagement of alumni and other key groups with Drexel University through philanthropy education, meaningful volunteer opportunities, strategic events and experiences, integrated and targeted fundraising, and thoughtful stewardship. 

The Assistant Vice President fosters a sense of belonging, support, connection and pride among all Drexel alumni. They manage a team of engagement professionals who work cohesively to execute programs and activities that build a sustainable foundation of alumni and constituent annual engagement, build the pipeline to major gift fundraising, and foster lifelong relationships with Drexel alumni.  They will provide leadership and ongoing guidance to ensure all programs and engagement activities are designed to retain, expand, and strategically increase the number of alumni and donors engaging with Drexel University.

Essential Functions

• Foster a diverse, high-performing and collaborative team of professionals with shared annual engagement goals.
• Serve as the spokesperson and representative of Drexel Alumni, including active membership and participation in the Private College and University Alumni Directors (PCUAD).
• Cultivate a data-driven approach to work, developing goals and metrics to track alumni engagement across the continuum and provide innovative solutions and continuous improvement to meet and exceed these benchmarks.
• Provide strategic oversight of budget and resources, ensuring programs, activities and processes are designed to streamline and maximize results.
• Direct strategy, planning and execution of programs and activities designed to increase and sustain engagement of Drexel’s global alumni population and annual giving, including:
  • Content driven regional programs, signature events, alumni career services, shared interest/affinity groups, campus partnerships, and civic engagement opportunities.
  • Key cohort groups including students, graduates of the last decade, reunion classes, families, employees, and Leadership Annual Giving prospects.
  • Annual giving solicitation strategy and integration into core programs and activities.
  • Work closely with the Office of Protocol & Special Events on strategies for key university celebrations.
  • Alignment with Institutional Advancement and University-wide goals.
• Inspire demonstrated Drexel pride and connection among the University’s 160,000+ alumni.
• Provide partnership and guidance to unit-based colleagues to align and scale alumni and donor engagement efforts across Drexel University.
• Ensure that engagement activities reflect Drexel’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.
• Work with the Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusive Culture to ensure alumni are represented and supported.
• Actively participate on related University and Institutional Advancement committees as required.
• Stay abreast of innovative and best practices and maintain a national network of colleagues at peer and aspirant peer institutions.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree and 10 years of experience in development, alumni relations, and/or constituent relationship management or Equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams, strategic events and programs, and volunteers.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to direct and manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Exemplary written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and proactively with various colleagues, alumni volunteers, and campus partners.
• Ability and willingness to travel on a frequent basis.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit fundraising.
• Advanced degree.
• Demonstrated team and organizational or higher education leadership.

Location

Hybrid: Remote/University City, Philadelphia PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt with a grade of O, salary range $108,330 - $162,490. The offered rate is dependent upon internal equity and the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience.

For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies, please visit the Compensation and Salaries website. 

Please review the Benefits Brochure for some information on our benefits offerings.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.