Architect of Alumni & Community Experiences

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 3,069,000 - 3,627,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Advancement seeks an Associate Vice President, Alumni and Community Experiences to lead strategies for alumni and community engagement. Reporting to the VP, this role shapes experiences, champions talent development, and drives programs aligned with the Chicago Minds campaign launching in 2026.

The AVP will work with senior leaders and volunteers to deepen constituent connections, expand engagement, and ensure impactful, human-centered experiences across the

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, or similar field.
• A track record of success working with faculty, senior administrators, trustees, and other key internal and external stakeholders.
• Minimum five years of successfully managing, coaching, and motivating staff.
• Minimum three years of experience developing, and monitoring budgets.
• Superior analytical and prioritization skills; thrive in a demanding environment.
• Strong leadership qualities, including delegation and execution.

Responsibilities

• Experience Architecture - design a cohesive experience pathway for alumni, donors, and friends across engagement touchpoints.
• Strategic Leadership and Vision - craft and implement a unified vision for alumni and community engagement aligning with campaign goals.
• Change Leadership - lead organizational change with a clear growth direction and staff empowerment.
• Integrated Portfolio Oversight - provide direction for alumni relations, stewardship, annual giving, communications, and events.
• Campaign Strategy Execution - drive campaign execution with volunteer leaders and engagement programs.
• Donor Relations Strategy - develop a comprehensive donor relations operating strategy.
• Annual Giving - design centralized direct marketing and annual giving programs to expand the pipeline.
• Team Development - invest in identifying and growing talent across the organization.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development and broad networking.

Skills

Experience Architecture

Strategic Leadership

Change Leadership

Integrated Portfolio Oversight

Campaign Strategy Execution

Donor Relations Strategy

Annual Giving

Team Development

Executive Leadership Presence

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Phoenix Donor Relationship Management System

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

Job description

The University of Chicago Advancement seeks an Associate Vice President, Alumni and Community Experiences to lead strategies for alumni and community engagement. Reporting to the VP, this role shapes experiences, champions talent development, and drives programs aligned with the Chicago Minds campaign launching in 2026.

The AVP will work with senior leaders and volunteers to deepen constituent connections, expand engagement, and ensure impactful, human-centered experiences across the