Chief Architect, Alumni & Community Experiences

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 275,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Hybrid work schedule in Chicago

Job summary

The University of Chicago Advancement invites applications for Associate Vice President, Alumni and Community Experiences. This role reports to Vice President Armin Afsahi and directs teams shaping alumni, donor, and friend experiences across engagement, giving, communications, and events.

Leading a 220,000-strong global community, the AVP will help steward relationships, grow the annual giving program, and ensure strategic alignment with the ambitious Chicago Minds campaign launching in 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum ten years in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, or similar field.
• Minimum five years leading and coaching staff.
• Minimum three years budgeting experience.
• Strong leadership, delegation, and execution capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Experience Architecture: design cohesive constituent experiences to deepen belonging and engagement.
• Strategic Leadership: align alumni engagement with campaign goals and university priorities.
• Change Leadership: guide organizational growth with equitable, data-driven approaches.
• Integrated Portfolio Oversight: oversee alumni relations, stewardship, annual giving, communications, and events.
• Campaign Strategy Execution: activate volunteer leadership and drive donor engagement.
• Donor Relations Strategy: strengthen stewardship and impact communication.
• Annual Giving: modernize direct marketing and increase donor acquisition/ retention.
• Team Development: mentor staff and build a high-performing team.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Alumni relations

Team development

Fundraising knowledge

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Phoenix CRM

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Access

Job description

The University of Chicago Advancement invites applications for Associate Vice President, Alumni and Community Experiences. This role reports to Vice President Armin Afsahi and directs teams shaping alumni, donor, and friend experiences across engagement, giving, communications, and events.

Leading a 220,000-strong global community, the AVP will help steward relationships, grow the annual giving program, and ensure strategic alignment with the ambitious Chicago Minds campaign launching in 2026.