About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Director, Leadership Relations oversees global volunteer engagement, seeding long term philanthropic growth at the major and principal giving levels. Drive efforts to identify and cultivate new volunteer leaders (“Ambassadors”) and deepen relationships with existing ones through sophisticated, multidimensional strategies that offer the opportunity to create meaningful impact in the world, further shape personal and professional networks, and partake in lifelong learning.

Through collaboration with colleagues throughout the Advancement Division and across the university system, oversee a program that drives high-level engagement activity on a global scale. Oversee the creation and execution of volunteer cultivation portfolios and cohort plans that leverage exclusive signature affinity programs, networks and events; bringing together graduates, faculty, prospective students, and parents from around the world to engage meaningfully with society, the university and each other. Volunteer strategy includes the annual engagement plans for the Campaign Champions, the international communities, and signature global programs initiatives.  Lead the design and launch of new networks, programs, and events to create even more opportunities for engagement.

Lead a high-performing team of engagement officers responsible for operationalizing global volunteer strategies by aiding in the identification and segmentation of volunteer prospects; establishing and communicating volunteer leadership recruitment timelines and volunteer initiatives and regional volunteer programming. Envision and oversee integral events and activities, plan and execute complex signature initiatives, in collaborate with the AVP, including, but not limited to, the Global Leadership Summit, the Intergenerational Leader Exchange, and Global Family programs.

Serves as an entrepreneurial engagement strategist who brings a thorough understanding of fundraising practices and a deep appreciation for higher education, drawing novel connections between people, concepts, and opportunities while working inside a fast-paced environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and skills required for this position are normally obtained through a Bachelor's degree and eight years of progressive fundraising experience in alumni relations, stewardship, development, or a related function in higher education, including a minimum of three years of supervisory responsibilities.
•    Demonstrated ability to think broadly and creatively about strategies to identify, engage and cultivate major and principal gift donors and prospects.
•    Proven capacity for partnering with internal university stakeholders, including development colleagues, and external constituents, including alumni, parents, friends, and organizations, with a nuanced appreciation for how to solve challenges with each other’s resources.
•    Experience working with high-net worth donors and prospects, preferably on an international scale.
•    Global and cultural competency; brings an understanding and appreciation for other parts of the world, different religions, cultures, and points of view.
•    Demonstrated effectiveness as a leader and strategic thinker who thrives when working as a member of a dynamic team.
•    Ability to troubleshoot and make sound decisions in response to rapidly changing situations.
•    Skilled as an outstanding coach, mentor, and motivator of professionals, with a dedication to hiring, retaining, and developing outstanding talent.
•    An ability to interpret, adapt and further develop the "language" of Northeastern University in describing its collective work, aspirations and impact.
•    The ability and willingness to travel when required and as university policy allows. Travel is estimated at 25% and will include some international.
•    Position is eligible for remote work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

1) VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT & CULTIVATION,
Directly support the major and principal giving pipelines by leading sophisticated, multigenerational engagement for current and future prospects—including faculty and staff, alumni, families, and students—through meaningful experiences that deepen relationships with and engender loyalty to the university. Enhance existing program infrastructure and build tailored programs of cultivation to better facilitate the work of the Leadership Relations team.

Operate in close partnership with the AVP to move prospects through specialized cultivation strategies in a networked model that will leverage existing syndicated content as well as the creation of new content. Build partnerships with university colleagues, establishing transparent workflows, and distinct roles and responsibiliti