Senior Director Of Multicultural And Affinity Engagement, American University

Position Title: Senior Director of Multicultural and Affinity Engagement

Reports to:  Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations

Position: Full-Time, On-site, Exempt

Location:
Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Virginia

About American University

“We are a University of strivers and dreamers, of activists and artists, of scholars and servant-leaders. We realize that when we all contribute, we all succeed. We are, quite literally, one AU.” – President Sylvia Burwell

American University (AU) is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly ranked schools and colleges, internationally renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. AU students distinguish themselves with their service, leadership, and ability to rethink global and domestic challenges and opportunities.

At AU passion becomes action; students actively engage in the world around them; and the leaders of today train the leaders of tomorrow.

The university is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and seeks candidates who reflect the diversity of their student body. AU was founded to respond to the needs of a changing world, with a set of guiding values—among them diversity, equity, and inclusion. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, multilingual, mature or differently abled candidates, and people of all faiths or none at all are encouraged to apply.

The Role

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations (AVP), the Senior Director (SD) of Multicultural and Affinity Engagement is tasked with the strategic leadership of AU’s alumni affinity programs. This role involves developing and overseeing plans for identity-based, industry-based, and interest-based affinity groups, working closely with alumni volunteer leaders to set and pursue common objectives. The SD will use a data-driven approach to refine and expand affinity programs, leveraging metrics to track and assess the return on investment (ROI) of their efforts.

In addition to enhancing existing affinity relationships across the campus, the SD will foster cross-departmental collaborations, particularly with the Campus Life, Career Center, and Advancement/Development teams, to ensure that affinity programs support institutional goals and offer meaningful engagement opportunities for alumni. The SD will build and maintain partnerships that align with organizational needs and alumni interests, driving initiatives that promote comprehensive alumni involvement and support the university’s broader mission.

Responsibilities  

Strategic Program Management - (30%)

• Create and execute comprehensive strategic plans for AU’s alumni affinity programs, including identity-based, industry-based, and interest-based groups.
• Establish clear, measurable goals for each affinity group to ensure alignment with AU’s broader strategic objectives and the 2018-2024 strategic plan, "Changemakers for a Changing World."
• Design and implement new affinity programs that address organizational needs and alumni interests.
• Incorporate DEIB principles into all affinity programs, ensuring they are inclusive and reflective of the university’s diverse alumni population.
• Establish and monitor metrics to track affinity programs' progress and impact, and assess ROI to drive continuous improvement.
• Utilize data analytics to guide program development, refine existing programs, and identify opportunities for growth.
• Work closely with affinity group leads and alumni volunteers to set and pursue common objectives through collaborative goal-setting sessions aligned with institutional priorities.
• Conduct regular evaluations of affinity programs to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, using feedback to make data-informed adjustments.
• Ensure transparency and accountability through regular reports on program performance and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders. 
• Efficiently manage resources, including budgets and staff, to support the strategic growth and sustainability of affinity programs.
• Develop and oversee volunteer recruitment and training initiatives to build a robust network of engaged alumni volunteers.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement - (20%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including alumni, university departments, and external partners, to enhance the impact of affinity programs.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all community and stakeholder engagement efforts, ensuring representation and participation from underrepresented alumni groups.
• Foster cross-departmental partnerships with Campus Life, the Career Center, and Advancement / Development teams to enhance alumni program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with development officers and the Leadership Annual Giving team to identify and cultivate major donors within alumni affinity groups.
• Work with university leadership to identify and engage alumni as potential key stakeholders, fostering relationships that support AU’s governance and strategic goals.
• Implement volunteer stewardship programs to recognize and retain dedicated alumni volunteers, fostering long-term engagement.
• Provide opportunities for meaningful interaction, professional networking, and community building by planning and coordinating events that engage alumni and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement community outreach programs that involve alumni in local service projects.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external organizations and businesses that align with the interests of affinity groups.
• Partner with the Director of Alumni Communications and University Communications and Marketing on strategic plans for affinity-related marketing materials.
• Gather and share alumni and affinity group success stories to showcase the impact and encourage broader participation.
• Establish feedback mechanisms, including regular surveys, to gather and utilize alumni input to enhance affinity group activities and inform future engagement strategies.

Team Leadership and Growth - (20%):

• Lead a team of four employees supporting affinity, industry, and identity-based initiatives. 
• Confidently represent the AVP in decision-making scenarios, ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic goals and values.
• Lead strategic planning sessions, guiding the team to think critically about long-term goals and foster a proactive approach.
• Facilitate regular meetings and open communication to ensure alignment and shared understanding of goals and responsibilities.
• Foster an environment that empowers team members to take initiative, learn new skills, and take action, while providing the necessary mentorship to develop confidence and navigate challenges.
• Identify and promote professional development opportunities for team members to support their growth and career advancement.
• Actively support team members in their understanding and implementation of DEIB principles.
• Ensure performance management by setting goals, conducting reviews, and providing feedback.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Advocacy (15%):

• Represent the division on the President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion (PCDI), guiding and tracking progress towards the University’s Plan for Inclusive Excellence.
• Liaise between the University Advancement (UA) division’s Inclusive Excellence (IE) Committee and the PCDI to ensure alignment of goals and initiatives, facilitating effective communication and collaboration between the groups.
• Develop and implement strategies that promote DEIB within alumni affinity programs, ensuring that all initiatives are inclusive and reflective of the university’s diverse alumni population.
• Establish and monitor metrics to track the progress of DEIB initiatives, regularly reporting on outcomes and using data to inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Design and oversee programs and events that specifically address the needs and interests of underrepresented and marginalized alumni groups.
• Engage with diverse alumni and stakeholders to gather input and feedback on DEIB initiatives, ensuring that their perspectives are considered in program planning and decision-making.
• Provide training and resources to team members and volunteers on best practices for advocating for and implementing DEIB principles in their work, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.
• Build and maintain partnerships with internal and external organizations that support DEIB efforts.

Event and Reunion Management (15%):

• Own the planning, logistics, and strategic direction for the annual Multicultural Alumni Reunion (MCAR), ensuring it aligns with the university’s broader goals and provides a meaningful experience for attendees.
• Coordinate all aspects of MCAR, including venue selection, catering, transportation, accommodations, and other logistical details to ensure a seamless event.
• Recruit, manage, and support the MCAR planning committee, providing guidance and resources to support effective event execution.
• Develop and implement robust marketing strategies to promote MCAR and other affinity group events.
• Engage and manage volunteers for MCAR and other events.
• Provide strategic and logistical support for individual affinity groups special events.
• Establish and track metrics to evaluate the success of MCAR and other events, gathering feedback from attendees and stakeholders to inform future planning and improvements.

Work Environment

• This role necessitates the flexibility to work evenings and weekends, along with the ability to travel both regionally and internationally as needed. Additionally, occasional work during evenings and weekends is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least five (5) to seven (7) years of proven success in alumni or donor relations within educational institutions or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience leading DEIB initiatives within an educational or similar setting.
• Preferred skills in intercultural communication or a demonstrated level of intercultural competence.
• Capability to independently develop long-term goals and oversee a variety of complex programs and services.
• Innovative thinking skills to advance new programs address evolving needs.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing a diverse team.
• Ability to inspire and motivate volunteers and staff towards common goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with diverse groups.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in planning, organizing, and managing large-scale events.
• Commitment to personal and professional growth, staying updated on DEIB trends and research.
• Exposure to working with fundraising teams

• Proficiency with relevant software and technology, including event management tools, CRM systems, and social media platforms.

Benefits

American University offers a comprehensive benefits package and competitive compensation. 

American University has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Pascale Hughes at pascale@charitysearchgroup.com ​or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,  religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance,  gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.